January 2014 Surgery Sisters
Comments
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Mommyathome - There is no rush for getting the exchange. I had my BMX on Jan 3rd and my PS won't do my recon surgery until 6 months after I finish rads. Since I'm not even starting rads until the end of March, I'm looking at having these TEs until November or so. It sounds like what you had was necrosis... I'm not sure if that's the same thing as eschar. I would say you'll have to wait a bit for any new insicions to heal before they do any more fills. Of course I'm not a doctor, though.
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Pelivey - I should also add that PS's are very picky about what you use on your skin. Before you go out and buy a bunch of lotions, I'd call and ask your doc on Monday what they prefer. I'm sure vitamin E is just fine or even aloe vera if you happen to have any on hand. But, depending on what you're dealing with -- I wanted to add that antibacterial ointment can help with irritation. But, I'm a big believer in calling your docs with any questions no matter how "minor" the issue might seem.
Mommyathome - I'm pretty sure there are lots of women who've had TE's in for several months - esp if they're undergoing rads, or having skin issues. I'm no expert, but I don't think there's a time limit and it sounds like you're going to need some healing time. Those are all good questions for your docs.
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I had dead skin removed twice. I'm all healed up now! My PS waited one week healing before my first fill. Then took the stitches out the following week and more fill.
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Ladies,
Thanks for your responses!!! I felt more relaxed and less sore today. I even left the house and it wasn't for a doctors appointment!!! Lol I went and watched my kids play basketball from 9am until 330. I did pretty good! It was only down the street from my house do in between games I went home for my medicines and went back. My kids appreciated! They kept looking in the stands and smiled at me! What a good feeling!! Then, since it was rather warm... 40s we went for a walk in the neighborhood. Thought I'd be out by now with being so active, nope! Oh well. I'm starting to worry about something else... Minor. I was put on bactrim once they found the eschar. Tonight my hands are like super itchy and red. This is how my reaction to Percocet started!!! It's like cant a week go by with none of this non sense stuff????
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mommyathome, congratulations on getting out today! I went for a long walk and it felt good to soak in the Vitamin D. I have been feeling down the last couple of days. I hate the TE and I have been dealing with the excruciating pinching pain from the lymph node area. It comes and goes, but when it comes, it almost takes my breath away. I've been doing my exercises and definitely have more mobility, but geez... how long before this pain goes away?
I know I should feel lucky that my BC was caught at the earliest stage, and I've been positive 95% of the time, but I want normalcy again. As I type this in the wee hours of the night, I am close to tears.
Thank you all for the support, it means the world to me.
Claire
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Claire, I understand and sympathize more than you can know! Had radiation(on implant reconstruction) after recurrence and the capsular contracture is killing me!! I can't sleep worth a darn, in tears off and on all the time just like you mention. I'm so thankful to be alive but get so down and frustrated sometimes I want to throw in the towel! At this time in my life, I have to think the word "normalcy" just can't be in our vocabularies anymore. I don't feel like any of us will ever be there again. I feel like we have to find a new 'norm'. Maybe that's just me being down and a bit depressed, but maybe it's that constant hope of getting back to 'normal' that does get me down, since I'm always let down that I never get there. Venting a little here, sorry if I sound very pessimistic :-(Good luck though, I hope your pain does go away soon!!
BTW - When are they ever going to make the movie?????(Outlander that is ;-) )
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nnrbf, you are absolutely right about normalcy. BC has changed us forever. I hope once I get back to work and back into "life", maybe I'll feel better emotionally... as long as the Tamoxifen doesn't F up my entire being. That's a whole different ballgame.
On a much happier note, the Outlander mini series will air on Starz late summer of this year. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was later in the year. I believe they have only shot 4 episodes and there are 16 total... so I am not holding my breath, lol.
It's 2:30 am and I still can't fall asleep, even after taking a Xanax. I miss my sleep... looks like I'll be napping on Sunday!
Update @ 6:30 am... no sleep, up most of night/morning with intestinal issues, no fever though. I honestly don't think there is anything left in my body to dispose of (sorry, TMI). Post op is almost four weeks. Should I be concerned?
