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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Posts: 142
    edited March 2013

    I'm going with my BMX date. That is when I feel the cancer actually left my body!



    I'm impressed with all your exercising. I am so tired all the time that all I can do right now is walk. I may have to pull out my Jane Fonda tape! Did saying that just age me?

  • CMartin
    CMartin Posts: 237
    edited March 2013

    I'm so tight (beginning yoga Sat) I'm fearful of doing anything that affects the pects.

  • peanutsgal
    peanutsgal Posts: 64
    edited March 2013

    CMartin,



    It will feel very strange at first. I am still in TE and doing myofascial release therapy and you remember how tight those TE's are! Just in 4 visits my range of motion is almost in the normal range and even if it is short lived, I feel almost normal. She assures me that since I have come so far that after my exchange in April it will last for a longer length of time. She also incorporates yoga in her practice. I guess I really lucked up on her because the lady that teaches yoga is in school for massage therapy so sometimes I have one on one side and one on the other. I come out of that place feeling GOOOOOOOOD!!!!! Enjoy yoga tomorrow then come home and soak for awhile. Hope it helps ya!

  • blessings2011
    blessings2011 Posts: 1,801
    edited March 2013

    peanutsgal - I ADORE my Myofascial Release Massage Therapist. She's also a Certified LE Therapist. She got rid of some ugly fluid build-up that had been distorting Lefty for five months...it took her just five visits.

    Sometimes I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck after my MFR work, but dang - it sure helps!!! That vise grip around my chest is GONE! 

    What's awesome about MFR, is that it's pretty permanent.... no going back for regular "adjustments" like you would at a chiropractor. 

    So glad you found an MFR therapist so early!!!

  • mamatwinz
    mamatwinz Posts: 193
    edited March 2013

    Hi guys!  In general, I would say ca free with bmx..I did not need radiation or chemo.  Although my growth was removed completely with biopsy per post biopsy imaging, so technically then???  But they did not know for sure until pathology from bmx was neg in breast tissue and lymph nodes.  I think I still would say my bmx date.  How interesting that my bmx date is 12-3-12... and my home address is 12312???!??  (cue freaky music, please!) 

    It is hard for me re: exercise, because I am tired too.  I think because of stress, work stress, and not sleeping great on couch due to TEs.  I walked the path around one of the lakes, which is 2.2 miles and felt fine.  Plus I love seeing the geese, ducks, trees and sun reflecting off the water..sooo peaceful for me.  I did part of brazilian butt lift DVD yesterday and could barely keep up and took many breaks..my butt and quads are SORE today!!  I had driven to lake to walk again and when I got there, standing at the start of the path, found my mp3 to have no power..GRRRRRRR..believe me I said more than that there..dang!  So I drove home and wound up doing DVD.  Hubby just got me Ipod nano for bday..so need to get that puppy loaded with some tunes ASAP!  I am so anxious to get this week over with, so come Monday I can say that I am seeing my ps for "implant visit" next Monday (25th)!  :)))) 

    I have many VHS workout tapes..how about that for revealing age??  :) 

    TGIF guys...have a good day... hope u all continue to do well!! 

  • cheryl_e
    cheryl_e Posts: 111
    edited March 2013

    Just got a text that three prescriptions are ready for me to pick up at the pharmacy, so I am assuming my PS has called in all meds needed for when I get home from exchange on Wed. My TEs have really been hurting through the night the last few nights, so I am getting so excited!!! (and nervous!) :)

  • mamatwinz
    mamatwinz Posts: 193
    edited March 2013

    I am excited for you Cheryl!!!  It is will be here before you know it!!  :)))

  • hwhranch
    hwhranch Posts: 126
    edited March 2013

    Yeah Cheryl...Dr H is so good about that.  I still had that issue with using my arms, like after mx but it didn't take near as long to go away. Like moving around in bed..just be sure to get up on your elbows and don't try to push with your hands.  I was at hospital at 11:30 and on my way home by 4:30.

