I was a bit frustrated with the nurse who I was in touch with about my blood results. I called her last Friday 3/12/10 and we were disconnected then the phone was busy for the rest of the day. On Monday 3/15/10, I called her again. She said she remembered my name, asked for my home number and she will call me back because it's busy in the office. Monday went by and guess what she never returned my call!!! Now I was starting to think that perhaps the doctor needs to speak with me but she didn't mentioned nothing. My mom made a good point to me. If it was an urgent matter then the doctor would of already called me with the findings. On Tuesday the office is closed. I called once again on Wednesday 3/18/10 and the representative I've been talking with said O" the doctor didn't call you, I left the message on his desk. She could of told me this information a few days ago! I would of make sure I got a hold of the doctor. I didn't have faith that she would make sure the doctor will get my message. I called back and spoke to another representative in the office and made sure my message gets to the doctor today. I won't lie, I was a little nervous by the middle of the day Wednesday and very frustrated. I kept myself busy through-out the day so I didn't think about it.
At 6:30 PM on Wednesday 3/17/10 the phone rang and it was my Oncologist. He explained to me that all my test results came back great except for CA-125 which is the blood marker for ovarian cancer. He said the blood level was increased but just a little. The blood test can give a positive/false reading. He wasn't overly concern at this point. I explained that I have an appointment to get an ultrasound of my ovaries on March 29 and he said that was great that I already had the appointment. He said no need to move the test sooner. My curiosity wanted to know what causes the blood level to change. He mentioned it could be absolute nothing or perhaps it can be signs for endometriosis, inflammation, abnormal ovulation, viral infection, or gastroenteritis. He wants me to re-take the blood test in one month and inform him if there are any signs of abnormality with my ultrasound.
I spoke with him about what happened with the nurse. He was glad to get my input about his staff and felt it was important to know this information. He asked if I had his cell phone number which I do but I didn't want to panic and call him right away. If he didn't call me by late Wednesday, I would of called or text his cell phone. He is so nice and said at any time I need to talk with him that I should call his cell phone.
Thursday March 18, 2010 I called my OBGYN office to speak with a nurse. I wanted to find out the best time for a women to get an ultrasound of the ovaries. She explained to get the best readings would be with in 3-4 days after your menstrual cycle is completed.
I will keep everybody posted when I get my ultrasound done in a few weeks. I feel like nothing is wrong but I will never rule anything out! We need to live life to the fullest each day even thou some days are tough!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Oncologist update
Wednesday March 3, 2010 I went for my six month follow up appointment with my Oncologist. During this visit we reviewed how I was feeling, reviewed my medical records, and answered questions that I had. I am doing great on the Tamoxifen besides time to time hot flashes. I am lucky not to have any side effects. I will remain on the medication for the next three years or until I go into menopause (might or might not happen). If this happens, then I will remain on medication for the next two years but on a different prescription and will have to get shots twice a year for bone density. We will cross that path when it is here. I decided to schedule an appointment for an ultrasound for my ovaries twice a year instead of once a year. I had no symptoms from my breast cancer and thank god the mammogram found it. I feel twice a year plus seeing my OBGYN once a year will be good medical follow up. The doctor has attended medical conferences and the outcome from Tamoxifen has shown great progress/outcomes to stop the cancer cells from re- occurring or building new cells for breast and ovarian cancer. He also has heard if the women is under 40 and you are not having any problems with your ovaries then they shouldn't be removed. A women needs estrogen for certain criteria in her body and we have them for a reason. My Oncologist and I felt that I don't need to see the radiation doctor in May for my one year check up. I don't have any skin irritation and I will be seeing my cancer specialist around the same time. He explained the doctors try to accommodate the patient as much as possible for all the check ups including paying co-pays each time for the visits.The genetic testing that I had done at the beginning of my treatment indicated that my results for the gene for breast cancer was inclusive. He explained the company from time to time might get results from a similar family situation and then they will update me with any new findings. He feels that we discovered the cancer in time and I have a great outcome that the cancer is gone with the removal of the breast, radiation, and an extra precaution by being on the Tamoxifen.
