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  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Posts: 247
    edited April 2010

    Good luck Altiman, Medeza and Juliempw!!!!

  • kittycat
    kittycat Posts: 1,155
    edited April 2010

    So, I saw the GYN onco today.  She highly recommended that I get a full hysterectomy (I have an ovarian cyst that's about 4.5 cm wide).  Mainly it's because I have the BRCA1 mutuation.  She said the chances of ovarian cancer could be as high as 60% for BRCA1.  I don't have children and wasn't sure if I wanted kids (I had 2 miscarraiges a long time ago).  Basically, I have to decide to sh*t or get off the pot.  Ugghh.... 

    I called my hubby.  He is a great guy, but I feel like I've been this big downer these days.  First with the while BMX and now this.  He asked me about the recovery time and when I could ride an ATV after having a hysterectomy (men are so strange sometimes - LOL).  That was the furthest thing from my mind.    I was haivng thoughts of hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain (and the whole childbearing thing be a finality).  Yuck.   I was pretty upset when I got home.  Now I'm thinking about having some wine! 

  • kittycat
    kittycat Posts: 1,155
    edited April 2010

    Now I'll probably go back to the whole insomnia thing and I was just getting some sleep!  Oh, and I have to go to dinner with my hubby's cousin and her fiance tonight.  I'm really not in the mood.  Yes, I need wine!!!

  • navymom
    navymom Posts: 842
    edited April 2010

    jenweg....my onc said to wait at least 1 month post chemo for exchange. I waited 3 months.  No regrets.  Good luck to you.  Even though waiting for results is like torture, it is the only way to be able to move forward.  It is the NOT knowing that is so miserable.  Once you know what you are dealing with, you can do your homework and get on it.

    Best regards to everyone having surgery this week.  I will be 4 weeks post exchange on Thursday.  Saw my PS today and have the go ahead to increase activity.  Also OK to wear underwires during the day and braless at night if I want to.  So far I am very happy with my new girls. Natrelle 45   650cc silicone.  Yippee Squishy!!! 

    Navy

  • juliempw
    juliempw Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Kittycat, He wasn't worried about the ATV, he figured if you can ride that then you can do other things as well.  Men are not strange, they are predictable!  :-)  Now seriously, you are not a downer, you've been through a lot and so has he, you didn't cause this and any man with decent logic knows that.  This is a huge decision and something about doing it even when you didn't plan on having kids makes it no longer your choice to not have kids and that's hard to get a handle on.  Enjoy your wine tonight!  

    Julie 

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Posts: 727
    edited April 2010

    jenweg:  The exchange is considered major surgery, so I doubt that you will be allowed to have it done while on chemo.  I had my fills while on chemo, and that was not so bad.

    Kittycat:  Hope you had your wine, and that you feel a little better. 

    Brenda 

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Posts: 351
    edited April 2010

    Ladies..thanks for your well wishes!  I have to say though since yesterday I have had a runny nose & today it was totally clogged!  URRR!!!  I called the surgery center & was told to come in anyway & see what the anesthesiologist thinks..it's his "call".  Oh great!!!  Yell

    We will see tomorrow I suppose!  Take care to all the rest having surgeries tomorrow!  I hope I will be joining you all too! 

    NAE

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2010
    kittycat:  Pm'd you...
  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Posts: 223
    edited April 2010

    Kittycat, I'm sorry you are having to make such a difficult decision and I am sending lots of warm wishes your way.  May your wine be delicious (and strong) and your nights restful. 

    NAE, I hope you get to have your surgery tomorrow!

  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Posts: 139
    edited April 2010

    Morning all,

    Kittycat have you thought about reserving a few eggs, even if you never use them, you know that you have an option (through surrogacy)...I don't mean to offend anyone with this thought..it's just an option considered by some women facing life choices.

    Tintam thank you so much for all the new postings and thanks to all the ladies that are sharing their photos.....such a huge help to us all. 

