Starting chemo February 2020
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do you have to we're a compression garment for the donor site?
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That's good to know. I'm back in pain since my right TE was filled yesterday.
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Yep, I have some foam under a compression wrap that I have to wear around my abdomen for a week. It's not too bad but it is bulky - so if you can, remember to wear pants with a very very elastic waist to the hospital, because they'll have to stretch over the bulk.
I did some reading on fat grafting and I guess a significant % will be reabsorbed by my body in the first few months. And yes, it can change as I gain/lose weight.
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I read about 80% of the fat transfered ia lost.
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thanks for the explanation on the fat grafting. I haven't spoken to my PS about it. I don't know if he plans to do it with the exchange or wait and see.
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I asked this in surgery form too but just wondering...
Back in July when I had surgery, I opted for a lumpectomy of my tumor in my right breast. Although the tumor was small, it had spread to my lymph nodes, I weighed the options and chose to have a reduction as well. As far as I expected, my right breast would have a reduction and tumor removed, and my left breast would have a reduction to match. I had very large breasts (40DD) and I couldn't imagine going through radiation and future mammograms with such large breasts. I'm glad I did because radiation was difficult enough with my new small breasts. However, since the moment I woke up from surgery, I have been confused about the whole thing.
The nurse in recovery referred to my surgery as a double mastectomy. After being in surgery all day, I freaked out when I heard that. I demanded to speak to my surgeon because I was so upset. They calmed me down and took my bandages off so I could see I still had breasts. They said the term was correct but I had breasts. They were much smaller than I had expected. It took a few weeks but I got over that. The surgeon said after radiation I can have additional surgery to increase the size through fat graft if I choose.
Fast forward to about 2 months later and I feel a lump in my breast. I speak to surgeon about it. They tell me that there is no breast tissue in either breast so that if I feel a lump at this point it will most likely be normal healing process. No breast tissue. Oh, and no need for mammograms either because there is no breast tissue in either breast.
So, it seems to me that I had a double mastectomy and the just spared my skin and nipples and used my own fat tissue. Isn't this much different than a lumpectomy and reduction?
I suppose it's mute at this point but I"m still pretty confused about it and my surgeons, both of them, don't seem to understand why.
Just wondering if anyone had a similar surgery.0 -
I'm confused reading what was done to you. I have no idea.
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i am massively confused on what they did to you because no need for mammograms and no breast tissue doesn't sound like what.you wanted and discussed.
I'm sorry it doesn't sound like they did what you wanted/expected.
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dysonsphere - it definitely sounds like you had a double mastectomy, if there is no breast tissue. But you don't have implants? I'm not sure what happened either, I'm sorry, I'd definitely ask exactly what procedure was done on you.
micdpowers - how's the healing from surgery?
For those that had radiation, how are you healing? My skin was no problem during radiation, but it's so tight now. I go to OT every week, and stretch and focus on range of motion exercises. My therapist said radiation is like the gift that keeps giving, the skin will continue to tighten up for months. If i don't stretch for a day or two, I lose alot of flexibility. My posture is bad, I think my shoulders looked more hunched over, so far now, I'm focusing on so much chest and trunk stretching.
Me and the family are moving back into our stay at home bubble. It's going to be a long winter, and I'll be in "active" treatment the entire time thanks to the Kadcyla, so we are planning to be home alot.
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dysonspere, Beesie posted quite a bit on your previous post regarding this. It's best to have only one topic in one place because it's clearer to everyone and they can help you more. Do go back and read her post. It's very thoughtful and informative.
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@dynosphere - I hope you get some clear answers.
Healing up from implant surgery well. It's been a week, so I can now live without the binder across my abdomen and its only slightly tender now. My breasts are practically fluorescent yellow from the bruising - with some purple mottling sprinkled in. I went in for an infusion on Tuesday and the nurse, while accessing my port, thought I had iodine spread all around. Nope.
I've looked at them a few more times now and I'm getting more used to the sight of them. At first I thought they looked huge and fat and I was a bit freaked, but now - whether from decreased swelling or just getting used to the new look - they look pretty good. I think part of it is just that any sudden change to your body is going to look a little shocking and very unnatural until you get used to it.
Today I got a surprise MyChart alert that new pathology testing results were in. They did not give me a heads-up that they would need to test anything they took off me, so I got a bit concerned. I figured it was probably just standard, but part of me was worried that they found something while they were in there. No, it's fine. The PS removes the long, narrow strip of skin of your mastectomy scar - so they can close up with some fresher skin - and they send that in for pathology.
It's eLearning for the remainder of the year for us now. Looking forward to a week off with my husband and kids, not going anywhere, just hanging around the house. Then we dive into the elearning for three weeks. I hope everyone finds a safe but still enjoyable way to spend the holiday.
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Is it normal for my platelet count to be high at this moment? It is the only thing that came out wrong on the blood test.
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Fab4mom- my skin was so tight and uncomfortable a month or two out. It’s gotten a little better, but like you I have to keep stretching it out or it gets tight. I almost argue that radiation was worse than chemo for me in terms of long lasting SEs.
Dysonsphere- I hope you get some answers!