We decided to get an update on my blood work since its been six months from the last results. He explained that he likes to monitor the blood work but the medical association states its not necessary to follow up in cases like mine as often. I agreed to get the blood work done because I rather know if there are some concerns and get some medical help if needed before its too late. He explained that the blood work can give positiver/false readings which make some individuals upset. If this happens possibility a MRI, CAT scan or some other medical test probably will need to be performed. The blood work was to test my cbc count, comprehensive metabolic panel (13 different chemistry test), markers for breast cancer CA-127&129, markers for ovarian cancer CA-125, and my vitamin D level. He examined my lymph nodes in my throat and under my arm pits. He also performed an external exam and pushed around my ovaries for any abnormalities. I will see him in six months.
Friday March 5, 2010 I went and had my blood drawn. I should get my results by next week. Three and half vials were taken.
We decided to get an update on my blood work since its been six months from the last results. He explained that he likes to monitor the blood work but the medical association states its not necessary to follow up in cases like mine as often. I agreed to get the blood work done because I rather know if there are some concerns and get some medical help if needed before its too late. He explained that the blood work can give positiver/false readings which make some individuals upset. If this happens possibility a MRI, CAT scan or some other medical test probably will need to be performed. The blood work was to test my cbc count, comprehensive metabolic panel (13 different chemistry test), markers for breast cancer CA-127&129, markers for ovarian cancer CA-125, and my vitamin D level. He examined my lymph nodes in my throat and under my arm pits. He also performed an external exam and pushed around my ovaries for any abnormalities. I will see him in six months.
Friday March 5, 2010 I went and had my blood drawn. I should get my results by next week. Three and half vials were taken.
Monday, February 15, 2010
follow up visit with the plastic surgeon
I know it has been a few weeks that I didn't blog. I had to re-schedule my doctors appointment twice and then I just haven’t taken the time to post. Sorry for the delay. I am feeling great!!! The only thing that I notice is different since I am taking Tamoxifen is that my menstrual cycles are not exactly 30 days apart and now I am experiencing some cramps that I never did in the past.
I saw my plastic surgeon on February 4. I was following up to see how my nipples/scar were healing. The appointment went well. She said everything healed nicely. I still have my incision above the my c-section but that will take some time to heal. She said if I would like I can use Mederma to help the scarring. I was surprise that my nipples went down so much. They were so pointy after surgery that they seemed small now but she said that’s how their suppose to look. I guess you forget after awhile when you don't have them. I inquired about some hair growth around my areola which is a black color. She said I can puck the hair but it might take a few times to remove or even up to a year before the hair doesn't grow back. I also inquired about her opinion about getting my ovaries check. She mentioned since my Brac2 was undetermined that I should get a ultrasound twice a year. There is no data that you will get ovarian cancer if you had breast cancer but they are close related cancers. She feels that we have the ovaries for a reason and there is no urgency to remove them unless there is a problem. She mentioned that the doctor I saw in NY for a 4th opinion before my radiation was asking how I was doing and how my recovery was going. She will see him at a conference and will let him know. That’s amazing that he remembers me and I am touched that he asked.
My doctor mentioned that my areola was not as dark (reddish/pink) as she thought it would turn out. Since I have light complexion to begin with the blood vessels just didn't darken it as much. You can see a difference from my skin to the areola so it is a bit darker. She said if I would like to take a drive to her other office in Long Island, NY about (1 hour 1/2 away) that her Nurse Practitioner can tattoo the areola a darker color. She said the procedure would still be covered under the surgery since it was breast cancer. I would defiantly verify with insurance if I decide to do this. I know a few of you would say why would you do this procedure since no-one except your husband and you see them. Well tell you the truth I haven't made a decision but I haven't ruled it out. For myself getting the nipples on made me feel like a complete woman and I know I will be always be diagnose with breast cancer but this procedure made me feel as normal as I can be. I know all of you are saying ouch that is a sensitive area and it will hurt. Well if you remember this skin was removed from my bikini area so I wouldn’t have much sensation for this procedure. When I am touch around the nipple area I just feel a little pressure so wouldn't be much pain. I don't have a tattoo so I can't say how it feels but this is a different situation. The procedure would take a little over a hour. My doctor said she used to do the tattooing but she is just too busy with all the surgeries. I will let you know what I decide. She took some more pictures of my breasts for my files. I will follow up with her in 6 months.
