January 2014 Surgery Sisters
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All done! AND I GOT NIPPLES. Wasn't going to but last minute decision and TADA...nipples. Lol
Laurie
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yay! Laurie
how did they make the nips?
Eve
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Anne - Prayers for your friend. I hope all went well with your appointments and your infusion. Are you almost finished, or do you have more ahead of you?
Eve - that is the essence of what Independence day is all about. God bless your boys and all of our service men for their service. I'll bet the food at your house will be fabulous!
Ladies - Soap box warning! I find these days that connections are everything and I go out of my way now go help people or just connect whenever I can...even if it is just pulling down a high box of cereal or helping an elderly lady rent a redbox movie at the grocery store. I talk to total strangers often and am amazed by the smiles and gratitude that follows. Sometimes it is just letting them know you see them, that they aren't invisible...connecting. You just never know what others are going through and maybe my smile or random act of kindness will make a difference in the rest of their day. Anyway...just my random thoughts this am.
Got to.get going...rid my hair of gray, get to he store, and make a triple ginger peach crisp for the pool party we are going to.
Happy 4th everyone!
Love,
Diane
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Yay Laurie!! First of us (except Eve) to have nips!! Fantastic. I'm sure they are probably under wraps but can't wait to hear how they look. I'll join the nipple brigade next month. Will you be going for tattoos soon? Congrats!!
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3 months for tats. Yep they are covered....but I saw them. They just bunch up extra skin. They are really huge right now...but she assured me they will go down.
Laurie
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Hi ladies! Happy Fourth!
Sorry I've been MIA. I've been reading every day but haven't had time to post. My kids have been keeping me busy this summer...it's crazy. I thought summer vacation was relaxing!!! The kids and I flew to NY on Tuesday to visit my parents. We will be here for two weeks so we are very busy doing fun things and seeing everyone.
I do have sort of a complaint though. I almost feel like I am on display. Other than my mom, none of my friends and family up here have seen me since last July.....before all this mess started. So I know everyone is happy to see me doing well and they just want to SEE me....but I really hate being the center of attention. So I feel like I almost want to shy away from seeing everyone or going places because I feel so conspicuous. 😞
Anyway, I am feeling good other than tired. I am 7 months post chemo, 6 months post BMX and 6 weeks post rads. Energy is coming back slowly.....but my hysterectomy in August will sap some of it again.
Just wanted to pop on and say hi. Love to all!
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Hi ladies-levassel, congrats on the nipples!!! My husband and I were actually discussing when and if I was going to get nipples. I told him I need a break from surgeries for a bit. I have had a stereotactic biopsy, lumpectomy, bilateral mastectomy, exchange, total abdominal hysterectomy with salpingoopherectomy all in the past 9 months!!! I need a break. I was telli g him maybe instead of the "traditional" nipples I would do a ratio on the breast. I was half joking half serious. The problem would be insurance wouldn't cover that!!! I'm thinking December would be a good time.
Levassel keep us posted on the recovery. My ps said they basically cut around the top of the BMx incision to form the nipple- like origami. My concern would be how big they were. I hear often that the nipples are like super big, I kinda like not ha bing to worry about covering them up when I go bra less (which I guess isn't too often). But my husband knows me more than I know myself at times he thinks the nipples will help me feel more complete...he's probably right!
Right now I'm just trying to heal from the TAH/BSO I had on July 1. I'm so sore and they have me on Vicodin. Let me just tell you it makes me crazy.i feel like a person on drugs lol. My husband was laying in the bed with me this morning after I took my Vicodin and I was having a dream. The dream made me laugh... I wasiteralky laughing out loud!! Then because my stomach was so sore I started to cry. So I'm laughing and crying at the same time. My poor husband didn't know what was going on!!! Lol my daughters first all star game is today at 3pm. She's the only girl from the minors they called up to play!!! I'm hoping to go and watch for a bit even if I sit in the car. I hate not being there for my kids!!! My husband goes back to work on Monday s
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Michelle -Glad you are doing well and getting your energy back. I'm sure it must be exhausting having to go through everything with family and friends you haven't seen since this all began. Maybe you could just put on a tiara and just beg off here and there? I hope you will find time to rest and take care of yourself
Beverly - My PS usually does the nipple recon under local anesthesia, so it isn't a big deal, especially since there's little or no feeling in the skin there . Mine will be done during my fat grafting surgery, so I will be under general anesthesia. I have seen photos and a video of the procedure on my PSs website, so I feel good about his work. I would ask your PS for some before and after photos to help you decide, because it is all about how good your surgeon is. They don't have to be huge, and as Lauries PS said, they shrink dramatically once they heal, and again when the nip protection comes off. It's a personal decision for sure
Enjoying a quiet morning to myself as my son is with his dad.
