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January 2014 Surgery Sisters

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Comments

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited March 2015


    rotflmao

    I found out, thanks to you, Mary.....that the dog position....where you end up looking like an upside down "V" is really great for my back pain. Also not sitting on the couch hunched over reading stuff on my lap top is working also. Getting up and moving is the best therapy. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am not as out going as you. It takes me awhile to get going. All of your up and coming experiences sound fab. Keep us informed...you are an inspiration.

    love

    E

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    I'm not that outgoing, Eve, believe me!! It just sounds that way. But I'm so happy that I've inspired you!

    Namaste!

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    I know this is a safe place to vent- so here goes. I'm having fat grafting march 23. My family thinks I'm crazy and should just be happy with what I have... I'm cancer free after all! I feel fat grafting can possibly help with some spots that are like concave and a divot. Anyway, I was told by my ps that I need to purchase a compression garment for after surgery. She didn't specify what kind just that it needs to cover my abdomen that's where the fat will be taken from. So I called my sister, who's a nurse to see if she'd be willing to go with me to look sometime this week. My mother answered so i asked her to ask my sister what days she has off this week and if shed go with me. I xould hear her screaming in the background why is she doing that anyway? What is the compression garment for? I have plans this week etc etc etc. I just said ok never mind and hung up and cried. I feel like nobody gets me. I feel like a pain in the ass to everybody. I just want to curl up and forget about it! Maybe I should just be happy the way I am and stop bothering people. Maybe I should just accept the new me... My new normal- maybe I should just stop telling people how I feel and what I'm doing! Maybe....
  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited March 2015

    Beverly - Wow!  Since when does anyone else get to tell us we should just live with what we have?!  I get that your family is tired of your surgeries, but this is your call, and your body.  I had fat grafting, and it made a HUGE difference.  I'm also having a revision on 4/8, since one implant is moving under my arm, which causes pain at night and the other is too low, making wearing a bra even more painful than it was before.  We think I pushed them down from the use of the crutches.  Anyway, I had doubts too, but decided against asking my Mom, who although I love her, is 75, and doesn't really get the importance of it.  I had a girlfriend come over and do a "boob review".   Of course you can live with what you have, but why should you if it matters to you?  It's part of the reconstruction process. 

    Every doctor is different.  My PS didn't put me in a compression garment, but Mary's did I think.  Hell with your sister and mom...just call around to medical supply stores and tell them you are having abdominal liposuction for fat grafting and need a compression garment.  I would go try it on, but you can handle that without any know-it-all relatives raining on your day.

    I'm so irritated for you, but deep breaths.  Don't forget to take your before and after photos, so you can tell them you told them so when you look fabulous!!

    Big hug from me!

    Diane. 

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    Beverly,

    I'm so glad to hear you finally have your surgery scheduled for fat grafting. I wish you all the best. You deserve this. You really do. After all we've been through, it's the least the docs can do to help restore us. For me, fat grafting was very helpful. It only took one procedure and my fat is still holding :). So far, so good! I was very happy with the results. It filled in those crazy dips and valleys.

    Your family just doesn't get it. Neither did my sister-in-law. When I told her I was getting fat grafting she made a face and said, "Why would you augment that?" like I was crazy. So I took off my shirt in front of her and bent over so she could she get a good look at the defects. "Oh," was all she said. She hasn't been back to my house since, lol!

    Getting the right compression gear for me was the hardest part. My PS's office wasn't very clear up front about what to get, but in the follow up they said the Spanx I was wearing wasn't long enough and I needed shapewear that went from my rib cage to the tops of my knees! I went shopping in all the major retail stores, but couldn't find anything like that anywhere. The ones I did end up with were soooo uncomfortable. But your experience may be different, so don't let me scare you. I found a few websites that carried garments for liposuction - after it was too late. I think that surgeons should supply these garments in their offices. After all, they do in private practice for women doing cosmetic surgery - why not for us? Anyways, just be sure to follow your PS's instructions because everyone is so different and it all depends on where they take the fat from.

    Here are some websites you might want to check out:

    http://www.belladeena.com/liposuction-of-the-abdom...

    http://www.herroom.com/body-shaper,shapewear,2134,004,10.html

    Hugs,

    ~Mary


  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    Diane, what a bummer having to go thru revision. I guess the good news is that it's covered and they can fix stuff like that no problem. I wish you all the best in your upcoming surgery. I'm sure you'll be fine.

    I've been working on my taxes (finally) and counted the number of trips I've made to doctors, PT, mastectomy shops, therapists, etc. and the magic number is....

    48 !

    EEK!

