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January 2014 Surgery Sisters

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Comments

  • pinktiara
    pinktiara Member Posts: 716
    edited February 2014

    laurie,

    So sorry you are hurting. Do you have any muscle relaxers? Can you go back and have some of the saline/silicone taken out? Sounds just awful.

    hugs,

    Eve

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited April 2014

    Laurie - oh no! You poor thing! How many cc's did she fill you with? I hope it goes away soon. 

    Sending you (((gentle hugs)))

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2014

    Ouch Laurie!  Hang in there.  Here's hoping it doesn't last too long.

    Big D - just saw your emails.  Waiting for results was the hardest thing by far for me.  When I had that first biopsy, they said the results would be in in 2 days...it took 5 because they decided to do extra staining.  My doctor knew the Friday before I got the results, but didn't believe in giving bad news on Fridays.  As a result, I had a panic attack Friday, and by Monday, which was Veteran's Day, I could no longer wait, so I called the hospital and when I found out they had the report, drove and got my test results myself.  I remember sitting in the car with my son in the back seat, Googling IDC.  While I love my Dr., waiting was worse than knowing for me.  In your case, you shouldn't have had to worry.  Doctors need to treat negative results with the same sense of urgency as positive ones and have someone make that call...just saying!

    It is very true that not all attorneys are like you boss, but he's a piece of work alright.  It is truly sad that losing his own mother didn't do anything to make him more human.  Hang in there and make the right choice for you.  It's just a job. 

    So it looks like we will both be on Femara together soon.  My MO's office called to say that they called in a prescription for Femara and said that as soon as the SE's from the Arimidex subside, I can start taking it.  Let me know how you do.  I think it's just a crap shoot on who does well on which drug, so I'm hoping this is the ONE.

  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2014

    Pelively 

    Omg how big are you getting them inlarged. C,D or DD. I go for my unwrapping. Of my TE Tmr 

    I will see how much saline he puts in. Thanks for all your info. Let me know how it goes. What kind are you of boobs are you getting if you don't mind me asking?

    Gma04 

    HUGS FROM TX

  • BigDBeatingBigC
    BigDBeatingBigC Member Posts: 228
    edited February 2014

    Will do, and thank you, Diane!  Picking up my Femara today.  I am planning on taking it before bedtime as I have heard it can make you dizzy and sleepy.  I would not mind that so much!

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited February 2014

    Hi ladies,can someone who has had a BMx with immediate reconstruction tell me a illite about the exchange process? I understand it's different for everyone as far as healing etc... 

    But is it usually done in the doctors office or hospital?

    Is it in and out or does it require overnight stay? 

    How long does the typical exchange take?

    Do they use the same incisions from the BMx? Mine are vertical, does it matter if they're vertical or horizontal?

    What is the recovery like? Are you wrapped like you were at BMx? How long do you typically need off from work? I teach and am on my feet and active from the minute I go in to the minute I leave! I am taking 8 weeks for the BMx and hope that's enough. Today marks 3 weeks, I'm sore, stiff, haven't been able to have 1 fill due to various reasons, still on narcotics etc. I'm worried about that! But back to exchange.... Lol

    Once the exchange is over and the recovery time has past is that it? Then you can opt for nipple tatoos? How long after exchange? What is that process????

    Oh boy!! So much to think about!!!!

    Has anyone ever gone to genetic counseling? I'm also in the process of putting together my family tree in medical terms because there's been so much cancer!!! Just wonder what the appts are like w the genetic counselor...

    Thanks I know I asked a bunch of questions. Any info is very appreciated!!!

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2014

    Mommyathome - My PS said he'll use the same incisions and it's Outpatient surgery at the surgery center (which adjoins our hospital).  I plan to ask him how long I'll be out when I see him Friday, so will let you know.  You should be able to just call your PS' office and ask all those questions and see what they say. 

    I had the same panicked thoughts at 3 weeks, but you will turn the corner soon.  It will be six weeks for me next Monday, and I'll be going back to work then.  I know it won't be a picnic, but feel like it will be okay.  With 2 extra weeks after that, you can do it, barring any complications.  