My next appointment is with my Oncologist at the beginning of March. Hope all is well with everybody and talk soon.
I saw my plastic surgeon on February 4. I was following up to see how my nipples/scar were healing. The appointment went well. She said everything healed nicely. I still have my incision above the my c-section but that will take some time to heal. She said if I would like I can use Mederma to help the scarring. I was surprise that my nipples went down so much. They were so pointy after surgery that they seemed small now but she said that’s how their suppose to look. I guess you forget after awhile when you don't have them. I inquired about some hair growth around my areola which is a black color. She said I can puck the hair but it might take a few times to remove or even up to a year before the hair doesn't grow back. I also inquired about her opinion about getting my ovaries check. She mentioned since my Brac2 was undetermined that I should get a ultrasound twice a year. There is no data that you will get ovarian cancer if you had breast cancer but they are close related cancers. She feels that we have the ovaries for a reason and there is no urgency to remove them unless there is a problem. She mentioned that the doctor I saw in NY for a 4th opinion before my radiation was asking how I was doing and how my recovery was going. She will see him at a conference and will let him know. That’s amazing that he remembers me and I am touched that he asked.
My doctor mentioned that my areola was not as dark (reddish/pink) as she thought it would turn out. Since I have light complexion to begin with the blood vessels just didn't darken it as much. You can see a difference from my skin to the areola so it is a bit darker. She said if I would like to take a drive to her other office in Long Island, NY about (1 hour 1/2 away) that her Nurse Practitioner can tattoo the areola a darker color. She said the procedure would still be covered under the surgery since it was breast cancer. I would defiantly verify with insurance if I decide to do this. I know a few of you would say why would you do this procedure since no-one except your husband and you see them. Well tell you the truth I haven't made a decision but I haven't ruled it out. For myself getting the nipples on made me feel like a complete woman and I know I will be always be diagnose with breast cancer but this procedure made me feel as normal as I can be. I know all of you are saying ouch that is a sensitive area and it will hurt. Well if you remember this skin was removed from my bikini area so I wouldn’t have much sensation for this procedure. When I am touch around the nipple area I just feel a little pressure so wouldn't be much pain. I don't have a tattoo so I can't say how it feels but this is a different situation. The procedure would take a little over a hour. My doctor said she used to do the tattooing but she is just too busy with all the surgeries. I will let you know what I decide. She took some more pictures of my breasts for my files. I will follow up with her in 6 months.
My next appointment is with my Oncologist at the beginning of March. Hope all is well with everybody and talk soon.
Friday, January 8, 2010
One Year Cancer Free!!!!!!
Yesterday January 7, 2010 was a year from when I had my cancer removed. I am a one year survivor and many more years to come! YIPEE It was a hectic year. The surgery is behind me but the follow up appointments and staying on top of my medical will be my new challenges. There were times that this journey seemed like it wasn't real and it was a big mix up or a dream.
I wouldn't let this cancer take me down and that’s how I got through it. I would focus on each step of my process and fight as hard as I could to get to the next step. I look back and I do have to say, I am surprise I wasn't more emotional at times. Believe me, I was emotional but I think I needed to be strong so my body can remove this awful disease and work through the bad moments.
Unfortunately since I had my surgery, I have found out that a few friends had a biopsy or going through breast cancer. Each of us have different circumstances but I think it is good for me to talk and share my experiences or direct them to my blog. I wish for a quick and healthy recovery for all.