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Diane,
    Thanks for putting a smile back on my face!! I knew you guys would understand!! I called my insurance company today to see if it would be covered. I have to get a code from my ps and then decide what type to get. I need something I can wear under clothes since I'll be going back to work a week after the surgery. Thanks again, and hugs right back at ya!
  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Mary,
    Thanks! You're right I do deserve to be happy and confident with my body. I am still trying to find the compression garment. I cant imagine pulling tight tight shorts up after having abdominal surgery!! My pa suggested spanx. I'm not sure what that is. She said like biking shirts just real right and Id have to put them up really high. Well, sorry for the graphic but I can't imagine that being comfortable in the crotch area!!!! Pulling shirts up to reach the bottom of my chest?!?! Omg!! I have to find something that I can work in. How long do u typically wear it?! I saw 8 weeks?!?! And there's stage 1 and 2?!?! I wish I had more direction from my ps. Even if she had a catalog I could browse through and order with her....

    My understanding is you can't have ANY compression on your chest for the fat to take, is that correct? So no bra at all? Oh I really wish I had a ps that I could sit with and get better direction from.....
  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    Oh gosh, yes, I would call your surgeon's nurse and grill her about what's required. It's their job, so don't let them slack! I think fat grafting is new to a lot of PS's and not very standardized yet.

    I had to wear a surgical compression bra after the initial wrapping came off. Like the shorts, it was VERY tight and uncomfortable. I was not a happy camper. And yes, it killed me to pull up those shorts every time I had to go to the restroom, which for me is many times a day. Besides, they wouldn't stay up! There are some styles that are cut higher to wear above the waist. But the band didn't ever stay up with me - it rolled down! UGH. Have you ever worn shapewear? It was an entirely new experience for me. I finally ended up cutting a hole in the crotch so that I wouldn't have to deal with them every time I went potty. Seriously! I got the idea from my surgery girdle. When I woke up from surgery I was bound up in a girdle that had a gaping hole in the crotch with zippers and hooks on the sides and foam pieces stuffed in the thigh area. It was beyond strange. Not exactly what I was expecting, but that's how it went down. Surprise surprise! No one told me about those either, lol!

    They mentioned Spanx to me, too, but the ones I bought were not tight enough or long enough, according to my PA. The nurse told me one thing and the PA told me another. Very frustrating! Diane mentioned a medical supply store. Maybe start there. Google some stores and look online. Spanx and other shapewear are available in all the major department stores. My PS's office said Spanx, but they actually meant any kind of shapewear product. Wearing all the compression was totally the worst part of the process.

    Take a look at those websites I posted above. What you need to buy depends on where they take the fat - did you talk about where that will be? Abdomen, flanks, thighs? If he's taking from just the stomach and not the thighs, you don't need long shorts that go down to the knees.

    It's never easy, is it?



  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Mary,

    I was thinking about the pain- literally it would be to pull those things up! Ugh! I did see a style on a marena website that looked decent. It had a snap crotch and it was a girdle with suspenders. It says for use after abdominal surgeries. I was told that the fat would be taken from my upper abdomen. I've had 4 csections 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010 and then total hysterectomy 2014 I think she's trying to stay away from lower abdomen lol. I put in to have march 23-27 off from teaching. The surgery is on march 23. I'm hoping by the 30th I'm ready to handle 18 energetic kindergarteners!!
  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    That sounds perfect! See - you have it under control. Yes, the pain for me was pretty intense. I had mine done with the exchange, and the compression just made it worse. From the sounds of it, most women get through it just fine. I think I have a low tolerance level for pain because my BMX was pretty bad, too. Not sure why ... I am what I am as Popeye would say!

    You are young and with your job I think just having a deadline like that helps get you back in the saddle a lot faster.

    Just think how far you've come. You can do this, too!

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Thanks Mary!! 😃
  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    This is for us all....

    image

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited March 2015

    Hi Mary:  I wonder if you realize just how much you lift our spirits.  Thank you for always having words of encouragement for all of us, when I know you have so much on your own plate!

    Beverly, I just know you are going to be happy you went ahead and did this.  You are just over a week away from your surgery, so I imagine you are in prep-mode, getting things organized.  We'll be with you.  Just like with the exchange, know that you will have bruising and swelling, but I think you will be pleased. 

    Eve, I just want to hug your pain away...and come cook with you!  It's so fabulous that you have your boys back.

    I did finally get the approval from the insurance company for the surgery last week.  I had this irrational fear that they were going to say they would only fix one side, but it looks like it's all set.  Today I'm going to get my EKG, since the last one I had expired.  I'm counting the days, mainly because I just want the surgeries to be done so I can get my tattoos and feel like I can start to rebuild my life from here.

    The very good news is that I made it all week without my knee brace and am doing fine, aside from being heavier than I ever imagined I could get, which has me a bit down.  All it will take is for me to get started, and I can take off the pounds, but I'm just not there yet, so I'm trying to just be patient with myself.  Next week I'm hoping to make more progress in the PT gym, so I'm strong when I have my surgery.