    Hang in there!

    Diane.

  • aviva5675
    aviva5675 Member Posts: 836
    edited February 2014

    Its outpatient, but you are under, so its a whole day kinda thing. The exchange surgery itself, assuming no pocket work and pretty straight forward is about an hour. Then your recovery time before going home.  For me personally, I took the pain med that night, Tylenol the next day, pain med at night then nothing. I was off 2 weeks from my mostly sitting and typing job but could have gone back sooner. For me there was no comparison to the bmx.  There are certain restrictions, different per dr. I had no drains, and was wrapped in a gauze wrap for a few days, til I went for my first check up. In my case he used the same, underneath, incisions from my first surgery, lx. 

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited February 2014

    Well I'm feeling better all ready.  Still really tight...but no real pain.  They put 80cc in one and 100cc in the other.  I'm going for 350cc total...so I think I will be going for just one more fill.  Apparently on of the smaller implants.  My implants are permanent...I don't go for the exchange surgery....they just have to pull the ports out and the bag seals up and then the PS puts a plug in it. 

    Laurie

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited February 2014

    Dtkd and Aviva,

    Thank you very much! Just something else to think about. I haven't had my first full yet because right before one visit I fell on ice and the last visit they treated me for the beginnings of an infection by opening my bottom stitches, draining some fluid and cutting away some unhealthy skin.... Maybe next week... Probably not though. 

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited February 2014

    I had unhealthy skin removed too....it healed up nice.

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited February 2014

    Ya it was draining and looking yellow . I couldn't feel anything they were doing so that helped! I feel like there maybe more fluid in there today though. I have to call them tomorrow to let them know about fluid, redness etc. when my husband gets home I'm going to have him check w me. I'm always like, I don't know is it redder? Is this what it felt like yesterday??? Lol

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited February 2014

    Mommyathome - I can chime in on the genetics counselor thing.  Since I was 40 when diagnosed, genetic testing was a given (insurance has to pay if you're under 45).  Immediately after my first appointment with my breast surgeon they walked me down to meet with the genetics counselor.  She gave me tons of info on BRCA1 and BRCA2, the increased risks of having one or the other (or both), what the results of the test will mean as far as treatment and recurrence, etc.  After I got my results (BRCA2+) I met with her again and she went through exactly what she recommended for me both then and in the future.  There's no exam involved at all with genetics counselor and the testing involves a simple blood test.

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited February 2014

    Lighthouselady,

    I did the braca and Bart test. They had me swish and spit into a cup. I'm waiting for those results. There is supposed to be another panel coming out in the summer to test other genes that my bs is going to have me and my mom do. I took the day today to make a family tree to show who in my family has what cancer. There are 9 people who have it had cancer in my family!!!! Absurdly crazy! And those ate the people I know of! I have 3 girls of my own so I'm going to do everything I can possibly do to protect them. If we can find the gene that's a start. They are only 9, 7 and 4 but I'll teach them how to do self exams and they'll do early mammograms. Self exams aren't enough!! My mom and my cancer would never have been found w self exam!! 

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited April 2014

    Laurie - wow, you're almost home free! Glad you're feeling better. I always keep some Tramadol on hand - just in case! I  hoarded my pain pills from previous surgeries! Happy

    What kind of implants do you have? Seems like my TE's are almost like implants. My PS showed them to me before surgery - very soft and cushy compared to other brands I'd seen at another clinic. I hear of other women talking about their TE's being rock hard, but not mine. They are like pillows. Still can't get comfy laying on them at night, though. What about yours? Can you sleep on your side or feel them when laying down? It feels like something is on my side where I'm laying in bed but it's probably the Alloderm I'm feeling. Did your PS use Alloderm? 

    I have no idea what exchange surgery is like ... I'm taking one step at a time. I imagine every place has different procedures. But it's nice to read about it here. I'm hoping to be there by summer!