MicD- it takes quite a while for the implants and skin to heal and settle. I find mine are finally just “normalizing” and it’s almost been a year! I hope you continue to recover well.
SE- I’m not sure exactly what high platelets mean? I’m sorry, I hope your treatment team can give you an answer!
I celebrated my 35th birthday this weekend at home with the family. Our governor has “paused” many things (restaurants, gyms, etc..not that I frequented those indoors much anyways). So there’s not much to do anyways! For thanksgiving we are just staying home and decided not to have anyone over. Just seems like the best option right now. Hope everyone is well and has a great thanksgiving!
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ajminn3, happy birthday
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happy birthday ajminn! We are also staying home and not having anyone over this Thanksgiving. I feel like the doctors and nurses are so overwhelmed, I can’t ignore their warnings. I’m trusting the professionals to treat my cancer, I’m going to trust them on advice about Covid risks too.
Lately I’m so hungry. I can’t tell if it’s normal seasonal hunger or if it’s the tamoxifen. I always feel like I gain weight this time of year, but man, lately I’m so hungry and eat way too much crap. I’m definitely gaining weight. I don’t want to stress too much, and my doctors aren’t worried, but it’s so hard to feel down on yourself for energy, skin etc. and then gain weight too. So, today I’m focusing on getting tons of water and making better snack decisions. Carrots, apples, skinny pop etc.
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Well, fallopian tubes and ovaries are out. I have missed feelings about this but it is what it is.
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ah laposcoptic that's good, quicker recovery. My cousin had that in February because of Uterine Cancer. She said the worst part was passing the gas.
Best of luck in your recovery.
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It was Robotic, I don't know if it is the same thing. I have no pain except for one between my neck and right shoulder. The nurse told me I might experience gas pain on my stomach and shoulder which makes no sense.
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i think it's the same but, not 100% sure. Yeah my cousin mentioned the gas pains in her stomach, I don't get the shoulder either.
ETA I Googled
Robotic surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery in the respect that they both use small incisions, a camera and surgical instruments. ... Compared to traditional surgery, robotic surgery provides your surgeon with a greater range of motion and precision, which may lead to less bleeding and post-operative pain.
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That explains why I have not bled yet lol. Thwy said the gas on the shoulder is because they filled my belly with air and it travels all around my body trying to get out.
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looks good SE, hopefully recovery is pretty easy crazy the things we do to ourse
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Hope everyone had a good holiday!!!!!!!!!!!!
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It was my 20 yrs. b-day so we went out to eat for that. I don't care for Thanksgiving.
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had a great Thanksgiving. It was just me and mom but, that was fine. I cooked a full meal with too much leftovers and had a nice relaxing day.
Put my Christmas decorations up yesterday now I'm just being lazy 😁
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We put our Christmas decorations on November 1st lol
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Is anyone doing Zometa infusions? I'm starting on 12/15. Tell me your side effects, advice, etc.
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I had a nice holiday with my family. We had mild weather and low key meal.
Went for my 4th Kadcyla today. Doctor was happy with my blood work and I’ve been feeling good. She keeps telling me that many people have side effects kick in on the 7th or 8th infusion. Hopefully not for me!
I can’t wait until Covid vaccines come out and life gets back to mormal0 -
I had a good thanksgiving. My husband is the cook of the house and made an awesome turkey. It’s a shame we didn’t host anyone, but I honestly didn’t mind it being quieter (or as quiet as it gets with 3 boys under 6).
My last HP infusion was a week later than originally scheduled due to me waiting on a covid test (coworker was positive). I had my MUGA scan today and it came back in the same range as last time, so that’s good. Right now I just continue to deal with dry eyes and weight gain (not a ton, but enough that I don’t like it...). I don’t feel like my eating/exercise habits have changed much, so I wonder if the early menopause/ovary suppression is contributing to that. Who knows. Guess I better exercise more or pay attention to what I eat.
SE- I have not been on zometa, so I’m not sure what you should expect from that! Hopefully the side effects are minimal!
Hope everyone is doing well. I’m sure for most of us our “cancerversary” is coming up. Mine is in a few days and I just can’t stop thinking about how awful this time of year was last year..
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@Fab4Mom - I had Neuropathy kick in with #7 but, added Glutamine back into my daily meds and it went away. Just got #8 on Monday and so far no SEs.
My Echo dropped from 55 to 45-50 but, they said was fine and gave me #8.
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AjMinn - big hugs for your cancerversasry. My diagnosis wasn’t until January, but I right up on the week I found my lump, so I still feel the trauma. I’ve been doubting my success lately and worrying more about recurrences. I’m also gaining weight and just look rounder in the middle I’m eating average, so I think the hormone changes have an effect
Mmorigan- so glad the glutamine worked. When do they worry for the echo drop? It’s good they are letting you continue. I’m probably due for another one soon, but my doctor hasn’t brought it up.
All good here, still going to therapy for my lymphedema and some chest/shoulder stuff. I have had some swelling of the breast under arm area that seems like lymphedema, so they told me to wear more compression shirts and bras. I’m hoping that this isn’t something I have my whole life. So far my arm is fine though, so it’s just a little annoying to feel swollen under there.
The board is getting quiet, seems like most people finished chemo and moved on, which I totally understand.
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