My life has change forever. We recently looked into health insurance options and cancer is consider a pre-existing condition so I do now feel that I have a label on me. I didn't commit a crime or choose to have cancer. We do have health insurance and will continue to have coverage through Gene's work but makes me wonder for the future. Will the president get the law passed so individuals can't be denied of pre-existing conditions, what will happened if we need to get new insurance in the future. I will express my opinion if needed for the new law not to pass for mammograms not to be preformed until age 40. It saved my life and I want others to be saved! I can't stress on issues that aren't a problem at this time but it makes me wonder. No matter what happens, I will continue to see all my doctors and make sure my health is good.
I will follow up with my blog in a few weeks after my two month follow appointment with my plastic surgeon.
I wouldn't let this cancer take me down and that’s how I got through it. I would focus on each step of my process and fight as hard as I could to get to the next step. I look back and I do have to say, I am surprise I wasn't more emotional at times. Believe me, I was emotional but I think I needed to be strong so my body can remove this awful disease and work through the bad moments.
Unfortunately since I had my surgery, I have found out that a few friends had a biopsy or going through breast cancer. Each of us have different circumstances but I think it is good for me to talk and share my experiences or direct them to my blog. I wish for a quick and healthy recovery for all.
My life has change forever. We recently looked into health insurance options and cancer is consider a pre-existing condition so I do now feel that I have a label on me. I didn't commit a crime or choose to have cancer. We do have health insurance and will continue to have coverage through Gene's work but makes me wonder for the future. Will the president get the law passed so individuals can't be denied of pre-existing conditions, what will happened if we need to get new insurance in the future. I will express my opinion if needed for the new law not to pass for mammograms not to be preformed until age 40. It saved my life and I want others to be saved! I can't stress on issues that aren't a problem at this time but it makes me wonder. No matter what happens, I will continue to see all my doctors and make sure my health is good.
I will follow up with my blog in a few weeks after my two month follow appointment with my plastic surgeon.
Monday, November 30, 2009
plastic surgeon visit on 11-19-09
Okay I was lacking to post my last doctor visit. No news is good news they say!
I had my 2 week follow up with my plastic surgeon on November 19, 2009. She said my nipples are healing well and I just need to put neosporin medicine on at night time. She trimmed some of the stitches that were not dissolved. I was glad because I had a few stitches that would sometimes pock through my shirt and was sharp. There was no pain. The areola is still red and purple but that's the healing process. I will only cover them with gauze only if I am wearing a fancy shirt just in case of some stains otherwise there is no need. She took some pictures to add to my collection. She saw the doctor who I got my third opinion from in NY to determine if I needed radiation and he was asking about me. I was shocked he remembered me and was touched that he asked.
Three days prior to the visit, the bandage came off from my lower stomach area. That was a relief since it was pulling on my skin. She said the area looked well and is healing. She mentioned that I have to wait four weeks for any heavy lifting or to exercise. Its hard because I feel great and look good from the outside by I have to remember I have stitches that need to heal on my breast and my stomach. I am still having pain where the stitches are in my stomach but it seems just on my right side. The pain seems to happen when I lay on my right side in bed but when I lye on my left side I am okay. The doctor said its probably a nerve that is bothering me and the stitches are healing inside. I will go back to my plastic surgeon in two months for a follow up.
On November 24, my husband noticed since I haven't really been examining the nipples that my right nipple was pointing down and seemed it was losing its ability to stay up. I got a little worried and didn't want to wait two months so I wrote via e-mail to my plastic surgeon. She responded right away and said the following: "everything you feel and see is perfectly normal the nipples will change a lot over time pain expected for about four weeks Motrin or Aleve should work".
As of today November 30, 2009 I am feeling much better. My pain in my stomach is at a minimum but I still feel uncomfortable at times. I guess the healing process does take some time. My nipples are healing well. The areola is a light pink color and is even with my breast. Wow you wouldn't know they were out on after wards. The nipple area is getting better for color some brown and purple on the outside but almost healed. It's like when you get a scab and its at the last stage but only in a few spots. The skin is a little dry so I will continue to put neosporin medicine on.