  • 2nd_time_around
    2nd_time_around Posts: 14,084
    edited March 2013

    Great news for you Cheryl! Stay busy this weekend so time goes quickly. 

  • cheryl_e
    cheryl_e Posts: 111
    edited March 2013

    Thank you mamatwinz and second time!



    Hwranch, still seems crazy that we are so close to one another and have same PS. A colleague who had her exchange last Wed. Told me doctor H said no major arm movements for 3 to 4 months! That's worse than with BMX! Did he tell you that?



    I am lifting and carrying my 37 pound grandson and working out with weights, so I am sooooo disappointed if that's the case. I was thinking maybe 4 weeks and I could start working out again for summer. It is my 30th high school reunion this year in June!

  • hwhranch
    hwhranch Posts: 126
    edited March 2013

    At surgery he told me not to lift anything over 5lbs.  When I saw him a week later he said I had no restrictions, but to use common sense.  If it hurts don't do it.  I really think the instructions depend on the individual and how the surgery went and what he had to do.  I'm supposed to go back and see him in May.

  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Posts: 1,669
    edited March 2013

    Hopex3: Jane Fonda tape, too funny.....I remember those too Smile. As for the exercising, I have to get mine done in the morning before work because I'm exhausted in the evening. 

    Mamatwinz:  I haven't slept well for years (about the time the menopause symptoms started sneaking in) and started taking a mild OTC sleep aid almost every night.  So, yeah, sleeping on the couch with these TE's doesn't help the sleep quotient at all.  I don't typically have too much trouble getting up early for the gym but like I said, after work I'm too pooped to peep.

    Cheryl_e: I'm so excited for you!  I decided to overfill to get more size so will have a couple more fills afer returning from next week's vacation and don't even have a date yet.  I'm afraid my PS will re-start the 3-month countdown because of the over-fill Frown.  My PS doesn't seem to have the reservations that many others do in regards to using the pecs. Once I was healed up from the BMX (about 6-8 weeks) he totally turned me loose.  btw, you appear to be a beautiful woman and you do NOT look old enough to have grandchildrenKiss.

    Hwranch: I agree.  I imagine it depends on many factors just like MX recovery: scope of the surgery, some heal fast and others don't, pre-surgery fitness and flexibility level, and let's not forget PS preference.  A great rule of thumb mentioned here before (or another thread) is 'Just because you can doesn't mean you should!'.

    Y'all have a great weekend!  I may check the site tonight but I'm off at the butt-crack of dawn tomorrow for a wonderful tropical interlude Cool.  I'll catch up on Sunday the 24th........

  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Posts: 1,669
    edited March 2013

    Almost forgot:

    Brownlee, Cheryl_e and Hwranch.....I wish for you all the absolute best with your respective surgeries next week!  May you be in and out before you know it and pain-free as quickly as possible and most of all HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY with your results!

  • cheryl_e
    cheryl_e Posts: 111
    edited March 2013

    Thanks, I think you did tell me that after your exchange, Hwranch. I am so hoping I will have the same instructions from him that you received.

  • cheryl_e
    cheryl_e Posts: 111
    edited March 2013

    Thank you, sweetandspecial! I hope your time doesn't have to start all over after you get an extra fill, ugh.



    Your comment about waking up at the butt-crack of dawn "cracked" me up? Ha, ha! You are truly sweet and special! :)

  • mamatwinz
    mamatwinz Posts: 193
    edited March 2013

    sweet...have fun!!!

    those AM workout girls..what time do u get up??  I am exhausted when I get up around 6:15 to get the twins up and ready for school...so having a hard time imagining getting up any earlier!  And yeah, I am pooped in the evening too..it doesn't help that I am sooo crazy cold that I bundle up and am under blankets; which completely kills the mojo once I get comfy... :)  My neighbor and I walked at the lake today at lunch; which was great..even slowly jogged for a couple minutes.  She goes to the gym in the PM and can bring a free guest to the gym, and her fiance is not interested, so I said I would go..we'll see how that works?  Not sure if it was the little jog today/walk..or after effects of brazilian butt lift, but it is a struggle to walk today..and I curse the fact that our house has stairs... :P

    Have a good weekend guys!

