Exchange City

So, was looking through my breast cancer file to read my original path report from the bmx.  I came across my MRI pre BMX, which the radiologist put on disk!    Now, I'm looking to see if there was something that they might have missed???  The amount of breast tissue removed on the right is less than the left (right was bad side).  I'm really wondering what all was taken out and to get a 2nd opinion on all of this.  The only reason why I have all my old reports and films was because I got a 2nd opinion and changed BS's.  I'm still glad I left the 1st BS, but I'm really beginning to wonder about the 2nd.  Although, he came highly recommended by my PS and OBGYN. 

(((((Kitty))))) - I haven't been on since yesterday morning and am so very saddened by your news.......you have a beautiful spirit, though, and that will get you through this next journey with bc....plus we're all here for you, too.....doing the Komen walk today was probably exactly what you needed.....if yours was anything like mine was last weekend, it was a wonderful life-affirming experience.  I'll continue to pray for you, sweetie!

Gosh.....if this can happen to Kitty who had DCIS, what about us girls with invasive BC?........damn scary.........

Susie - I second Julie's advice - don't take anything off unless your ps has told you to.  If the tape under your bra is like mine - though I didn't have a surgical bra, just a big old wrap of wide foam tape - it's mimicking an underwire to definie your IMF and provide some support to the implants.  You definitely want to keep that in place as long as your ps wants.   The surgical bra is tight for a reason, though I know it's pretty darn uncomfortable.  It's hard, but try to be patient......in a week or so you'll probably be able to get a good fitting and be in a real bra......and get to really enjoy the softness!

Kitty, just got on and saw your news. I'm pulling for you and visualizing you healthy and beautiful. My good friend who has also walked this path with me has said she liked to think of her cancer cells as unruly adolescents up to stuff in the back seat, and that her job was to tell 'em what was what (she's a middle school teacher!). She stayed really focused on the fact that all but a few of all of the cells in her body were doing exactly what they were supposed to; it was just the few that needed some management. I'm sure you're filled with all sorts of emotions right now, but know so many of your sisters are sending light and love your way. Maggie

Just back from vacation in the wine country and thanking God for every day that I live and breathe!!

Kittycat ~ So sorry to hear your news.  You will be in my prayers.

A friend in San Diego died from lung cancer (45 years old) while we were gone and a nephew was put in hospice in Long Island (35 years old) also with lung cancer.

This disease brings out the "fight" in me.  It's effects are so heartbreaking . . . .

Colleen

Have shed my quota of tears for the week.  Whew!

So while away I discovered the most incredible nightgown in the world.  Was looking for something comfortable that would protect the nips during the night as I have always been a naked sleeper.  This is the best and I swear that you could wear it day and night.  Perhaps I will just throw it in my purse when heading for Vegas along with some sandals, clean undies and a necklace.

http://www.dreamsack.com/store/women/cleo-gown.html

You are the most incredible women that I have ever not met (yet)!!!  My heart is heavy tonight and full of love, hope and prayers for all of you!!!!!!!

Colleen

kittycat, big hugs and warm thoughts to you.  I am really so sorry to hear you have to get on the treatment path again.  Seems unbelievable, but I've been told that cells can remain after mx and if they are the bc cells a recurrence can occur.  But...there are many weapons awaiting you once you get more path details that will help you defeat bc.  I'm just sorry you have to go through this again.  THINK SURVIVOR.  Hugs, deekaay

Hugs to Kittycat

COLLEEN:

That dress/sack/nighty is EXACTLY what I like to wear around the house here... or throw on some flip/flops and run to the store.. I LOVE IT and LOVE the wider straps! I always get empire waist as it makes me look 5ft.1.....BAHHHHHHHHHHHH.. anyway...

can you see through this? Is it a little dress you could wear out and not see what type underwear you had on... ya know. I HATE wearing a slip... hate it. If it is thick enough.. it would not need one.

Let me know before I buy it. I truly love it! Thank you for turning us on to the site!

Laura

Morning all,

Been thinking about you Kitty...wishing for good things from your doctors this coming week.

I hope your having a good weekend Sally.....do something for yourself, something you love

Judy hope your getting better and better  

Colleen, I love the website....lots of nice things on there...the nighty is beautiful! I spotted some sleep shorts for $16.00....I usually sleep in pajama bottoms and tanks....but the softer and cuter the better Bamboo is such a wonderful product

For those that have already gone through the exchange I need a little feedback.  Last night I started getting some darting pains at the base of my right implant....and now this morning I'm getting zinged in the same place by the left implant.  This is where my ps lowered my breast pocket a wee bit during the exchange. Is this just normal to have little darting pans as the implants begin to drop....and fluff?  I'm not panicked just curious.  I also notice a small bubble about the size of a quarter under my right breast....it believe it is just a little fluid that would be a natural reaction to healing pocket work....does this all sound normal =o\  When I push in gently on the little bubble it disappears and then comes back in few moments....it isn't painful or growing in size.  I go see my ps for my one week follow up tomorrow morning

It's going to HOT in NY today....plan on taking it easy and spending some time in the shady back yard

Wishing all healing, peace and comfort....

Laura2 

Laura -- wtg on the weight loss!  I've struggled with it all my life (up and down 25 pounds) and yeah it does suck.  I lost 12 pounds on chemo and was so happy about that!  Now I've gained it back and feel a little defeated.  BUT am not giving up and am hoping I can lose the weight again.... chemopause and Herceptin notwithstanding.

Colleen -- CUTE nighty!   I thought I would echo that.

Kittycat -- fight fight fight!  You will beat this.  Hugs galore to you

Laura:  Congrats on the exercizing and weight loss!  You'll make it to  your goal. Afterall, getting through BC trreatment is a lot harder. 

Kittycat:  I'll say special prayers for you this week.

Kitty, I'm praying for your strength. You are a fighter, and you'll get through this too!

Laura2: I've had shooting pains now and then too. I think it's just part of the healing process.

I've got one tiny spot that's not healed totally from my last exchange surgery, on my radiated side. I'm just hoping that it's not going to stop me from getting tattoos this next week.

packergirl: So good to see you here.  Thank you for coming through for kittycat! 

Prayers and good vibes go out to our Kittycat...

Brenda 

Kittycat - my heart is breaking for you. It is so unbelievable that you have to face all this stuff over again. Hang in there and know we are all here for support. Sending gentle hugs your way.

KorynH - I had total numbness on both sides and entire back after my bilat exchange from TEs to saline implants. My PS told me that they put some kind of curved device under the side that they are working on to elevate and hyperextend that side and with bilat cases they use a curved pillow like thing that hyperextends the back for easier access. He says sometimes this causes temporary numbness do to compression of the nerves during the time it takes to perform the procedures. Stretching and flexeril finally have made it go away. I didn't really experience it the second go around with bigger implants and nips, etc. Maybe this is what has happened in your case.