    Love you all!

    Diane.

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Thanks Diane! Yes I pre op mode at work and at home. Trying to figure out how the kids will get to school the morning of surgery. My family would normally take them but they are going on vacation so that's not an option. I'm trying to get my lesson plans finished- I'm meeting with the sub who will be in my class all week the week of my surgery in a few days. Then I want to get my plans done for the week after, when I return on the 30th so I don't have to do them when I'm recovering... Our marking period closes on the 27th but I closed mine on Friday so I can do report cards this weekend and be done with that too. I'm a planner!!! Lol oh well it keeps my mind occupied lol
  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    Diane, thanks for that. I keep telling myself I need to spend less time here and on the computer in general. Really gotta start focusing on other things....It's all about balance.

    Good luck to both of you - Diane and Beverly - with your upcoming surgeries! I'll be thinking of you!

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Thanks Mary! Ya sometimes I think the same thing- I should spend less time on here but then when I'm down and need someone to understand how I feel I know I got u guys here for me and I hope I am or can be when I'm stronger, an inspiration for someone else or at least a support! Love u ladies!
  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited March 2015

    Hi ladies,

    Funny about you all wanting to spend less time here....pretty evident that I have been away for a bit.

    I have been busy spending time with my kids. Just a fabulous experience. They make me do stuff. Get out of the house and get back to living. So much love and fun.

    Nate and I are also looking to move. We currently have a small mobile home in a nice/but close community...close in that we are on top of each other....so we are looking for 2+ acres. So fun to dream. We looked at a place last weekend...sort of. We got the car stuck in the mud...up to the wheel wells on the drive way up to the house. Oh my gosh, what a mess. Luckily there were some wonderful folks that were more than willing to pull us out...really awesome people. We never got to check out the house but meeting the neighbors was a lot of fun and reminded us that there are a lot of generous people out there.

    We will keep looking...I just know the perfect place is out there.

    Beverly....you have to do what is best for you...period....period!!!! I hate my boobs. They droop and look sad. Fat grafting would help...but I don't have the money for it. Actually when I lift up my arms they look pretty good...lol. TMI  but my hubby is a butt guy so my rear still looks pretty good...so I'll just go with that...lol is what it is.

    Mary...I spend a lot of time on the computer, I read all my news stuff every morning....sometimes too much reading, I get pretty mad about all the law breaking, ignoring the constitution stuff...sigh. A lot of scary stuff going on. At the same time I really care about our country and want to keep abreast of the happings of the day....just me and part of who I am..

    Diane...love you too lady. Glad to hear you are making progress. I have gained weight also...:( oh well, we will get back to our slimmer selves. I refuse to be too hard on myself. I think the cancer thing has a bigger impact that any of us thought it would.  My back is slowly getting better. Nate made me go for a walk tonight. It really helped just getting up and moving. We stopped by our neighbors house and had a ball just spending time with them. Sandy has parkinsons, but is managining on vitamins and natural remidies...no drugs. She is doing great. Big positive vibes.

    K I think that is all...

    love you guys,

    I am here...always........

    peace, E

    my 59 B'day is tomorrow........rock and roll!!!

     


     

  • anneb1149
    anneb1149 Member Posts: 821
    edited March 2015

    Happy Birthday Eve

    image

    Anne

  • formydaughter
    formydaughter Member Posts: 121
    edited March 2015

    happy Birthday Eve!

    Beverly - I had fat grafting and woke up from surgery wearing a hospital compression garment. It velcroed around me. Hearing your stories about having to get / find your own makes me realize I was lucky! When I woke up all groggy, i rember raving about wearing it - because it was the only warm part of me. Pretty funny. I'm having a second fat grafting soon. Booked for April, but my herceptin chemo is now extended until June, so meeting with my PS Fri to see if we are still on. He was going to take my port out at the same time and fix the scar. We'll see.

    ECHO tomorrow. Kiddo home with fever and sore throat today. I'm just trying not to catch it! Happy St. Patrick's Day

    Katie

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    image

    Happy Birthday Eve!!!

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited March 2015


    Awww thanks guys.....

    bestest( yes I know it is not a real word) birthday ever. My sons and DIL came over along with my big brother.  Just the best afternoon ever. My cousin has metastatic endometrial cancer...just got her latest scans back today and she is AOK. She had been on Femara but has ad a 3 month break. So now she can take a longer break. YAH!!!! My cousin is like a sister to me....so happy for her.

    We watched a movie called "WHIPASH"    super good.  really good. check it out sometime. makes you think, about parenting and pushing yourself and your kids....

    anyway...y'all be healthy and be good.     My next task is to find the perfect outfit to wear to Fleetwood Mac concert next week.....lol  Life can be fun and frivolous       why not?