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nnrbf101 - oh. my. gosh.... you have really been through the ringer haven't you? I have no words. Just hugs. What you wrote rings true for all of us, I'm sure. I go back and forth, just like you said. All I can hope for is that most of the days are good vs. bad. Last night I kept waking up with all-over joint pain. All I could think was - I'm having a recurrence....it's going to the bones. Or, the SE's for the Aromasin has finally reared it's ugly head and now I'm going back to this constant pain again??!! It finally went away after I took some Ibuprofen. Waiting on pins and needles, tho, if it continues I'll have to call my MO.
Claire - the pain from the surgery does go away eventually. I know that was small comfort to me when I was told that by my nurses who said "Every day will get better." It didn't. For me it wasn't a gradual thing at all....it was just one day I woke up pain free. Weird, huh? Everyone is different. As for the other thing...it's probably good your body is detoxifying. Hang in there! It'll get better.
I can only speak for myself as to that "thing" we all experience, which I think is actually PTSD. When I make appts. at my clinic, not only do I see my PS's physician assistant, my PT, but I also see someone in the psychologist dept. I think it's really important to get help with this. The big thing at my clinic is Mindfulness, plus relaxation exercises, which are in my 'arsenal' to fight this. I haven't even tapped into some of the things they mentioned to help in survivorship like, Yoga, Massage, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy. It gives me some comfort to know there are things out there I haven't tried that might help me on this journey.
As usual, I'm too long-winded.
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Hey, where is everybody? You all must be sleeping good and having fun
I'm packing my bags for another drive down to the clinic for fills, etc. It's pretty cold still, but at least there are no snowstorms in the forecast.
Bringing my pain pills just in case....
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Be careful Mary.
I've been looking at the pain threads after BMX. The pain is getting old...ya know?
tired too. blah, blah, blah
AND doing taxes. yukk.
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Hey gals,
I'll start repeating myself in a few hours but good news today. I walked 6000 steps and I feel good. Each day is better but I'll still be glad to get these TEs out and the implants in so the real recovery can start for me. Still take a pain pill at night and muscle relaxers during the day.
Watch the weather Mary!
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What a lousy day. My son's grades are in the toilet (he's a straight A student usually)..... brought home two assignments that were graded a 40% and found out he just didn't DO a project that was due today. WHAT?!?!? He has been on the honor roll every semester since kindergarten.... (6th grade now). I don't know if it's the winter lazies or the stress of my diagnosis finally catching up to him or he's just a 12 year old boy or what, but I was pretty pissed. It's not like he's having trouble, he's just LAZY and not responsible. Ugh. Plus I'm on the board for my daughter's softball league and we're having issues with the City regarding use of the "facility" (a.k.a. fields). Ugh. My left TE is pinching me, my eyes are watering, my new wig looks great but gives me a headache..... Calgon, take me away!
I need a vacation.
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Hey Mary, I called my PS and you were right, they said use Aloe Vera. You're so darn smart!!!
Mommyathome:: I used to teach that grade and I can tell you that it's a tough transition for kids that age. They're going from an elementary environment to a junior high or getting ready for it and it's a lot of stress. Plus, their favorite person in the whole world is hurting so he might be a little overwhelmed. And you're right, laziness is right there! He's just normal and growing into a different place. Now, go and make him mop something! With your TE's, my PS gave me Gabapentin and it took care of that. It's for the nerve thing that's going on with them. Hope you get better. Just realized you in Abilene. My daughter-in-law that lives here in Dallas is from there! Small world...
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Hey michelle. Have a great day!
Laurie
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Thanks ladies. It's cold and wet and dreary, but I'm in a much better mood today. So far.
It's only 8:30 though....LOL0 -
Hi ladies,
I wasn't sure where to post this but was dealing with insurance company this morning and wondered if you may have information that can help me. I wondered if the fills after a bilateral mastecomy are covered and any follow up appointments or am I charged 15 dollar copayment each time. The guy I talked to wasn't sure said he'd get back to me in 5 business days. He said something about Global Reimbursement. Do you know what this is? Also are you charged a copy for your annual visit to the breast surgeon? Thanks for your input!!
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Hey mommy
I wish I could help...all I know, is with my BS I was given one price...had the bmx, have seen her 2 times since bmx and not charged one penny more.
Certainly seems to me that the PS would not charge anymore for fills...not even an office visit charge. It "should" be included in the overall charge for the surgery, visits, fills.