  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Posts: 1,669
    edited March 2013

    mama: Just getting ready to shut 'er down here at work and checked one last time.  My alarm goes off at 5am and i'm up about 5:15 and at the gym by 5:40 or 5:45.  Hit the shower around 7am and at work by 8.  But.......I don't have kids at home any more so that's one less thing for me to spend valuable time and energy on.

    cy'all lata!

  • brownlee
    brownlee Posts: 21
    edited March 2013

    Thanks - I can't wait.  I bought my rhinestone "Yes, they're fake, the real ones tried to kill me" t-shirt and told my ps I need to be able to feel it out well and pull it off size wise!  fingers crossed.  I did book a trip to cozumel in the 3rd week of May - I hope all goes well and they settle nicely by then but more importantly- I need to tone up and lose a good 6-7 lbs by then.  One nurse said no running for 8 weeks, but the one I met with last week said 3-4 -- I guess I will know soon enough.

  • stewbie2
    stewbie2 Posts: 29
    edited March 2013

    Hey ladies!

    2 weeks out from my exchange and i feel AWESOME!!! Started working out hardcore this week, and OMG--i feel alive again! :) No pushups, but am able to do bearcrawls, planks, etc. YEEE!

    What they look like: they've dropped at bit, rounded out a bit, and are squishier. Still have sharpei-boob on the left cleavage line (Jeagergirl--it looks like a dent). I"m going with the assumption that i'll have to still have fat grafting, and i'm okay with it. They'll never be perfect, but holy heck, they look awesome in a sports bra/clothes, etc. :D

    What i've noticed: Still sore in the outside upper poles--near my armpits. The right side is more rounded than the left (which was 'cancer boob'). They're getting better every day. All-in-all, pretty darn pleased. :)

    Brownlee~ We're going to the Riviera Nayarit the 2nd week of May! :)

    Steph

  • CMartin
    CMartin Posts: 237
    edited March 2013

    Bonnie, does the massage target the muscle at the bottom of the breast where it has been lifted from it's natural position?

  • capitaltreasure
    capitaltreasure Posts: 2
    edited March 2013

    Hi Everyone:

    I had the swap from TE into Sientra 550s teardrop shaped gummies (2/20) and now 3 weeks and a few days out.They still feel fairly full and tight but reading some of the other ladies' stories is reassuring so I'll be patient. Sounds like I might still have some swelling that has to go down. They look very natural by themselves and awesome in clothes. I'm not sure if I had any lipo but definitely extensive pocket work because my right was radiated after a lumpectomy 8 years ago. Thank God for Alloderm and luckily I have healed on that side very well - PS was very nervous about that but used a special introperative technology during MX to test for adequate circulation on the previously radiated side.

    For those ladies still in expanders hang in there. While they were awful in the beginning and I never thought I could make it, they actually got more comfortable as the weeks went by. For the last few weeks I hardly knew they were there - I wondered if this was due to the healing of the surrounding tissue.

    The recovery has been faster and noticeably easier for me than the mastectomy was. I had to wear a sport bra with a compression band for the first 2 weeks and now just another 2 weeks with the sport bra alone which is wireless and front snaps. I will see PS on Monday and will see if I still need the bra. I was a 36 DDD (Nordstrom measures the full cup) pre-cancer and now I'm a 36B. I like being smaller with no more drooping (silver lining). 

    I also wanted to mention that at about 4 weeks after the mastectomy I was able to start physical therapy which was a godsend for all that rib and back pain and the pectoral spasms. In fact I am going to go back as soon as I'm cleared again, for a few weeks of PT. It made a huge difference in regaining better my reach and range of motion. As others have noted, I gained about 10-12 lbs through this and now need to work that off so I will be my best. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in the weight gain.