    Strength and healing,

    Laura 

  • kerkle
    kerkle Posts: 37
    edited April 2010

    HI! Its been many months sinced I've posted here, but I have been reading along all winter - so many strong, courageous and amazing women here! I am scheduled for my exchange surgery on Monday (I am from Quebec and was too nervous to post my date since things here can change hours before. They already switched my date once and then put it back, so until I'm on the table and asleep I wont be too excited.). I am in that "300 or less club"! I am filled to 265cc's and I am sure I will not have 300's or more put in. I did ask for the High Profile because of all my reading and knowledge from whippetmom and my PS was impressed and thought those were a great idea (he had not ordered them originally and had to make a new order!) so, get informed!! I am also having a complete hysterectomy at the same time - more nervous about this than anything. I will even have an Estrogen patch (very small amounts) and we will see how this goes.

    What is Smooth Moove? I am worried about being constipated. Also, I have to do a bowel cleanse pre surgery and worried about not being hydrated...

  • pbebow
    pbebow Posts: 110
    edited April 2010

    Kittycat:  So sorry to hear about your hard decision, I hope the wine helped.  When I read your post it reminded me of a funny email I received that I love, so thought I would share...

     The Hormone Guide

    Women will understand this and the men should memorize it!

    Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life into his own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

    About dinner:

    DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
    SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
    SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
    ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

    About clothes:

    DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
    SAFER: Wow, you sure look good in brown!
    SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
    ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine

    About money:

    DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
    SAFER: Could we be overreacting?
    SAFEST: Here's my paycheck.
    ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

    About food - dieting:

    DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?

    SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
    SAFEST: Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?
    ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

    About her day:

    DANGEROUS: What did you DO all day?
    SAFER: I hope you didn't over-do it today.
    SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
    ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

    13 things PMS (Premenstrual Syndrom) really stands for:

    1. Pass My Shotgun
    2. Psychotic Mood Shift
    3. Perpetual Munching Spree
    4. Puffy Mid-Section
    5. People Make me Sick
    6. Provide Me with Sweets
    7. Pardon My Sobbing
    8. Pimples May Surface
    9. Pass My Sweat pants
    10. Pissy Mood Syndrome
    11. Plainly; Men Suck
    12. Pack My Stuff

    and my favorite one,

    13. Potential Murder Suspect

    Pass this on to all of your hormonal friends and those who might need a good laugh! ...Or men who need a warning.

    And remember: Money talks .... but Chocolate SINGS!!!

  • maggie66
    maggie66 Posts: 71
    edited April 2010

    Kerkle, Smooth Move is an herbal tea with senna, which is a natural laxative stimulant. I got it at Whole Foods and our local equivalent. It really helped with the constipating effects of painkillers. Before your surgery (up until the cut-off point), drink as much water as you can. After the surgery, keep drinking! I had a hard time with straight water after, so I made cranberry juice/seltzer spritzers and drank them a lot. My appetite really goes out the window with anesthesia and nerves, so at least I was getting some calories/sugar. Maggie

  • maggie66
    maggie66 Posts: 71
    edited April 2010

    Paula, my skin sometimes got shiny/reddish before my exchange (even after for a little). It seemed to have to do with skin stretching and my pecs being used again and flexing. My skin was so tight that it didn't take much to make it feel tighter. I do think it's a great idea to get worries checked out. I love, love, love the nurse in the PS office and she always makes me feel welcome. On Monday I could feel some internal stitches poking out from my nips surgery. I called her and she worked me in when I could get there. She fixed it and I was out within a few minutes.

    One big realization I've had since that visit is that I've got to adjust to a new version of normal. I keep having this end date in my head (and in my head the nipples were over -- CHECK!). With this rigidity, all exceptions upset me ... so I've got to shift to the idea that there will be adjustments, unexplained stuff, worries, more check-ups and I've got to find a way to embrace this new normal. It's as if I thought I could return to my former life completely because reconstruction was almost over. My counselor helped me with this; it's great to have the support. I can't tell you how helpful it's been to see her. She's reiterated how many women she sees AFTER treatment when it all sinks in...