Insurance is so freaky right now, hope your guy gets back to you soon.
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knock knock...hello? Hellooooooo? anyone home?
Hoping we are quiet because we are getting out of surgery mode? and moving around a little? chasing bratty kids, walking the bratty dog, kicking the pain in the ass cat perhaps?
Opening the BILLS? OMG we are up to $70000 now....rotflmao.......it's ok...
Preparing to take my pup for a walk this morning. So I put on my new very purple (ooh la la) sports bra on. Zips up the front. he he. I 'm felling very hip and healthy and standing up straight and ready to rock and roll. Black skinny sweat pants, my black and hot pink nikes, A black tank top....ready to tear up the road.
Off we go, my dog does not walk, she trots. So were trotting down the road....well we stop,trot,stop,trot,stop,trot...wtf did every dog in the neighborhood pee on every post, tree, plant, tire available. sigh. So we finally get up to a reasonable pace. Until we come to the pooping area. Ok, I get it a girl has to sniff right? Then the wind kicks up and a BIG leaf blows by and pup is spooked and pulls the bad arm and I step in poop.
Whoo hoo! So home we go.
All I wanted was to get the damn bra off...ha ha ha . so not happening. ha ha ha... I am sweaty for one thing, but I couldn't reach back and pull the damn thing off...too much pain. Oh for crying out loud. I sat there for an hour trying to wiggle out of that contraption. Cool and sexy...my rear...finally had to get the back scratcher and ease it off with that.
But at least I have my windows open......beeeeutiful weather here. I f you all need a break....come on down. I don't have a lot of room but if you don't care you all are more than welcome.
love hugs
be well
Eve
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Eve, lol, I am sure you looked like a beautiful hip mamaton trotting your pup today! The price we pay for beauty:-)
Other than the nasty bra I am glad to hear you are feeling good and getting some exercise.
I did a slow walk of 2 miles yesterday for the first time on the treadmill. Felt good but I was in bed all pooped out by 9:30 last night.
I hope I am ready to get back to work in two weeks. It is tough trying to wean myself off of my afternoon nap!
Take care all!
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Eve,
I was told that all my appointments from now on ... Or at least 90 days will be covered for bs and ps. That's good news! My husbands insurance is really good!! I think I've paid less than $100 so far for stereotactic biopsy, lumpectomy, bilateral mastecomy etc so I shouldn't complain! I just figured meeting w the bs to consult about my path report would be covered.. As a follow up but I was told no. The billing lady was extremely rude so I just said thanks for all ur help and I hung up. Ain't nobody got time for that! Lol
Has anyone suffered from bad back pain after a BMx?? My shoulder blade area straight across ALMOST feels just as sore as my Tes. I'm sitting here w a heating pad hoping it helps!!! Also, I'm looking for a good lotion w out any unhealthy ingredients to use to soften my breast skin in preparation for my fills. I'm hoping to get my first fill next Tuesday! I'm 4 weeks out tomorrow!!! I got good news today- braca 1/2 and Bart negative!!!!!! Now I just have to figure out what gene my family carries because there's definitely something!
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Hi girls!
Well, I got another 50 cc's today. She wanted to do 100, but I said no (kept thinking about you Laurie!). I'm close to my original size b4 BMX and am trying to decide if I want to go bigger....maybe I'll try on some bras and tight T shirts and think about it. I'm not in a hurry. I told my PS I wanted more projection and cleavage rather than more roundness - I don't want them going into my armpits. He said he could do that with lipo rather than further expansion.
So far no pain...keeping my fingers crossed!
😊
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Mommyathome - YAY for your results! That's fantastic. I'm sorry your back hurts. I don't have pain where you described, but everyone is different! I know that's not much help.
My insurance is billed for every office visit - MO, BS, PS, etc. I don't think any of them were "included" as part of the surgery. I'm responsible for 20% of everything after my $400 deductible up until the max out of pocket (which I already reached this year since my surgery was first thing!). So now everything for me is covered 100% until next January.