Happy Saturday everyone!
Di
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Hi everyone
Laurie- congrats on surgery and nipples. Hope you have a quick recovery
Diane-I will continue to get the Herceptin infusion until sometime in Oct. Then I will go to the pill form.
Michelle- like you, I hate being the center of attention, and don't handle it very graciously, but I do love seeing family and friends, so I try to get that part over as quickly as possible and move the conversation to anything other than my health. I am pretty much on the same schedule as you with chemo, surgery and rads.
I still tire when I overdo, but my biggest problem is under my arms on my chest wall. It seems to swell as the day goes on, and sometimes really hurts in the morning if I have slept on my right side. It really is the only discomfort I feel at this point, but it is really annoying. Wearing a sports bra helps with the bulge on my sides, but it keeps rolling up and landing right on my scar line.
I am finally home (in Fl) for at least a month, so I am hoping I can get myself into a routine each day, that will increase my stamina and ease the discomfort. I hated leaving DD#1 in Atlanta today - she was crying when I left, but I will be back there probably in 6 weeks at the most. Wish I could be in 3 places at the same time - while I am very happy with whoever I'm with, I always miss the others so much.
Hope you all had a great 4th.
Anne
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Remember me telling all of you how I have come to dislike the holidays? As a recap, Christmas for the last three years has been a problem for me. This past Christmas I was diagnosed, literally got my path report confirmed on Dec 26. Landed in the hospital on Easter Sunday due to complications with my first chemo treatment and stayed there 4 days. Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday because it involves warm weather, water, music, a few drinks and good food, laughs and fireworks.
I had the chance for some of thst with a few complications....went to our park on the lake July 3rd. Woke up at my usual time around 4 am and noticed that the power was off. Mentioned it t DH and promptly went back to sleep for a few hours but noticed a "hot" smell. Thought it was the residue from a near by bonfire. That morning we realized our trailer was the only one without electricity and the box connected to our place had turned the power off. This was unusual because it was a cool evening so we weren't using any power. Washing dishes later that morning I noticed the water wasn't getting as hot as usual. DH checks it the hot water tank and we figure out why the electricity turned off. The hot water tank wiring was faulty and had started on fire! Luckily, it turned itself off as designed. These old mobile homes are like tin cans and we quite literally could have been up in flames within minutes! I feel very fortunate to be alive!
However, that meant no hot water for the remainder of our weekend. Having no hair has it's advantages and I can go an extra day without showering, but, I still need one on occasion. Lol! Luckily our little summer lake house is only about 30 minutes from our home. We left yesterday to shower and then spend the afternoon UP North at my sister's new cabin. Had a lovely time and headed back to the lake house/trailer only to find that someone had locked our screen door which doesn't have a key so we couldn't get in! Of course, the key to the back door which we never use was at home! So, off we go back to our home. By this time I am too tired to return so here we sit at home. I will need to go back at some point today or tomorrow to get my stuff for the week and bring back the perishable foods since we won't be back for a few weeks.
Since I am on a long post any way I will follow up with letting you all know that graduation party last weekend for 200 went off without a hitch and was so much fun. Couldn't have asked for better weather, food, or fellowship. DD left this past Tuesday on her EE educational tour and has been to Berlin, Dresden, Prague and as of this morning's text is headed to Krakow, Poland. Final stop is Budapest, Hungary, before she is home on Thursday. We are blessed!