  • kerkle
    kerkle Posts: 37
    edited April 2010

    Thank you Maggie! I will run out to Whole Foods and get that tea. i also love the cranberry juice/sprtizer coctail!!

  • Katey
    Katey Posts: 496
    edited April 2010

    Paula, funny!  Here's to wine! 

    Kittycat, I'm so sorry that you have to deal with more.  More wine and sleepaids, just not at the same time!!  Love what Julie said, she has a wonderful way with words!  And her new nips will be just as lovely!!

    Jan, yes to getting the drains removed!!  Happy results are great to hear!

    Nae, hope those sniffles are gone and your surgery is on!!

    Jenni, I had 6 months of chemo and had my single exchange during it. This is strange but I cannot remember a single thing about the exchange, it was in '90, but still, all I remember is telling  my PS how I wanted it done with, then I remember finally finishing chemo and my husband bringing home a bottle of dom perignon, which I couldn't drink (that day;)!  I don't know how long I was in hospital (MSK) or anything about first exchange recovery!  One big blur! Looking at situation today, I would think waiting till after chemo might be better!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2010

    JOYCE!!! I just NEW it ! WONDERFUL! I have this little wahoooooooooo in my belly for you...:)

    Kitty... sweety... Lordy... when it rains.... I too feel like such a debbie downer all the time to my dh too... It is amazing these men deal. ( I sure liked the ATV comment).. You will do the right thing for you. I am sure others have told you this, but you can harvest your eggs prior. ((( hugs to you))) and I am sorry!

    All rads girls who have had exchange ( implant only) I want you to know I pray for all of us daily!

  • pbebow
    pbebow Posts: 110
    edited April 2010

    Maggie66, thanks for your input.  I know that my skin is stretched pretty good and like I said it is always kind of shiney.  But I am just so paranoid now... I keep going in the bathroom and looking at them.  Right after my shower the left one did look a little pinker then the right one, but I honestly don't know if it has always been like that of if it's different now.  The rash is still there although I don't know if it's any worse...  my DH is of no help, he doens't see anything.  I have had a couple ladies PM saying it could be fungal or yeast and if that's the case then I need a special cream for that...  My PS is an hour away, I keep thinking maybe I should just go to my family doctor and have him look at it, but he doesn't know anything about TE's, but he does know skin and rashes.... I just don't know, I think I might call my mommy!

  • kittycat
    kittycat Posts: 1,155
    edited April 2010

    Thanks for the kind words everyone!  I never thought this would be such an emotional decision.  It brings back a lot of the emotional pain from my miscarraiges.  I talked to my husband last night.  I told him we need to make a decision.  He goes, "Right now?"  He's funny and very supportive.  He kept telling me that he'll be here for me no matter what and can take care of me if I have surgery.  He was very good with my BMX.  Both of us are unsure if we want to have kids.  I'm 40 and he's 38.  He said if we had a child now, we'd be 60 when he/she was 20.  We're both going to see my OBGYN this Friday, so we'll see what she says.

  • juliempw
    juliempw Posts: 191
    edited April 2010

    Paula, Calling mommy is always a good place to start.  It can't hurt to see your PCP, he can at least look at it and communicate with your PS if he's concerned and they can figure it out together. At a minimum, I think you need to be seen for peace of mind.  

    Katey, Thanks for the sweet comment!

    Maggie, I completely agree with all you said about learning to accept adjustment.  I used to work with Autistic children a lot and I always joke that I kind of took on some of the traits (or I loved working with them because I was naturally in tuned to how they think), I can't stand to have my world out of whack!!  It drives me crazy if things are not as I planned, I suppose this is all a lesson in change and growth.

    kittycat, My heart goes out to you.  I think it may be a good idea to see a family planning person or just go in for a consult to see what freezing eggs would involve, go with an open mind just to get information and then make your decision based on your thoughts and the information you get. 