    Now I think I'm ready for some mental health therapy but that's a different thread I'm sure. Now that most of the physical healing is complete, I need to process what just happened to me!

    Prayers and positive vibes to all on here - you are my heroes!

  • blessings2011
    blessings2011 Posts: 1,801
    edited March 2013

    Cindy - sent you a PM!!!

    capitaltreasure - Congratulations on crossing over to the squishy side!!!

  • Layla2525
    Layla2525 Posts: 465
    edited March 2013

    Thx blessings. Hope you are doing well.

    Yep,my non cancer side is not numb at all. The other side with the capsular contracture is a little less sensitive to touch. I gotta massage them all the time due to this issue. The non cancer side never really dropped much. Hope the new PS can correct all this junk when she puts the nipples back. Then I gotta worry who is gonna do the tatoo and how much it might hurt.:\Undecided

  • mamatwinz
    mamatwinz Posts: 193
    edited March 2013

    dulci..i may have missed it, what was callanetics dvd name?  i was looking on ebay and craigslist...thnx..

  • shellshine
    shellshine Posts: 930
    edited March 2013

    SweetCaroline, I think you start counting your Survival Year when YOU think it starts. For me, it was the day I had my BMX, 9 days after my diagnosis. For you, it is YOUR Survival and YOU define the dates.

    Guess what one of my birthday presents was yesterday?.... a Callanetics Evolution tape!! Heavy hint to DH.  Had a fill yesterday, now up to 380 ccs, just got back from Jazzercise, so will try out the tape Sunday or Monday. Thanks Dulcigirl!

    ~ Michelle

  • Dulcigirl
    Dulcigirl Posts: 864
    edited March 2013

    Good luck!! The DVD I got is "10 Years Younger in 10 Hours."

    I had to search online A LOT before I found it in DVD form. So glad I did! I don't think I've ever had a workout that worked that many muscles in one session. I rode 17 miles on the exercise bike today, but tomorrow or Monday I'll be doing "Hour 2!" (The DVD suggests doing it twice a week, but I'm hoping for 3.) And do you suppose if I do it for 20 hours I can look 20 years younger? 27 was kind of fun.... ;-)



  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Posts: 371
    edited March 2013

    Hi ladies. So happy to hear everyone is doing well and excited for those who are about to get their exchange. I am impressed with everyone's initiative to exercise. I can barely carry myself through work and taking care of my 3 yr old. How do you do it? I am trying to eat better and lose some of this weight that I put on through treatment. I am also scared about gaining more weight during my exchange surgery which is months away. Im hoping that I will get more energy as I continue to work. I hope everyone enjoys their trips that are coming up. Hugs to all.

  • peanutsgal
    peanutsgal Posts: 64
    edited March 2013

    I have recently started back exercising in earnest. After two weeks I have noticed my jeans are definitely fitting better, but I have about 5 more pounds to go to get to where I'm most comfortable. Doesn't look like I'll make it before exchange which is in 29 days.....(not that I'm counting!). My right TE feels like it is on a seesaw using one of my ribs! Feels kinda like when you're pregnant and the baby's heel is all up in your ribs only this time it's on the outside of my ribs. Oh well, I survived that and I will survive this. April 15th please HURRY!

  • shellshine
    shellshine Posts: 930
    edited March 2013

    Dear Melmcbee,  If you are undergoing breast cancer reconstruction AND working AND you have a 3 yr old, you should not worry one bit about exercise inertia. Try to fit in some walking, (swimming?) on the weekends... and maybe  a toning DVD - you don't need to set aside a whole hour - do it in 15-20 minute stretches whenever you can fit them in, and God Bless you, I'm impressed!

  • CMartin
    CMartin Posts: 237
    edited March 2013

    Amen shellshine.



    Peanutsgal...impressive. I started a diet three weeks ago and have dropped six pounds. You can do it. Mexico bound in just under four weeks and about four more to go.

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