I saw my OBGYN on November 25, 2009 and she said everything at this time looked great. We discussed that I will see her twice a year unless there is a problem. I will see her in May 2010 to have an ultrasound of my ovaries to make sure there is no signs of cancer and then 6 months later for my routine visit.
To all my friends and family, have a wonderful Holiday and make sure you stay happy and healthy!!! I know I have to be thankful for this holiday and many more in the future! Make sure you enjoy each day to the fullest as much as you can. Take Care
I had my 2 week follow up with my plastic surgeon on November 19, 2009. She said my nipples are healing well and I just need to put neosporin medicine on at night time. She trimmed some of the stitches that were not dissolved. I was glad because I had a few stitches that would sometimes pock through my shirt and was sharp. There was no pain. The areola is still red and purple but that's the healing process. I will only cover them with gauze only if I am wearing a fancy shirt just in case of some stains otherwise there is no need. She took some pictures to add to my collection. She saw the doctor who I got my third opinion from in NY to determine if I needed radiation and he was asking about me. I was shocked he remembered me and was touched that he asked.
Three days prior to the visit, the bandage came off from my lower stomach area. That was a relief since it was pulling on my skin. She said the area looked well and is healing. She mentioned that I have to wait four weeks for any heavy lifting or to exercise. Its hard because I feel great and look good from the outside by I have to remember I have stitches that need to heal on my breast and my stomach. I am still having pain where the stitches are in my stomach but it seems just on my right side. The pain seems to happen when I lay on my right side in bed but when I lye on my left side I am okay. The doctor said its probably a nerve that is bothering me and the stitches are healing inside. I will go back to my plastic surgeon in two months for a follow up.
On November 24, my husband noticed since I haven't really been examining the nipples that my right nipple was pointing down and seemed it was losing its ability to stay up. I got a little worried and didn't want to wait two months so I wrote via e-mail to my plastic surgeon. She responded right away and said the following: "everything you feel and see is perfectly normal the nipples will change a lot over time pain expected for about four weeks Motrin or Aleve should work".
As of today November 30, 2009 I am feeling much better. My pain in my stomach is at a minimum but I still feel uncomfortable at times. I guess the healing process does take some time. My nipples are healing well. The areola is a light pink color and is even with my breast. Wow you wouldn't know they were out on after wards. The nipple area is getting better for color some brown and purple on the outside but almost healed. It's like when you get a scab and its at the last stage but only in a few spots. The skin is a little dry so I will continue to put neosporin medicine on.
I saw my OBGYN on November 25, 2009 and she said everything at this time looked great. We discussed that I will see her twice a year unless there is a problem. I will see her in May 2010 to have an ultrasound of my ovaries to make sure there is no signs of cancer and then 6 months later for my routine visit.
To all my friends and family, have a wonderful Holiday and make sure you stay happy and healthy!!! I know I have to be thankful for this holiday and many more in the future! Make sure you enjoy each day to the fullest as much as you can. Take Care
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wow the unveiling!!!
This week was much better than last week! Emily returned back to school on Thursday 11/12 since there was no school on Wednesday. She was better on Tuesday with no fever but she had a bad cough so I kept her home one more day. She was upset because she loves school and wanted to go back. Most kids would love to stay home and watch TV all day! I am glad I kept her home an extra day because her teacher wrote me an e-mail and said there was 12 kids out of her class. One of the kids had passed the swine flu around but a course it didn't start with my child!! AJ's asthma is getting better but still has a slight cough. He is still taking the Tamiflu to prevent him from the flu. We are lucky that no other family members got the swine flu from Emily! We were very careful around her, washed and cleaned everything every day.
We are dealing okay with the passing of Brittany. There has been some sad moments for instance when we get home and walk into the house there's no dog running up too you, no nose on the window looking outside when you drive up, no one sitting by us at the kitchen table and a real sad moment when I opened a sympathy card in the mail for Brittany. I thought this was sincere that we received a card from the veterinarian office where we took her since this was not the vet office we used.