Laurie, congrats on the nips. We look forward to hearing how they progress and settle in as you finish your recon. So happy for you!
Michelle, good to hear from you and hear your energy is coming back. With your busy schedule, I don't think it all every really left! With everything you have been through, after your august surgery is behind you and you recover, I can't begin to imagine just how much energy you will have, you will be bouncing off the walls when back to full steam!
Have a great Sunday, everyone. DH is golfing...gotta find something of interest to do myself / by myself today...I am sure I will find a silver lining in there somewhere. Wedding next weekend....I think I need a new pair of shoes
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I know my implants were different from most of you. I had resigned myself to the fact that these were always going to be firm. But since they removed the fill ports they settled down a bit (not porno boobs anymore). They are still covered in bandages...but they seem soooo soft. My PS said the same thing nipple origami. They are sticking out more than I would like....but she also said that would settle too. It was a sporadic decision. I think I'll be happy with them.
Laurie
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Ann - All kidding aside, I'm glad you guys are okay, which to me is a huge silver lining. Maybe this year's crappy holiday run will end with this one...I think you must have filled your quota for the next 40 years at least! Wow your daughter is on one fantastic whirlwind of a trip! So glad the grad party was a success! It sounds like you are truly blessed when it comes to family and friends.
Heading to the studio for an extra training session that I organized with a few of the other testing candidates later this morning to work on forms, etc. Sooo much work to do in these remaining weeks. Yikes!
Love and hugs,
Diane.
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Wow Ann,
Scary stuff. I live in a mobile home that is in a condo assoc. We own our home and the land. Two homes burned down in the last 4 months. It takes 5 minutes for one to catch on fire and go down...so yes you are very lucky. Thank goodness. We are getting some amazing lighting strikes right now...scary stuff. however early today we went to a place called Wekiva island. It is a break in the Wekiva river the water is 72 degrees. Very dog friendly, and quiet. The people there are all old florida people. A huge open air bar, cabanas and the river. people kayaking by or in canoes or on paddle boards. really laid back. it is not a tourist are so us locals it is a nice quiet place to go.
My hubby, Daniel and Kiku.we only spent 2 hours there but I think it will be our go to place.
What a fantastic trip for your daughter ann. Any particular reason for eastern Europe? Just curious. My backyard neighbor is from Bulgaria. he was a circus performer. He now drives a semi. He is a fascinating person to talk to. I told him about all of us and he asked how everyone was doing. Sweet guy.
Trying to figure out how to upload a pic. my best friend became a grand mother a few hours ago. baby, Cody Lee Smith weighed in at only 5.3oz. he is ok but in baby ICU for observation. Life goes on, yes?
Laurie...nipple origami? sounds very artistic. Sometimes the on the spot decisions are the best. I know your approach to recon was different, mine too. Everything is ok though. My own nips are rather roughish. (sp) they will behave and then have a mind of their own whenever they want. So, I just wear patterned tops when I go out. no one knows I am braless...and I revel in not wearing one anymore. So comfy.
ok I will try and figure out how to post the pic of little Cody
love to all
Eve
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Wow! So much going on!! Glad you're okay Ann! You have an angel watching over you!
Diane - I LOVE your philosophy of helping others and paying in forward in very simple ways. It may not seem like much at the time, but it really means a lot when you can help those who really need it. My mother would SOOOO approve of that.
Hi Michelle! Glad to hear things are going well. I think I wouldn't mind some attention for a change, but I get what you mean.
Congrats Laurie - sounds like you're gonna like the final result. Keep us posted!
Anne - it sounds like where ever you go, you are surrounded by a caring, loving family. Wonderful!
I can't spend much time here...gotta do laundry and get packed for next week when my brother and nephew visit. Also, we kind of have a family crisis going on.... Some of us are thinking that the facility where we chose to move mom was a mistake. They seem very inexperienced and unresponsive towards our concerns and requests for really basic things. It's making it much harder on mom than it has to be. I'm trying not to get too stressed about it all, but that's pretty tough not to do. Also I don't trust my judgement anymore since my older brother and I were the ones who picked this place. I'm glad in a way that I live some distance away and my brothers are taking the brunt of it, but we plan to have a family conference and see if we can figure out what to do. Wish that things were different, but we may end up moving her .... not sure where yet. I'll keep you all posted.
