I am back. I have been busy getting everything ready for the holidays I have neglect blogging. I know alot of you have been asking about me and I appreciate all your kindness. Thank you for all the phone calls and texts. I forgot to mention some info from my previous blog: When I was being discharged from the hospital, the nurse handed me a card which looked exactly like a credit card with all the information about my implants. It had my name, date of surgery, doctor's name, breast implant size by cc, the company name for the implants along with the serial #'s. It was interesting because I didn't get this information with my last set of implants. They also let me take home a foam roller to use while I am sitting in a chair. Instead of having your arms hang down to put pressure where it hurts, you relax yours arms on the foam to help relieve the pressure. The foam is also good to elevate your legs.
First day after surgery 12/4/10
I was tired from the previous day. I took it easy all day. My kids had no activities on this day which is unusual so it was great that they everybody was home to help me if needed. I wrote my plastic surgeon an e-mail asking her if she can call in a prescription for Valium or something similar since I was having trouble sleeping. I was still in pain mainly on my right side of my body from my armpit down the side of my ribs. I felt a little discomfort around the both breasts. Emily went out shopping with my mom for awhile so it was good for her to get out of the house. She doesn't go places by herself too much so it was good that she went.
My plastic surgeon called and authorized some Valium for me. She explained that I had alot of scar tissue and the pain should get better each day. As far as the bleeding, it was from the liposuction. She went in through my belly button and through two of my existing scars from my hysterectomy near each side of my hips. She had to put in liquid into my stomach area before extracting the fat out. This helps loosen up the fat. The bleeding is normal from this procedure. The bleeding should stop within a day. It looks like my breast are bigger than previous which I don't want. My surgeon said they are swollen and she did fill in fat at the top of each breast and on the sides near my cleavage which I didn't have before. This will make the breast look like normal breast verses people knowing I have implants. Which I am not ashamed to talk about my implants but its nice that she makes you look as normal as possible.
Gene rented some movies when he picked up my Valium and we enjoyed family time together. I did take my Percocet medication when needed. The first day I was burping alot from all of the anesthesia in my body. Another great friend stopped by and dropped off dinner. It was great because all Gene had to do is put it in the oven.
I slept in the recliner for the 2nd night. I did take some medication to help me relax and sleep. I did sleep alittle better but still miserable. When both of your sides are hurting its so hard to sleep, at least for me on my back. I am also wearing the girdle and bra that is real tight.
I wasn't able to take a shower for 48 hours. On Sunday, I relaxed most of the day. Gene and I decided to remove the nausea patch behind my ear even thou it hasn't been 48 hours. I didn't get sick. I didn't want to take the risk to get it on my pillow and into my eyes. Remember from my previous blog that your eyes get blurry and large pupils can happened if medication touches it. He wore gloves to remove it. The patch did help me and I would use it again but lets hope no future surgeries soon.
On this day, I was able to freshen up. This would be the first time I saw my body and breasts. I took a shower in the kids bathroom since there is a shower head to take down to use for my hair. I was able to remove the gauze and left the bandages covering the incisions on for the shower. I was able to wash myself. I took it slow, I didn't want to pull out any stitches even thou they are internal. My chest area and arms where covered with orange iodine. I got most of it off. I also had sticky marks from all of the monitors they put on my body. Now its time for my hair, remember I can't lift my arms above my shoulders. Now I know why older women go to the salon to get their hair done. Gene washed my hair and that was an experience. It wasn't scrubbed like I would do. I had to do some explaining. It was funny because Emily was in her room but could hear us and was laughing saying I tell him that as well when he washes my hair. I was tired after this long process, we put the gauze back on and I went back to relax. My initial impression about my body was wow there is no black and blue marks all over my stomach. There were dark reddish bruises by each of my hips but that was it. I mentally prepared myself that I could look like I was beaten up but I just looked swollen with a little bruising which was great. At this time, I can't tell the difference in my implants because of all of the swelling. The breast do look great! She is an artist with the body. Gene and AJ left for a hockey game while Emily and I played board games.
This evening I slept back in my own bed. I still couldn't sleep on my sides but It was better for me to lay down. I made sure I wore my belt because getting out of bed is a little harder than the recliner. I did get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom but was able to move. I had several pillows under my head and around me just in case Gene moved by me.