    Love

    E

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited March 2015

    Eve - I love that your birthday was on St. Patty's Day!  I hope you found that perfect outfit! 

    Beverly - Good luck Monday! 

    Love and hugs to all!

    Diane.

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Thanks Diane hope all is well
  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited March 2015

    Good luck to you, Beverly. I'll be thinking of you on Monday!

    I've been busy with Cancer Rehab. It's really been a job keeping track of all the appts. but I'm really excited about all the new therapists I'm seeing. I figure I'll just go ahead and pay my out of pocket right away and get that out of the way, lol! I have several follow up appts. at my cancer clinic at the end of the month. Getting everything done in one trip to save on gas including getting my eyes examined. I don't trust anyone here in town to do anything anymore. I'm a little nervous about the fibroid thing. They're going to do a hysteroscopy. I haven't had any docs scoping out that department for several years, so....UGH!

    I'm stepping up the job search, too. I'd like to find at least a part time job to help out with the finances. BTW, I have an interview on Tuesday, so wish me luck!


  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited March 2015
    Mary,
    Good luck with the hysteroscopy and interview
  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited March 2015


    Hi Mary:  Have you investigated whether you could have an ablation to deal with the fibroids?  It's much less invasive.  It may be that the size and type of your fibroid could dictate whether that is an option, but I thought you might want to ask, if you haven't already.  I had one about 3 years ago.  My doctor did the procedure right in his office and I think I just had a few days of really bad cramping as recovery.

    Good luck Tuesday!  They will be lucky to have you!

    Diane.

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited March 2015


    Yes! it has been fun to have my birthday on St. Patty's Day...no one ever forgets it...And I have spaghetti every year....EVERY year! lol just my favorite food.

    Mary....great job in finding the support you need. Yeah! I haven't had anyone look down there in far too long....I am super tired of doctors and exams, but I am way over due for my boob inspection, so will be getting that done very soon. Hope your weather is turning into spring. I remember when I lived in Iowa. It was so much fun to see all my daffodils, hollyhocks and 60 peonies coming up. Such a miracle after the cold and snow. I really miss the seasons. It was 90 degrees here yesterday....yuk!  Best wishes in the job hunt. It's a difficult process. But I just know you will find the perfect fit.

    Just finished dyeing my hair....no gray for me. I went back from a darker brown to a bright red...bada bing! love it.

    Good luck Monday Beverly....you take care.

    Diane how is the knee coming? Hope all is well with you.

    Well, I haven't figured out what I am gonna wear to the concert....Had an idea but now I see where it is gonna be a stormy evening. Hot with thunder storms. UGH! We have been in the pool already...Oh well, comfort is key so minimal is the way to go.....can't wait to rock n roll.

    Love you ladies.....you are the best

    E

     

     

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited December 2017

    Hi all, lots to catch up on! Happy belated birthday wishes to Eve. So happy you are surrounded by your family to enjoy!

    Wishing you well with the FG tomorrow, Beverly. And, Mary to use as well with the hysteroscopy.

    Diane, I hope you are turning a corner and feeling better and stronger. Eve, I can imagine you channeling a little Stevie Nicks this week!

    All is fine with me. I have been doing a lot of traveling for work--The past three weeks I have been to Brazil twice and Mexico for a week. Mexico was pure vacation with my DD since I missed her senior trip last year. We had a blast. I am ready for some r and r at home, though. Even if that means watching ncaa basketball with my hubby all weekend!

    Count down to my exchange in May. Follow up this week with my RO and hoping for n surprises that would cause a delay with my PS. I am so very ready to get rid of these rocks on my chest. My hair is coming in darker and very curly. It has been quite an adventure working with it since I have always had straight hair. I don't mind it really, but, can't so anything but let it air dry with a little goop.

    Life seems to be getting back to some sense of "normal".....even with the daily reminders of where I have been and where I am headed as I look in the mirror. I guess that is why it is called a NEW normal.

    Xoxo, ann

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited March 2015


    Thanks Ann....yes! it was a blast spending time with my family. I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to have the boys home. I smile all the time. They are moving into their new apt. All of Steven's and Koi's stuff arrived from Okinawa...well all the small stuff. No furniture yet.....but it will be here soon. Apparently my older son Sean was dancing around the apt. lol  Makes a mom feel good to have her kids so happy and talking about babies???? grandma may be my new moniker soon....whoopee!

    I am totally channeling Stevie Nicks. lol....Will watch a Stevie dvd tonight and dance around the living room....yeah quawzy lady. ;)

    I am envious of your trips.  Sounds like a lot of work but fun also.

    Your curls sound awesome. Send us a picture. Hopefully you can get your exchange done very soon. The "new normal" is a hard thing to grasp some days....but we are back and alive ....nuf said

    love you

    E

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