Exchange City

Rebecca--so sorry to hear about what's going on with you!!  I will be praying God comforts and heals you.  Praying the antibiotics do their job.  There will be another run!  Hang in there and get well!

Rebecca,

So sorry to hear about your infection.  Three weeks after my mastectomy, I developed a bad staph infection and was in the hospital for 5 days on IV antiobiotics - and then I had to continue the IV antiobiotics at home, but it was too difficult so they switched me to oral antibiotics for the last 5 days of treatment.  I was afraid they were going to have to remove my TEs at the time - luckily they didn't.  I understand what you are going through.  Hopefully, the antibiotics are working and you have started feeling better.  How are you feeling?  I'm having my exchange surgery this Wednesday (11/10) and am very nervous about getting another infection.  Hopefully, things will go smoother this time.  My prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery.

Lisa

You sound pretty normal to me. That's why we come here - to let off some steam. After my botched up reconstruction, I did see a counselor. She helped me put things in perspective. Maybe this could help? After going through the mastectomy, you will find that this surgery is much easier. Think of it - by the new year, you will be on your way to normal again. Get through these next few days - put yourself first and deal with your daughter on the 13th

gunner so sorry to hear you're having a rough time!!  How did you handle your anesthesia when you had your mast?  Did you have trouble with it?  It's a much shorter surgery than the mastectomy.  Only about 2 hours.  And much less invasive, although you might have a lot more bruising.  I will say this, you will not look "even" at first.  DO NOT FREAK OUT!!  So much changes over several months time.  Your pecs will be tight and it takes time for them to relax and stretch. Things can always be addressed down the road if need be. Have you called your dr. to see if he/she can give you something for your nerves? Hang in there!  I'm praying for you right now!  And I know it's not funny to you, but I had to laugh about your daughter.   I've never heard of anyone getting an F in clay, either.  She's got some 'splainin' to do.....  At least it can't get any worse. :-/

Lisa--praying your surgery goes well, too. At least it's no where near as long and invasive as the mast. and TE's.  Can they give you an antibiotic a couple days before surgery?  Seems to me if someone has had problems in the past, they would try to build you up before hand.  I know I had an antibiotic I had to take for a week after coming home from the hospital.  Praying things go better for you this time around.

So excitied for you both, yippee squishee time!!  It'll feel so good!  Just remember they take a while to settle down!!!  All the best to you both.

Rebecca -- hope you are doing better and the antibiotics are working to rid your body of that infection. 

Everyone who gets nervous before surgery -- you are SO normal.  I was a complete nervous mess before every one of my surgeries.  It didn't help this time when the hospital admitting office called the day before to inquire if I had a living will or advance directive!!! 

My incision continues to bleed slowly, but the blood makes its way through the bandages and gauze pads, so I've been pinning a clean wash cloth inside my sports bra (on top of the bandages) to catch the extra in between changes.  It's a messy deal, but guess it won't go on forever.  Anybody remember having this problem?  It's a first for me after 6 surgeries. 

Have a wonderful day.

gunner:  If it's any consolation, I work in an artistic field but I can't do anything with clay except make a mess!!  I am lucky if I can get an ashtray out of it.  Your daughter is probably responding to your surgeries, procedures and also your fears and stress.  I would let her teachers know what you are going through in private so that maybe they can take a bit extra time and care with her.  It's scary for children to have their parents go through this!  And you are normal!  I was freaking out before my surgery.  I bought a "prepare for surgery, heal faster" CD by Peggy Huddleston.  It put me in a deep meditation using visualization.  Now this sort of thing doesn't usually do anything for me, however, the night before my MX and my Exchange, I listened to it in bed over and over with headphones on and it really helped.  Good luck with your exchange--you are going to be just fine!

Adnerb:  Look at you!!!

Rebecca - so glad you are hopefully on your way to recovery!!

 Gunner - I think everyone gets nervous nervous before surgery.  I have some xanax reserved for that.  My doctor understands and lets me take one in the morning before surgery as I get so anxious.  You will be ok.  Good luck.

Brenda.. that was so nice. You are a doll.

gunner:  You need to get the anesthesiologist on board with your issues....let him/her know about your complications and ask what they can do to fix this. If you tend to wake up in pain, let them know so that they can medicate you properly.  The exchange, for the mass majority of us, is a cake walk in comparison to the MX.  But most of us veterans do remember being more emotional and had more impressions of true DREAD before the exchange than we did before the MX.  Only rarely do women need drains with the exchange, which is to state that a few needed them, but most of us did not.  Your daughter will not be grossed out. 

I have to say you have kept your sense of humor because reading about your dogs tearing up the house was pretty amusing.  I had to go through and find your previous post though, because I could not fathom at all what you meant when you said your daughter was "slunking clay."  I thought maybe she was heaving clay for a job or something.  These little typos can get us into trouble....

You will do FINE!  Just hang in there!!!!

 ADNERB:  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DID FOR OUR REBECCA!

Gunner here: I am feeling more alive after all the encouraging post. Eating all my favorite food. Laundy bdonecheck, bed linen changed check, food stocked check. Hope the babyhouseitter how up.Are we happy  after our exchange i felt really tight after mastect like a heavy weight. Can't hower for awhile. I am looking forward to going back to work.Anyone take antibiotics Elizabeth

Maria_8 I can not tell you how I felt when I read the post from Brenda. I have  not felt that special in a long time. I think I am so lucky to have found this site.

I am feeling much better. 

 The feeling is still there in the left breast it makes me feel like there is hope. Has anyone else felt this before?

Rebecca

I would pad it and make sure to keep the area clean. Make sure you are washing your hands every time you  care for the area. That will help prevent further infection.

Rebecca

Ladies -- I was away for the weekend and Oh My 3 pages of posts!  So forgive me if I miss someone.

Rebecca -- glad you are on the mend!  Oh and that cold nipple feeling... I have heard others speak of this.  It's kinda like a phantom limb syndrome.  So glad you have more feeling though!

Brenda -- you are such an angel... love what you did for Rebecca on your walk.

Gunner -- you already had great advice; I must say I was numb when I had the MX and far more nervous about the exchange/lift/reduction I had (I'm a uni); I think the exchange is more nerve-wracking because we focus on looking good (rather than on ridding our bodies of cancer).

Kew -- woo hoo on the revision surgery! 

Bonnie -- the gap could be from a stitch coming loose. (Or, if you had glue instead of stitches, well then it's just needing to be tended to).  Good plan to call the doctor tomorrow and yeah, what Rebecca said until then   How are you feeling otherwise?

Claire -- waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!  I am so proud right now and of course delighted for you