Warning........ Warning....I am going to describe my unveiling in detail so if you don't want to know all the details you can stop reading here and wait for my next blog entry.
Yesterday 11/12/09 I saw my plastic surgeon for my first week follow up (8 days). She started to take off the tape and gauze on my right breast first. She wanted to start on this side because this is where the radiation was given. She explained even thou I didn't have any current damage to my implant from the raditaion that there still can be a chance that the right side nipple might seem indented than the other side in the future. This might occur because my skin elasticity isn't as strong on this side from the radiation. Let's pray this doesn't happen! She was impressed how the right side look, yes she's the doctor but she was amazed how well the nipple area already has healed and the final outcome is great! She took the tape and gauze off the left side as well. The tape didn't hurt coming off. She asked me if I would like to look into the mirror to see myself directly not just looking down. Yes, I did! She's amazing, the areola area and the nipples looked real! Both sides were perfect and was amazing. She asked if I felt like a women again? I always felt like a women and was okay looking at my breasts without nipples but now that I have nipples I do have to say I look and feel like a new women. My left side had a small amount of fresh blood when she removed the gauze. She said that was a good sign because that means the blood vessles are getting into the nipple area. She said I can wear a bra again and to cover the nipple area with a gauze just in case it bleeds or rubs. Gene was with me on this appointment and he was amazed as well as we spoke to the doctor about how she performed the surgery. There were plastic cups with the tops cut off around the nipples that helped them stay in place and not to touch the gauze. I only had to be like Madonna for a week, but my cones weren't not near as big as hers! The medical tape was at the top and the bottom of the gauze around my breasts. This tape is so sticky that I had to scrub and use rubbing alcohol to try to remove it all. I have so much that it will take some time to get it all off. It reminds me of cement glue when it dries you can roll up the glue but 10x's as sticky. There were also some pen marks from the doctor to remove as well.
The nipples are real pointy at this time. She said they will start to form their shape and become smaller and wider within the next six weeks. They are red, blue and purple from the surgery. I can see several stitches sticking out as well. The stitches are disposable but she will trim them up or remove any if needed at next weeks appointment. They looked so good that I don't have to use a medicated cream on them. I just have to apply neosporin every day to help the healing.
I am able to take a complete shower now! You don't realize how inconvenient it is when you can't get into the shower and wash your hair and your body without getting certain areas wet until you have to do it.
I just can't let the water hit my chest area directly.
She didn't remove my steri bandages above my c-section line. She wants them to stay there another week. If some of them fall off, its okay. I don't have to cover them in the shower. I asked her why my cut was across my entire c-section line? She explained and drew us a picture. To be able to create the areola into circular round shapes and also have enough skin to form the nipples she cuts the entire length of the stomach area so its even. If she only cut these shapes on one side then she said the skin would be folded and pinched like clothing and wouldn't look correct. After she took off all the skin she needed, she tucked in the remaining skin like a tiny tight tummy tuck. I still have some discomfort in this area and she said there is some bruising and a stitch can be bothering me. I am very open with my doctor especially after all I've been through and she has seen my body. I had a red spot on my pubic area when I came home from the hospital and it has gone away. She explained that during surgery they have to be careful with everything and there was antibacterial soap around that area and I was covered up so perhaps I had a small reaction. I was curious so might as well ask, you don't know otherwise.
I don't have any pain or discomfort in my nipple area. It feels dry, rough and bumpy from the stitches at this time until it heals completely. When you look at my nipple it almost seems like it can fall off but thats not the case. I know they are going to look and turn out perfect. In a few months no one would not know these weren't real nipples! I am glad I did the surgery. Its funny because when I was watching her take off the gauze I was just looking for the nipple and forgot she also had to form the areola section as well.
I will go back to my plastic surgeon next Thursday. Hope it wasn't too graphic but I like to describe what I am going through for those who follow my story, myself (will be hard to remember in the future), and for my children. When they get older I will let them read all the details that I didn't explain to them what I was experiencing or I went through.