Day 3-6. I was home alone. Gene and the kids went back to school and work. I relaxed and was able to get caught up on my tivo TV shows for the first day. My mom did stop by to help with some light work and see if I needed any other help. As most of you know, I didn't sit for long after a few days went by I didn't sit still. In my mind, I know I had too much to do for Xmas. I did get all my Xmas cards completed. I did take a ride with my mom to go get stamps and she mailed them out for me. It's hard to remember not to lift anything. I am feeling much better now and I am walking around. I know when I have done too much with my arms because I get sore so I have to sit down and relax. By the fifth day, I went to the store by myself. I went to Walmart which is a close trip. I was able to get some stuff done for Xmas and birthdays. I didn't buy anything that was heavy to lift. Its amazing how great it feels to get out of the house after you are laid up. That evening Gene took Emily to her soccer clinic. I decided not to go because its uncomfortable for me to wear the girdle while sitting in one spot for a long time. The girdle is bothering me on my sides. It seems to be getting my skin red. When I am home, I will wear it on the outside of my shirt. I also have taken it off for short periods to take a breather. I wear it under my shirt when I go out in public so now no one needs to see it. I did ended up going out with AJ to another store that evening. I had to go to a certain store for a gift. I was tired by the evening since my body hasn't been moving this much. The challenge I would say I had during these few days is that I am moving around and I don't look sick. I have to ask my family members to take the garbage out, lift heavy items, hang up items, etc and they look at me and forget I am still healing. They are helping but need to be reminded. I am a strong and independent person but I am letting them take care of what I can't but its hard because I feel I am giving orders.
I went to the doctor on Thursday for a follow up. I am going to end it here and continue what she said in another blog. Sorry for all the delay info. It wasn't that I am not feeling good just alot going on. Check back real soon. SMILE :)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
part two more info regarding surgery
surgery information continued- I woke up from surgery in more pain than I thought I would be. My right side of my body was hurting. The nurse asked me if I wanted some pain medication in my IV. I said yes it was a level 9 out of 10 as far as the pain level. I remember I was very tired and I fell back asleep. Not sure how long I was asleep but I woke up still in pain so she gave me some more pain medication. I slowly came out of the anesthesia and was able to communicate to the nurse. The nurse said I looked much better now because I was pale and looked in alot of pain when I first came into the recovery room. There are two rooms for recovery. The first room allows you to sleep off your anesthesia and come back to a normal state of mind. The second room is when are transported out of the bed and into a chair to finish your recovery. She wheeled me into the second recovery room and covered me with extra blankets. At this time, she called Gene out of the waiting room to come in and be with me. She had made me some toast with butter and jelly ( that's a good combo that I forget to make at home and she had toast on top of each other which was different) and gave me some ginger ale. It tasted good since I haven't had anything to eat.
Gene said" I have been in the recovery room along time". They called him when I got out of surgery to let him know I was in the recovery room. He knew he could see me in recovery room but was waiting along time and he was never called. He called over to make sure everything was okay since it was a long time. I guess I did fall back to sleep for awhile! My doctor spoke with him and informed him the surgery went well but I did have alot of scar tissue. The surgery took about two hours.
The nurse went over all the paperwork what I can/can't do, removed the IV and was getting ready to release me to go home. I was still in pain and had filled my prescription of Perocets but it was at home so she gave me one before leaving the hospital. Gene helped me get dress since I was still in the hospital gown. When we got my sweats on and Gene notice there was a large amount of blood on my girdle belt which helps support my stomach area from surgery The nurse came over said "they will replace it with a new one" and she went and got a second nurse to help remove and get a new one on. The bleeding was from one of my incision and said it was normal. She put on some extra gauze and gave me some extra to take home. The belt needs to be real snug so that's why a 2nd nurse was asked to help. I had on a bra that the hospital gives you that is snug fitting and zips up in the front. The nurses were still there when I was getting dress and said I shouldn't lift my arms above my shoulders because of the stitches. O'no when I had the 1st surgery, I bought button down shirts to wear and this time I forgot about my arms. I had brought an older shirt but had to slip it over my head. They said I could take home the gown but I didn't want anything from the hospital associated with my surgeries or even as far as germs brought home! I always even leave the socks they give you. Both of the nurses helped me, they had me place my arms in first then stretched the shirt over my head. She had Gene go get the car and drive it up to the front. I had to go to the bathroom from all of the pressure so she put me in the wheel chair and I was able to slowly move. She wheeled me out to the car and we were heading home.