    ~Mary

  • mema4
    mema4 Member Posts: 484
    edited February 2014

    Hi Texas, just going for a C. I'm done at 700 now. He went a little too fast for me but it got done in about 5 weeks cause he put a ton of saline in during the surgery. Don't think I could have went much higher than 800 but the new implants can do 700 for a C. I'm doing the silicone. Recovery is smooth and they feel more natural to me. I'll still have scars going across but I'll have perky nips and jelly boobies. I understand during the surgery, they take out the TEs which by then has kept the remaining tissue from growing together and left enough space for the implant to then be slid in. I have a bit of skin left to make a nipple and he'll take a syringe of fat from my stomach (could take a whole gallon) to fatten it up and any indentions and sew it all together very prettily. You go home and lay around a couple of days and then look at them a lot cause it's a marvel if it makes you feel you can see light at the end of the tunnel. Doesn't mean boobs define you, just means that something like that can make you feel like you just went through something dark and just maybe, walked back into some light.

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited December 2017

    Hello all, my first time posting on this thread but I have been creeping extensively and I Diane helped me on a different thread so I wanted to come out here:-)

    I did have BRCA 2 testing.  My maternal grandmother was the eldest-first female sibling in her family and had 2 primarily BC.  My mother is the eldest female sibling in her family, was diagnosed first at 54 and had a second primary very aggressive bc that has taken her to hell and back without complaint and she is on oral chemo "for life". She is doing thriving, active and my role model, but, I digress.  I, am third generation first female sibling and I was diagnosed at 51.  BRCA negative.  My DH close friend lost his wife this fall from BC that met everywhere, diagnosed first in 30's and passed in early 60's.  Her mother passed from BC in her 30's as did her grandmother...all BRCA neg.  my point being that I don't thing they have found all the genomes on familial relationships yet.

    I am fortunate to work for a large company that has been very supportive so far.  I am even more fortunate to have a job where I have many people that report to me and I would dearly love to have more people like Diane and the rest of you working in my organization.  Warning--I live in Michigan! Snowy now but it will be perfect in July!

    First fill tomorrow and meeting with MO Friday where I hope to understand if I need to gear up for chemo.

    My question, though....do any of you feel like a body builder when you wipe the kitchen cupboard and your pecs go in over drive?  I worked out before and had a strong, muscular chest area.  It doesn't hurt but does feel weird!  Also hoping I can remove the ace bandage wrap then. Healing well, my PS is aSelf admitted conservative who keeps me bandaged to reduce swelling.  I have to admit. It's working and no complications so far.

    Thanks all, it's been great keeping up with all of you the past few weeks.  Looking forward to more with this great group!

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited February 2014

    no I can't sleep on my chest yet....they still feel very foreign!  They are not soft and squishy like my old boobs.  Kinda spongy...but pretty hard still.

    Laurie

  • Mommyathome
    Mommyathome Member Posts: 876
    edited February 2014

    It's been 3 weeks for me I still sleep in my recliner. 

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited December 2017

    I am in bed for the past week or so. Propped with pillows but wake up stiff and sore at around 4 am.  Won't admit to being comfortable but better than a recliner.  I transitioned to the couch with pillows for a few days before moving to the bed and that seems to help.

  • BigDBeatingBigC
    BigDBeatingBigC Member Posts: 228
    edited February 2014

    Welcome mmtagirl!  Glad to have you with us here!

  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2014

    hi pelively,

    Omg I did not know you have to get 700cc for a C. How the hec long does that take? I'm stressing now.

    Please please let me know how long it took  did it hurt at each fill. I go Tmr for the unwrapping to stat  filling

    I suppose and I hope he can fill it at least 100cc .i will keep you posted

    Hugs from Texas gma04

  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 923
    edited April 2014

    Welcome mmtagirl! Glad you decided to join us. Smile

    I've decided to go out and look for some extra cush for sleeping - like a down mattress pad - then maybe memory foam beneath that. My new bed is going to be like the Princess and the Pea. I'm determined to make a comfortable sleeping arrangement for myself!!! Alloderm be damned!!!