Proud of myself - I rode my exercise bike for 30 minutes and did 6.5 miles tonight. I admit my motivation is trying to keep the restless legs away and NOT because I wanted to exercise... but whatever works. LOL
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Lighthouselady,
I give u a lot of credit. I don't do too much and I feel I get whipped pretty quick. I'm still on narcotics and my back is killing me but man I give u a lot of credit for being so active!! I am supposed to go back to work- teaching- in 4 weeks and I honestly don't see it happening!!! It's making me nervous! I hope to have my first fill next week and then I have to start weening myself off the dialaudid and Valium!! I'm hoping the Motrin and Tylenol will be enough to help me make it through the day. I'm on my feet from 7:00 to 3:00!! Not to mention the Motrin makes me feel sick!!! I don't look forward to going back...:(
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Mommyarhome- Hang in there. It's only been 4 weeks for you. I remember thinking that I wouldn't be ready either, but I went back to work on Monday, at 6 weeks. Am I tired? You bet I am, but I'm doing pretty well. Everyone has been nice (even my boss) and I'm finding it helps to do something that takes my mind all of this. The pain hasn't been too bad, just a few moments when I was wishing I could go home and sleep, LOL!
It's been fantastic seeing all the posts by those of you who are getting out to exercise. I am planning to go to Taekwondo class in a modified way, on Saturday if nothing changes for me pain wise. We need to get moving, however slowly, so we can get stronger.I need to start the Femara soon, but am sort of afraid, sine the Arimifex was so aweful. BigD, how are you doing on it (jeez, it was you that just started it, right?)
Well...no more time. I have to get going. Have a great day ladies.
Love and hugs,
Diane
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I had some back and shoulder pain after my last fill- I think it shifted on to a nerve a bit. Went away after about a week, but sure hurt in meantime. Dosed on Motrins. Then it finally shifted again off the nerve. I had 50cc fills each time.
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Remember ladies, I had 100cc fills each time...awful discomfort. Now that I'm through, I'd slow it down. Not a good feeling every week! Still feels like a baseball under my arm.
If you're just starting your fills, it's one of those things you use whatever drug works for you. And some good advice I got on here was to remember to keep the heating pad on low and only use it 15 min at a time since you're numb. I still use it at times. My PS says aloe vera is good to use (bc101 told me that). Just be good to yourself and it does get better.
I have a silly Fitbit but it does help me with keeping active. Most I've done is 8000 and that included a treadmill day of slow walking. Nowhere near 2 miles. Walking the mall was the most fun! No dog poop Eve!
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I had back pain after my last fill too. I called the PS and she said it was normal. It went away after a few days.
Laurie
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Finally back home from mom's .... I'm glad to be back - especially when the blowing snow and wind makes the roads look like Siberia. Not sure it's worth the 3 hour drive to the clinic just for 50 ccs....think I'll do 100 next time even if it does hurt.
Diane - sounds like you're back in the saddle - that's awesome!
It must feel good to get back to work and a normal routine.Nice to hear most of you are getting out there and doing some miles, however slowly. I know I need to do something every day, too, just need a kick in the rear. If only it weren't so cold out. That's no excuse...I can go to a indoor walking track which is less than a five minute drive, but just gotta do it!!! Ok, I'll get off the computer and go now.
Thank for the inspiration!
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Oh, forgot to mention...I asked my PA what's good to use for moisturizer and she said Vitamin E
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Glad to see everyone (?) is a ok.
been having a rough time here with depression...I think part of it is quitting smoking, rain, rain,and rain and pain and pain and needing to talk with the MO .
Had a paradigm shift this afternoon. This pastor, Steve Mays was on Fox news. He was having a rough time, in hospital for 7 months with 3 back surgeries.... just one thing he said...and I am so paraphrasing...that hit me. Why be immersed in the bad stuff...for me that would be the prospect of re occurance with or without hormonals . hmmmm came to the realization...duh! I can't control anything. I know that....but now I have to live it. I have to live it. No control...just living everyday in joy. Be Immersed in the good.
LIVING EVERYDAY IN JOY.
AND I am committing to saying YES!
K, Now, I am soooo freaking hungry. All the time hungry. I know that can be part of quitting smoking....but holy cow......nothing gets rid of the wanting to eat...I'm such a mess! lol. I swear I am gonna gain 50lbs. But everything tastes so good now.
AND my pup, today discovered that ...YES! when it is raining in the front yard it truly is raining in the back yard. Back and forth all day...she really is a smart dog, but holy moley....get a grip animal.
love to all....
have to keep on keeping on.
Eve
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