DH and I had a wonderful weekend swimming, paddleboating and kayaking
Take care all!
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Hang in there Mary, and don't beat yourself up about your choice. Just like a job interview, they all put on a good face and you just never know until you try. You will figure it out, because you all love your mom. Hugs to you.
Eve - that looks like so much fun! Here's my boy, who floated around my friends' swimming pool on the 4th and had the time of his life playing with the men at the party, while I lounged in the shade sipping a margarita. They were so darned funny...3 grown men and an 11 yr. old having water gun fights and doing cannonballs together.
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Eve, your old Florida find sounds just up my alley. My parents have been snow birds forever and my grandparents before them and they love the local finds and showing them to us. Hope you don't get too much of a storm tonight. It is that time of year and I always worry about the tropical storms and hurricanes with you southern gals. My job also makes me keep on top of what the weather is doing and in my industry hurricane season is generally worse than snow season. I hope to retire in the winters to Florida in the not so distant future. My DH is 60 and I want to spend quality time together and even if I am a Michigander snow is not in my future retirement plans! You can come and enjoy the beautiful Michigan summers with me!
In answer to your question on how Hannah picked Eastern Europe it was a fluke. One of her fave high school teachers was a history teacher who is affiliated with this tour group. Meh asked how many students were interested and mine was. Not surprised. Her dad is a history buff and they spend hours watching the history channel together . We told her if she had to contribute towards the trip and pay her incidentals. That is what prompted her job at the mall last year. She matured so much since then. The group Arrived Poland today. Auschwitz is on the agenda. She did some research before and I visited Dachau concentration camp many years ago so I think she is as prepared as she can be. It will be a sobering experience for her especially because my DH / her dad's family originated from Poland and not far from krakow. I wish I was traveling with her now...it is one of my passions and why I loved my job. Until this year I took 4-6 international trips per year. Staying in one state for so long is driving me crazy!
Diane, saw your other post. Thank you, but, geez, I haven't kicked or punched anything in almost two weeks! My weekly chemo is now on Tuesdays which is my mt day. I am just not up for it that night or the day following. Will check out Thursday. I am so proud of you sparring. I didn't realize you had to break boards after that. You are my hero! Show a pic of your broken boards! Ps. You son is such a cutie pie!
Mary, I know several people that had to shop around for the right spit for their ailing parent. Your mom in her heart knows you and your brother have her best interests in mind even if she can't express it to you?
Have any of you watched the movie August: Osage county? It's the one with Meryl Streep and Julie Roberts? Phenomenal cast and acting. Very dark movie about dysfunctional families but worthy of watching. One great line: if everyone knew what the future held, no one would get up in the morning. I think we have all been there.
I woke up in that dark space today but it is getting better by the hour. Wishing you all a great week.
Love you!
Ann
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thank you all for the great advice on how to support my friend. I have forgotten what an incredible support system this site is. God bless you all!
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LOL...It's a deal Ann. I'll take pics of my broken boards and my brick, which is the last thing I break (with my fist)...hopefully!
I'm remembering a day when you did make it to class, despite having chemo the day before and thinking you must be made of steel. I hope Thursday works out, but MT will always be there when your energy returns, so it really is just for you. I know you know what I mean.Eve - Made some chicken tenders tonight, just mixing up a curry spice rub with olive oil and the tenders, and grilling them in my new cast iron grill pan. Delicious, fairly low cal (after I hit them with paper towels) and such a lovely smell in my kitchen. Yum!
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Ann, that is such a great opportunity for your daughter! Can I ask what kind of work you do?