    Julie 

  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Posts: 24
    edited April 2010

    Hi all!  I've been lurking for a while but haven't posted.  I am now (finally!) awaiting a date for my exchange surgery once we get insurance in place and am hoping it will be in the next month.

    About the last set of fills ... I've done pretty well with my fills so far, but the last one seems to have been the worst.  Is it just because I'm pretty near "full capacity" as my DH likes to say LOL?  Or maybe due to the healing nerves?  Just wondering since I've had a lot more soreness and now some burning/needling sort of feeling (no redness though so not really concerned about infection ... too much).

    Your posts on this thread have been a lifeline of sorts for me through this process, so THANK YOU!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2010

    Welcome Mirbelle...your lurking days are over!

    For many, the last two fills are the most bothersome.  I do vaguely recall having the "shooting-pains" sensation for a few days after my final fill.  But it resolved and I actually lamented having to give up my TEs...Wink

  • ronqt1
    ronqt1 Posts: 565
    edited April 2010

    Hi Nedeza, Just writing to wish you well and hope you nose is well too!!

    Love and Hugs,

  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Posts: 24
    edited April 2010

    Got date for exchange!  April 28, exactly 3 weeks from today - YAYYYY!  I will be so glad to get these hard rocks out! 

    A little nervous about the fact that it is in a surgery center and not the hospital this time, though.  Did anyone else have their exchange at an outpatient facility?

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Posts: 433
    edited April 2010

    Nedeza, I pm'd you.....JUDY

  • cs7777
    cs7777 Posts: 303
    edited April 2010

    Nedeza - hope you got your surgery and your nose wasn't a problem!! 

    kittycat - so sorry you're having to deal with the extra layer of issues on top of the BC/recon.  Sounds like you've got a supportive husband with a good sense of humor, so hopefully that helps you through.  Best wishes on working your way through the decisions about the ooph/hyst.

    Paula - I agree with juliemp, why don't you have your local physician take a look so you can relax and not be stressed by the unknown.  this is what docs are for after all!! use them!!  And thanks for the hormone thing - I truly was laughing out loud at that one!!  I think I'll have some wine...

    Deborah - "lamented having to give up your TEs"????  totally LOL on that one!!!!!

    Happy humpday everyone...this forum is even more procrastination-enabling than facebook...must extract myself....

    cs

  • Janathan
    Janathan Posts: 80
    edited April 2010

    kittycat:  Sorry to hear all you're going through.  Wishing you the best in your decision-making.  Hopefully consulting with your OB/Gyn Friday will help you both in that process.

    kerkle:  My thoughts and prayers are with you...having to go through exchange and a total hysterectomy at the same time on Monday.  Best wishes for you.  I will definitely keep you in my prayers.  I'm also in the 300 club and went with high profile a week ago today.  My PS did a fantastic job, and so far all is well...hoping and praying I don't have any problems with the previously radiated left side.

    mirbelle:  Congrats on your exchange date!!  It's such a relief getting those rocks out!  I had my exchange last week at a surgical outpatient facility that was located within a hospital.  I was kept overnight and received great care by all.  Hope that helps ease your nerves a bit.  Best of luck to you.

    ~Jan

  • Katey
    Katey Posts: 496
    edited May 2010

    BRAS BRAS BRAS!!  page 417  Laughing

    Here are some that have been recommended by the beautiful women of EC.  Please let me know about any other suggestions or more details!  Maybe we can keep an updated list going!

    With te's: some wear none; chic shaper (online or some Walgreens)

    You don't need to go flat...at the same surgical store that sells mastectomy bras with prostheses... you can buy for $50 a camisole that has stuffed inserts.  As I had my fills, I reduced the amout of stuffing in the inserts.  When I had my left TE removed for infection, I just added all the stuffing back. For lots more ideas on using camisoles go to EC page 463 and look at the rest of Luna's post!

    Following exchange surgery:   the lovely velcro surgical bra;  front-zip sport bra;  Warners Elements of Bliss #1003;  Bella-Jane at Walgreens

    Suggestion - Buy a few different sizes before surgery and return what you don't need!