It was 2:45 pm when we got home. Wow, I thought we would be home sooner than that. I was still light headed from the anesthesia and still in alot of pain. I wanted to go right to sleep. I didn't even want to eat. Gene helped me upstairs, got me situated in our recliner chairs and I fell asleep. He even took out the phones from upstairs so I wouldn't be disturbed. My good friend offered to pick up my kids from school and take them so I can rest. That was helpful and they were excited to go play with her kids. That was great but alot of work for her since she had to go to three schools to get all of our kids.
My daughter was happy because I told her she can be picked up early since two of the schools were getting dismissed at the same time. I was only able to sleep for about an hour because I woke up having to go to the bathroom again. I tend to go pee several times a day and the pressure from the belt doesn't help!. Gene came up to see if I was okay since he heard me and asked if I wanted something to eat. I said yes, can you make me some toast like I had at the hospital? So far lucky I haven't gotten, sick maybe the extra patch did help! A few minutes later my friend called who picked up my kids. I was able to speak with each of the kids and let them know I was home and was good.(didn't tell them about my pain) They were so excited because my friend decided to take them to the movies and to the diner afterwards for dinner. I slowly took my time eating and eventually went down stairs to watch some TV and relax. We still have our glider chair and ottoman from when the kids were babies so I am sitting in that in our family room. Gene picked up dinner for the both of us. I eat alittle, the dinner wasn't cook all the way(eggplant) but was enough to eat. The kids came home and we all relaxed before bed time. I was tired, I went to bed early and took some more pain medication. I slept in the recliner chair. I didn't sleep well all night. I couldn't get comfortable, I had to go to the bathroom through-out the night and just couldn't sleep.YUK
To be continued.....its getting too long to read since I am putting all the details. Talk to everybody soon :>
Gene said" I have been in the recovery room along time". They called him when I got out of surgery to let him know I was in the recovery room. He knew he could see me in recovery room but was waiting along time and he was never called. He called over to make sure everything was okay since it was a long time. I guess I did fall back to sleep for awhile! My doctor spoke with him and informed him the surgery went well but I did have alot of scar tissue. The surgery took about two hours.
The nurse went over all the paperwork what I can/can't do, removed the IV and was getting ready to release me to go home. I was still in pain and had filled my prescription of Perocets but it was at home so she gave me one before leaving the hospital. Gene helped me get dress since I was still in the hospital gown. When we got my sweats on and Gene notice there was a large amount of blood on my girdle belt which helps support my stomach area from surgery The nurse came over said "they will replace it with a new one" and she went and got a second nurse to help remove and get a new one on. The bleeding was from one of my incision and said it was normal. She put on some extra gauze and gave me some extra to take home. The belt needs to be real snug so that's why a 2nd nurse was asked to help. I had on a bra that the hospital gives you that is snug fitting and zips up in the front. The nurses were still there when I was getting dress and said I shouldn't lift my arms above my shoulders because of the stitches. O'no when I had the 1st surgery, I bought button down shirts to wear and this time I forgot about my arms. I had brought an older shirt but had to slip it over my head. They said I could take home the gown but I didn't want anything from the hospital associated with my surgeries or even as far as germs brought home! I always even leave the socks they give you. Both of the nurses helped me, they had me place my arms in first then stretched the shirt over my head. She had Gene go get the car and drive it up to the front. I had to go to the bathroom from all of the pressure so she put me in the wheel chair and I was able to slowly move. She wheeled me out to the car and we were heading home.
It was 2:45 pm when we got home. Wow, I thought we would be home sooner than that. I was still light headed from the anesthesia and still in alot of pain. I wanted to go right to sleep. I didn't even want to eat. Gene helped me upstairs, got me situated in our recliner chairs and I fell asleep. He even took out the phones from upstairs so I wouldn't be disturbed. My good friend offered to pick up my kids from school and take them so I can rest. That was helpful and they were excited to go play with her kids. That was great but alot of work for her since she had to go to three schools to get all of our kids.