The other Anne - you mentioned that you have swelling and pain under your arms and on your chest. Have you seen a lymphedema specialist? I just found out I have stage 0 lymphedema. My LE therapist recommended a compression camisole. I've recently started wearing it at night which really helps the underarm area. My LE therapist said that the bra bands on sports bras are sometimes too restrictive for lyphm flow. Anyway, I'm not sure if I have LE under my armpit area, but the camisole is much more comfortable. You can buy inexpensive shapers just about anywhere. I know...last thing you want to wear in summer, right?
What do your docs say about it?
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Wow, Diane, breaking a brick with your fist! You are one fierce Warrior. You go, girl!
Good news flash....last night for the first time mom did not ask to go home. She asked my brother if this was all hers - meaning her apartment - and when my brother yes, it's all yours, it's paid for and everything - she said, "Good. I like it."
YAAYYYY!!!!! WHOOOHOOOO!
That may change, depending on the day, but I'm taking it as a HUGE victory and step in the right direction!
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That is wonderful Mary. Maybe she's turning the corner!
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Mary, that is wonderful news on your mom! Keeping fingers crossed it continues. You asked about my job. I work for a large manufacturing company that is global and I am fortunate to have a global management position. There is staff in many countries around the world and I try to visit the major ones. When I can't , video conferencing helps so I can see their faces on a tv screen.
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Mary- that is great news about your Mom. Of course, her opinion will go back and forth, which is normal in any new situation, but it sounds like she is starting to adjust. Hang in there- you and your brothers have only your mother's best interest motivating you, so you will do right by her, whatever you do.
Also, I have mentioned the swelling to all three of my Drs and none seemed to think it was anything to be concerned about. I do have LE in my right arm and have a compression glove and sleeve, which I don't wear every day, because they are so hot. I have ordered a "softer" one, whatever that means, so we will see if that helps. I think the BS left extra skin in case I want recon, which I am becoming more and more convinced that I do not want. I saw my RO last week and she said I could start to wear the regular bras with the prosthesis whenever I want, so I will try them and see what happens. I am sure all the traveling I've done in the last month hasn't helped. I am settled in Fl for at least a month to six weeks, so I am hoping hat helps. Of course, being in Fl means that my LE therapist is not here. But the mother of my grandson's friend is an LE therapist. And she checked me out just before my trip last week. As far as camisoles, I looked at Walmart and the ones I saw had no support for the boob area at all. The support started right below that. I will have to look online and see if I can find anything - but it will have to be pretty light for me to wear daily on the So.Fl heat.
Anne
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busy, busy, busy,
love all the posts.
Mary, sigh of relief for you. Mom sounds like she is settling in, Bravo!
Diane, a brick? really? boards? ha! fabulous dahling. David looks so happy, he really is a cute kid.
Ann, loved August....I guess if we are never in the dark we wouldn't appreciate the light.
Well, I woke up in the dark, ha ha, only because it was so early. 3 texts came over on my phone. Alerts from my bank letting me know some goon was using my ATM card. 4 fraudulent charges all for 49.95. Had to deal with that, turns out the bank had already refunded the money...Impressive. The perps had been doing this for 3 days, all over the country. They have slithered back into the woods, but keep an eye on your bank accounts. It is weird because I rarely use that card. I had to go and change all of my passwords
what a pain.Then my son called from Okinawa. They are about to get slammed by a super typhoon, a cat 5. Ahhhhhh! Thankfully, especially on the bases, the buildings are built to withstand these typhoons...but still. The bases are placed on lock down so everyone has Tuesday and Wednesday off (their time). They promised to call tomorrow, so waiting for that all clear.
My friend who's son and girlfriend had a baby yesterday, are not doing so well this morning. baby is in NICU for a month. His little lungs are full of fluid so they will be going home today without him. So hard. Pray for that little guy. His name is Cody or monkeybutt for fun.
I am tired all ready. lol
oh well, sitting here isn't getting the laundry done.
love you ladies
Eve
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Anne, I know what you mean about the camisoles. When you do find one that has a bra fit sometimes they are so uncomfortable. Sports bras are too tight for me and some of those internal stitches keep poking out making those and a real bra painful. I wear one of those over the head pull on things. You see 'em on TV but I got mine at Soma's, a lingerie shop. I love them. They are soft and you can easily slip in a prosthesis if you want. We used to call that a "falsie" as teenagers!Diane, often I'd like to hit something but not like you do! You impress me with your skills.