    Sleeping:  Bare Necessities Leading Lady or Glamorise;  Bali double support comfort U-back stretch cotton wirefree 3036

    Sports:  Lily of France Pro Shaper wire free sports bra;  Bare Necessity Bendon-MaxOut High Immpact underwire sports bra, Anita 5300x

    Wireless:  Warner element of bliss; Victoria Secret Angels;  Victoria Secret Body by Victoria Ipex (also great for disguising any uneveness); Calvin Klein wireless contour 12781;  Wacoal softcup countour 856167 awareness;  Victoria Secret cotton wireless, VS Naked Br; Rita, Ameona;   Lily of France Value in Style Light lift wire free push up;   Ambrielle Smooth Revolution Wireless at Penny's(comes in D)

    Underwire:   Natori;  Chantelle;  Playtex Secrets 4138;   http://www.herroom.com/Natori-136002-Underneath-Contour-Underwire-Racerback-Bra.shtml#6

    http://www.freshpair.com/Le-Mystere-Y-Bra-Contoured-Racerback-Bra-555.html
    Luniere (larger sizes);  Freya Pollyanna, Eleanor, Arabella;  Chantelle C-Chic

    These sports bras are designed for women with larger implants who need lift and separation of the implants after the exchange surgery.

    Freya Active Soft Cup Sports Bra: 
    The Enell wire-free sports bra - "Oprah's favorite" 
    Enell "Light" bra 
    Playtex Style 4422- Secrets-Full-Figure-Underwire-Bra

    Freya and Chantelle make some very pretty bras which encapsulate.  Yes, many of these bras have wires and there is no problem with higher end bras - expensive wired bras which have protective coverage over the wire. Here are some pretty Freya and Chantelle bras which come in larger band and cup sizes..

    Freya "Eleanor" Full coverage or full cup bra

    Freya "Celia" Underwire Full-Cup bra

    Freya "Lucy" Full Cup Underwire

    Chantelle-C-Chic-Underwire-Bra
     
    You can find the Freya and Chantelle bras at Nordstrom's and Dillards, and online through these two stores, as well as:

    www.barenecessities.com and www.herroom.com.

    Suggestion, have a professional fitting,  Nordstrom's staff is trained, Belk's has trained fitters;  or go to page 442 of EC for Val's great instructions on fit (3rd from bottom); Natori runs small in band, Freya runs large in band and small in cup and holds implant in place.

    After nip surgery:Bali 3413 concealer wirefree, 33495,136001,239495, chic shaper (walgreens or online)

    suggestion: nursing pads with center cut out

    (sorry about the extra gibberish on here, can't figure out how to delete it!)

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited April 2010

    Laura -- is that you with the dark hair and bangs in your new pic??? And is that your hubby???  You are so adorable!  (And so is he :) 

    Paula -- LOL on that thing about how to talk to a woman with PMS.  Wine!  So what does it mean if you STILL have days when you want to tear someone's head off (but are in chemopause)?

    Welcome to the new posters/recent delurkers!  Sorry I fell behind again (this thread moves fast) and did not note the names yet... but happy to see you all.

    Hope the surgeries this week have / will run smoothly.  Nedeza, hope the cold is not going to keep you away from the OR!

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Posts: 185
    edited April 2010

    Hi Guys!

       It has been a long time since I have written on these boards but I want you all to know that exactly one year, 10 days after my bilateral I did my first triathlon! :)  It was beautiful to cross that finish line.  Life is good!!!  My next surgery is for a revision.  One of my implants did not drop properly and the PS thinks it is scar tissue and I have some strange flaps of skin under my arm (I think from me being a DD going to a C cup.)  So, I am having that fixed and I told the doctor while I was under to go ahead and do some liposuction on my belly!!!  YAY!  I am actually looking forward to this surgery!!!  (I can see the finish line on the horizon)  Next up- nips and tats!!!  Miss you all and do check in now and then but just as a lurker!

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