    Pelively - I love the last 2 sentences of your description of exchange surgery! Can't wait to start seeing some of that light :) Glad to hear someone else's TE's and implants are in the 700's. I was beginning to feel like a freak. Honestly I"m not that large. I was a 38 C before and right now I'm at 310 / 330 cc's. It's amazing how different everyone is and so their fills will vary accordingly ....  I'd be happy with where I am, maybe just a little bigger because it'd be nice to have cleavage, which I've never really had. I've never worn revealing clothing (remember I live in Minnesota!) even in the summer, but I'd like to be able to have what I call a Boobyprize to all this crap. We'll see...

    Well, it looks like we're getting another 6 inches of snow tomorrow :/ Eegads - this is the winter that will not die!! Good thing I stocked up on groceries. Made a wild rice casserole and brownies. All I need now is a good book.

    Sweet dreams everyone!

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited February 2014

    Are you ready girls!  My moment of indecisiveness has come!  I HATE THESE FOOBS!  My f&#king happy face is gone!  It's 1am and I woke up in agony again tonight!  I'm sitting in the bathroom popping pain pills....perfect!  I can't feel them....they itch...but I can never feel the spot to scratch!  Feels like I'm always wearing a bra that is too small!  Ahhhhhh!!!!  I miss my old chest...the squishy slightly sagging one!  :(

    I'm scared shitless to go back to work in April.  I'm afraid how they will treat me...that I'll have forgotten how to do my job...and all of my nice new life with a crappy sleep (no doubt)!

    Overall I'm just feeling scared or maybe overwhelmed?  

    I HATE CANCER!  I'm finished now.  Thanks for the place to say all this.

    Laurie

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2014

    Oh Laurie...I so wish I could really hug you.  It's going to be okay.  I'm so sorry that you are hurting, but let it out.  Nothing like a good cry.  It always means that things will look better the next day...or later today in this case.  I think we will all be grieving off and on for our old soft and yes, mine were saggy too, breasts.  I hear it takes awhile for foobs to soften.  I'm sure that your co-workers will rally.  How about I go first with going back to work and let you know how it is? :)

    So many hugs to you tonight.

    Diane.

  • lighthouselady
    lighthouselady Member Posts: 248
    edited February 2014

    {{{hugs}}} Laurie!  It will be ok!  You are just overwhelmed and rightfully so.  There's no need to always have a happy face on.  Nothing about this is happy... except you're here and cancer-free!   Happy  That's pretty damn happy!    I think you need to stop stressing about work.  April is a long ways off and you have plenty of time to prepare (mentally and physically) for going back.  Right now you need to focus on you and getting you into a good place.  (I say this as it's 12:40am and I'm wide awake!  LOL)    As for the foobs..... you'll always miss what you had.  Will you ever LOVE your foobs?  Maybe not.  But you will grow used to them and feel more comfortable with them.  You're still adjusting and hurting from the fills... what's to like about that?  

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited February 2014

    Thanks girls!  I managed to get back to sleep after my middle of the night rant.  It was great to wake up and see some encouraging messages.  

    I'm going to get out of this house today....get some groceries.

    Hope you guys all slept as good as you can and have a great day.

    Love and hugs!

    Laurie

  • levassel
    levassel Member Posts: 254
    edited February 2014

    Diane....when are u going back to work?  I've been off since sept....after my second surgery. 

    Laurie

  • Dtkd
    Dtkd Member Posts: 422
    edited February 2014

    Good morning Laurie

    ,I've been off since my surgery 1/13, and am going back next Monday, which will be six weeks. I get my first fill tomorrow. I'm behind schedule because I had a hemotoma. Hopefully I will not have any problems with the fill.

    I'm glad you got some sleep. Getting out helps.  

    Love and hugs,

    di

  • BigDBeatingBigC
    BigDBeatingBigC Member Posts: 228
    edited February 2014

    Sending hugs and warm wishes to you ladies this morning!  I am up most every night and I do not have foobs!  It is annoying and sometimes makes me drag at work, but something I am sure I will just have to deal with along with everything else now.  Still better than the alternative, as Michelle said.  Just thinking of you and hoping it gets better!

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