Mary, great news with your sweet mom. I questioned every day if our place was the right place for her. There will always be a detail at any place you pick that you will not like. You have to stay involved every day. Ask your brothers to keep a journal so they can meet with the administrator and social worker there once a month to review concerns. We did that and sometimes even brought our mom in on our discussions. Most of the times though we didn't cause then she'd threaten them with us when she did something wrong, which she did a lot. You hang in there girl.
Eve, I hope all is okay with your son and that horrible typhoon. It seems Japan has been hit more than usual with this type weather in the last few years. I'm sorry about your friend's baby. It is worse when you see a little one sick.
I see my PS today. Thank goodness. I have a stitch that is keeping me from working my arm and it is on the boob he reduced! It looks worse than the BC boob. I am not happy with it at all but I will not have another surgery just for cosmetic but it would be nice if he could move some fat around to help. The skin is really pulling underneath when I lift my arm...chit. I'm really thinking about not doing a nip and tattoo on the other. I read on the reconstruction thread that sometimes they turn out too big. Sure don't want that and now I'm worried that won't match the other one. Geez.
Like Eve, gotta get started on this laundry! Have a good day everyone!
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If you have a minute google typhoon neoguri. It is huge.
really huge. just nuts. say a little prayer for Steven and Koi.
thanks
eve
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You are all so awesome - thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate more than you know.
Hang on Eve...that typhoon is something else. Wow. When it rains, it pours!
I'm going out of town tomorrow and will be spending time with my brothers and nephew. All guys!!! I'm sooo outnumbered! Oh well, I'm used to it by now.
It's gonna be hard for them to see mom. They haven't seen her for over 2 years. This may set her back...not sure. We're going to try to keep our visits short and sweet. At least that's the plan...
We'll be doing the Mall of America, Valleyfair, bike riding and other fun things this week. Let's see if I remember how.....to have fun, that is!
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Eve, let's all hope that typhoon changed direction and fizzles out in the ocean! 3 years ago I was in on a trip to Shanghai, Seoul And Tokyo. I made it to Seoul and a typhoon waylaid me in S. Korea a few extra days and I only got to japan for 24 hours before my flight home. The good news is that this region of the world knows what to do during these large tropical weather challenges and it is not unusual for them to change direction on a dime. Prayers headed to Stephen and koi
Mary, go shop til you drop!
Diane, you helped make me accountable. I walked 2.1 miles to the high school football stadium and walked mostly, jogged a little and did a few stairs for about 30 min and added some abs, tricep dips and modified push ups then walked home.. No punching or kicking but something! Need you to keep me going! Taxol tomorrow so a short walk at least is in order. My Muay Thai class is on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday so will be sporadic the rest of the week. Count down to august for you! Woot woot!
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So glad to read how well everyone is doing! Boys are keeping me busy. Just had my permanent exchange and I am so glad to be squishy again!!!!
How long did it until most could do regular exercise? My PS said about 6 weeks. Ugh!! Nips and tattoos are up next and can't wait to look somewhat normal. Whatever the new normal maybe! Lol
Y'all are in my prayers each day and that we live life to the fullest!!!!!
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Hi JoAnn! Congrats on being squishy again. I went back to exercising after 3 weeks, but it might have been longer if he had done the fat grafting at the same time. Maybe yours will allow light exercise sooner?
Mary - thanks for your kind words. It made me smile to hear that your mom would approve.
Eve - how are Steven and Koi doing? Funny...I did 3 loads of laundry on Sunday too. I think we must have been folding stuff together.
Ann - You go girl! I can only imagine how awesome you will be when you finish with chemo and are back to full power! Look out world!
Felt really good tonight. No pain in my hip for the first time in literally months, thanks to that fantastic cortisone shot! I left class with a big fat grin on my face. Please let this last until testing!!!
Thinking of all of my beautiful sisters and wishing you all a great night's sleep and a wonderful Wednesday!
Diane.
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