My daughter was happy because I told her she can be picked up early since two of the schools were getting dismissed at the same time. I was only able to sleep for about an hour because I woke up having to go to the bathroom again. I tend to go pee several times a day and the pressure from the belt doesn't help!. Gene came up to see if I was okay since he heard me and asked if I wanted something to eat. I said yes, can you make me some toast like I had at the hospital? So far lucky I haven't gotten, sick maybe the extra patch did help! A few minutes later my friend called who picked up my kids. I was able to speak with each of the kids and let them know I was home and was good.(didn't tell them about my pain) They were so excited because my friend decided to take them to the movies and to the diner afterwards for dinner. I slowly took my time eating and eventually went down stairs to watch some TV and relax. We still have our glider chair and ottoman from when the kids were babies so I am sitting in that in our family room. Gene picked up dinner for the both of us. I eat alittle, the dinner wasn't cook all the way(eggplant) but was enough to eat. The kids came home and we all relaxed before bed time. I was tired, I went to bed early and took some more pain medication. I slept in the recliner chair. I didn't sleep well all night. I couldn't get comfortable, I had to go to the bathroom through-out the night and just couldn't sleep.YUK
To be continued.....its getting too long to read since I am putting all the details. Talk to everybody soon :>
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
details about surgery part one
It's the fifth day after my surgery and I am doing great. I have been thinking about the surgery with everything I went through and I am still amazed what the doctors can perform. I do not get mad that I HAD cancer instead I am grateful that I am alive and I have wonderful doctors!
On Friday December 3, 2010 my surgery was scheduled for 9:45am. The time worked out well because we were able to get the kids ready for school.We left at 7:45am to the hospital since they asked me to be there early. I was called into the prep room around 9:00am. As I walked to the pre-op area , I passed by several nurses/doctors that I recognized from all the times I have been at the hospital. One of the nurse's face drop, like she was shocked to see me back for more surgery. (when I had my hysterectomy I was in the main operating room and this time I was in the out patient area which I have been for the majority of my surgeries) At this time, I changed into the robe and waited in the bed for all of the doctors to speak with me. There were several nurses who needed to review all of my paperwork. As I was reviewing my medical history with the first nurse, I explained to her with my previous surgeries I have felt nausea and I even vomited up after two surgeries. I had anti-nausea medicine put into my IV with all of my surgeries. She suggested when I speak with the anesthesia doctor to inform him that I would like the nausea patch behind my ear as well as the anti nausea medicine in my IV. The anesthesia doctor came by and reviewed what will happen during my surgery. I told him that unfortunately I have been through many surgeries and I am familiar with the procedures. He heard me talking with the nurse that I had problems in the past with anesthesia and I tend to get sick. He explained that your brain has three areas that can trigger the nausea feeling. He ask if I get car sick (yes if I am in the back seat on curvy roads) and I also been on two cruises in which I got sick on both trips. Yuck, its not fun to be sick. :< He stated he will put the medication in my IV and he will also give me a patch to wear behind my ear. The patch is similar to what the cruise ship uses. Some interesting facts, he said" many years ago this patch in a much higher dose was used when female were giving birth". He returned and put the patch behind my left ear. It looked like a bandage. The patch is good for 48 hours and he said I will start to feel a slight difference within a half hour. He did warn us not to touch the patch. When the patch needs to be removed, we need to use gloves. There is a chemical in the patch that if your hands touch it and you happen to rub your eye, your vision will get blurry and your pupil will get enlarged. He said several people come into the ER panicking not knowing what caused these symptoms. He gave us a pair gloves to take home with us.