We are dealing okay with the passing of Brittany. There has been some sad moments for instance when we get home and walk into the house there's no dog running up too you, no nose on the window looking outside when you drive up, no one sitting by us at the kitchen table and a real sad moment when I opened a sympathy card in the mail for Brittany. I thought this was sincere that we received a card from the veterinarian office where we took her since this was not the vet office we used.
Warning........ Warning....I am going to describe my unveiling in detail so if you don't want to know all the details you can stop reading here and wait for my next blog entry.
Yesterday 11/12/09 I saw my plastic surgeon for my first week follow up (8 days). She started to take off the tape and gauze on my right breast first. She wanted to start on this side because this is where the radiation was given. She explained even thou I didn't have any current damage to my implant from the raditaion that there still can be a chance that the right side nipple might seem indented than the other side in the future. This might occur because my skin elasticity isn't as strong on this side from the radiation. Let's pray this doesn't happen! She was impressed how the right side look, yes she's the doctor but she was amazed how well the nipple area already has healed and the final outcome is great! She took the tape and gauze off the left side as well. The tape didn't hurt coming off. She asked me if I would like to look into the mirror to see myself directly not just looking down. Yes, I did! She's amazing, the areola area and the nipples looked real! Both sides were perfect and was amazing. She asked if I felt like a women again? I always felt like a women and was okay looking at my breasts without nipples but now that I have nipples I do have to say I look and feel like a new women. My left side had a small amount of fresh blood when she removed the gauze. She said that was a good sign because that means the blood vessles are getting into the nipple area. She said I can wear a bra again and to cover the nipple area with a gauze just in case it bleeds or rubs. Gene was with me on this appointment and he was amazed as well as we spoke to the doctor about how she performed the surgery. There were plastic cups with the tops cut off around the nipples that helped them stay in place and not to touch the gauze. I only had to be like Madonna for a week, but my cones weren't not near as big as hers! The medical tape was at the top and the bottom of the gauze around my breasts. This tape is so sticky that I had to scrub and use rubbing alcohol to try to remove it all. I have so much that it will take some time to get it all off. It reminds me of cement glue when it dries you can roll up the glue but 10x's as sticky. There were also some pen marks from the doctor to remove as well.
The nipples are real pointy at this time. She said they will start to form their shape and become smaller and wider within the next six weeks. They are red, blue and purple from the surgery. I can see several stitches sticking out as well. The stitches are disposable but she will trim them up or remove any if needed at next weeks appointment. They looked so good that I don't have to use a medicated cream on them. I just have to apply neosporin every day to help the healing.
I am able to take a complete shower now! You don't realize how inconvenient it is when you can't get into the shower and wash your hair and your body without getting certain areas wet until you have to do it.
I just can't let the water hit my chest area directly.
She didn't remove my steri bandages above my c-section line. She wants them to stay there another week. If some of them fall off, its okay. I don't have to cover them in the shower. I asked her why my cut was across my entire c-section line? She explained and drew us a picture. To be able to create the areola into circular round shapes and also have enough skin to form the nipples she cuts the entire length of the stomach area so its even. If she only cut these shapes on one side then she said the skin would be folded and pinched like clothing and wouldn't look correct. After she took off all the skin she needed, she tucked in the remaining skin like a tiny tight tummy tuck. I still have some discomfort in this area and she said there is some bruising and a stitch can be bothering me. I am very open with my doctor especially after all I've been through and she has seen my body. I had a red spot on my pubic area when I came home from the hospital and it has gone away. She explained that during surgery they have to be careful with everything and there was antibacterial soap around that area and I was covered up so perhaps I had a small reaction. I was curious so might as well ask, you don't know otherwise.
I don't have any pain or discomfort in my nipple area. It feels dry, rough and bumpy from the stitches at this time until it heals completely. When you look at my nipple it almost seems like it can fall off but thats not the case. I know they are going to look and turn out perfect. In a few months no one would not know these weren't real nipples! I am glad I did the surgery. Its funny because when I was watching her take off the gauze I was just looking for the nipple and forgot she also had to form the areola section as well.
I will go back to my plastic surgeon next Thursday. Hope it wasn't too graphic but I like to describe what I am going through for those who follow my story, myself (will be hard to remember in the future), and for my children. When they get older I will let them read all the details that I didn't explain to them what I was experiencing or I went through.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
slow recovery
I am feeling a little better everyday. I am still sore in my stomach area when I get up out of a chair. The burning sensation is gone but when I move wrong , I do get an awful pain in certain areas. Its starting to get itchy which is a good sign of healing. I've been sitting in our glider chair that we used when the kids were babies which allows me to put my feet up on the Ottoman. I had Gene bring it up from the basement, good thing we kept it. The couch is too low. I am looking forward to lay down real soon.
The first four nights of my surgery, I slept in the recliner chair in our bedroom. Two nights ago I woke up with a charlie horse in my right calf and that was painful! I fell back to sleep to wake up again with a charlie horse under my left knee. As of today, I only have pain in my right calf not left but I didn't need this extra discomfort. I think I was so busy with Emily that I didn't drink enough fluids. Now I am drinking alot of fluids that I have to go to the bathroom all the time. I can't win. I am not a back sleeper so its hard to get comfortable. I tried to sleep in our bed last night but had some pain when I move to either side. I just needed a change. I am not taking any pain medication during the day but I do take one before I go to bed to help me sleep. I am also taking an antibiotics to prevent from any infections after the surgery. My scar from my skin graft is bigger then I thought. Its about 10 inches across my lower stomach. I have steri- strips over the incision. I will get all the details on Thursday from the doctor. I was able to take the gauze off that area but I am still covering it with press and seal (works well) when I take a shower. I can't get my chest area wet so I am using the kids shower since their shower has a hand held shower head. I washed my hair in the kitchen sink which is easer to lean over. I am glad this is a temporary situation. I had cancer, I can't believe people go through this pain for bigger boobs! I still have no pain in my chest area.
I am back taking all my medications. My Oncologist texted me (funny but technology now) to stop my Tamoxifen 5 days prior to surgery then to restart when I feel good afterwards. I really don't have any side effects from the Tamoxifen except for two times over the last few months. I woke up in the middle of the night drench in in my sleep. This created me to get tiny bumps on my upper back. They went away after a few weeks after I applied Aquaphor. I guess if this is the only side effect I can deal with it.
Emily has been getting better every day but she still has a low grade fever as of today (11/8/09) so she will not be going to school tomorrow. She still has a cough as well.
Lucky nobody in the family has caught the flu yet, lets keep our fingers cross that we beat it!
AJ is slowly getting better but not a 100%. He missed 3 practices and a game this week. He did play hockey today and seemed okay on the ice and made a goal! (Gene took him)
Some of you know and some of you don't. Brittany our family dog which we bought her before the kids were born hasn't been doing well. Over the last six months her hips have given out on her and she has been limping around. She would drag her feet which would make them bleed. We would have to carry her down the stairs just to go to the bathroom and watch she doesn't fall over while she goes to the bathroom. Unfortunately, Boxers can develop a bad heart or hips that give out later in their life time. There was no guarantee that the surgery would help her and Boxers life span is usually 10-12 years. We decided that it's not fair to see her like this and not knowing if she's in pain. Yesterday Saturday (11/7/09) she was put down. We will miss her and remember all the wonderful times we had with her. We were all upset in the morning but have been doing okay. Emily said she will remember her by a stuff animal that is a Boxer she has. I told her we can print out some photos as well. AJ didn't express much and kept quite. The kids haven't asked about her too much today just made a remark that they miss her. I think in a few days it will be harder when they realize she isn't here in our daily life routine. Brittany was 11 years old, a great dog, companion, and she will always be loved!
This has been a hectic and busy week and look forward to a better next week!
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