Another nurse came over to insert the IV. I explained that in June, I had the IV inserted on the side of my wrist and I had nerve damage for several months after. She doesn't like to insert in that area and she inserted it on the top of my left hand. Another two representatives came over from the anesthesia department to introduce themselves and explain all three of them will be in the room with me during my surgery. One of the ladies chatted with us for awhile since the surgery wasn't going to start on time. My doctor was running alittle behind but the operating room that I was going into had another procedure in the room with a different doctor so we had to wait. She reviewed the patch procedures as well. She told my husband and I a story about her friend who called her because she had surgery and she also had the patch. Her friend's eyes were blurry and the pupil got enlarged but she was still wearing the patch. What happened in this situation is that the patch must of rubbed on her pillow and got into her eye. Her friend was told to go to sleep and these symptoms will eventually wear off. I am glad she told us about this situation so I am aware. The nurse who's face was shocked when I entered stopped by and I explained why I was back for more surgery. It is nice that the nurses are concern and do care.
My cancer doctor was at the hospital for other surgeries and stopped by to say hello. It was nice to chat with her. My plastic surgeon came by to review my procedure one more time and I had to sign one more consent form. She explained she has 3-4 different saline implants that she will try in my breast cavity and she will put the implant in that matches best to my body. This is why I love my doctor! She doesn't just put one implant in and say your stuck with that particular one. She makes sure I would be happy with the final outcome. The surgery finally began forty minutes later than expected. I remember being wheeled into the OR room and getting the mask over my nose/mouth to make me go asleep. It seemed like it took longer this time to fall asleep then in previous surgeries. I remember a nurse moving my arm out to the side and then I was out in la la land.
I will continue my journey in a new blog. I have alot of information to share with all of you. I will write more tomorrow. Good night.
On Friday December 3, 2010 my surgery was scheduled for 9:45am. The time worked out well because we were able to get the kids ready for school.We left at 7:45am to the hospital since they asked me to be there early. I was called into the prep room around 9:00am. As I walked to the pre-op area , I passed by several nurses/doctors that I recognized from all the times I have been at the hospital. One of the nurse's face drop, like she was shocked to see me back for more surgery. (when I had my hysterectomy I was in the main operating room and this time I was in the out patient area which I have been for the majority of my surgeries) At this time, I changed into the robe and waited in the bed for all of the doctors to speak with me. There were several nurses who needed to review all of my paperwork. As I was reviewing my medical history with the first nurse, I explained to her with my previous surgeries I have felt nausea and I even vomited up after two surgeries. I had anti-nausea medicine put into my IV with all of my surgeries. She suggested when I speak with the anesthesia doctor to inform him that I would like the nausea patch behind my ear as well as the anti nausea medicine in my IV. The anesthesia doctor came by and reviewed what will happen during my surgery. I told him that unfortunately I have been through many surgeries and I am familiar with the procedures. He heard me talking with the nurse that I had problems in the past with anesthesia and I tend to get sick. He explained that your brain has three areas that can trigger the nausea feeling. He ask if I get car sick (yes if I am in the back seat on curvy roads) and I also been on two cruises in which I got sick on both trips. Yuck, its not fun to be sick. :< He stated he will put the medication in my IV and he will also give me a patch to wear behind my ear. The patch is similar to what the cruise ship uses. Some interesting facts, he said" many years ago this patch in a much higher dose was used when female were giving birth". He returned and put the patch behind my left ear. It looked like a bandage. The patch is good for 48 hours and he said I will start to feel a slight difference within a half hour. He did warn us not to touch the patch. When the patch needs to be removed, we need to use gloves. There is a chemical in the patch that if your hands touch it and you happen to rub your eye, your vision will get blurry and your pupil will get enlarged. He said several people come into the ER panicking not knowing what caused these symptoms. He gave us a pair gloves to take home with us.
Another nurse came over to insert the IV. I explained that in June, I had the IV inserted on the side of my wrist and I had nerve damage for several months after. She doesn't like to insert in that area and she inserted it on the top of my left hand. Another two representatives came over from the anesthesia department to introduce themselves and explain all three of them will be in the room with me during my surgery. One of the ladies chatted with us for awhile since the surgery wasn't going to start on time. My doctor was running alittle behind but the operating room that I was going into had another procedure in the room with a different doctor so we had to wait. She reviewed the patch procedures as well. She told my husband and I a story about her friend who called her because she had surgery and she also had the patch. Her friend's eyes were blurry and the pupil got enlarged but she was still wearing the patch. What happened in this situation is that the patch must of rubbed on her pillow and got into her eye. Her friend was told to go to sleep and these symptoms will eventually wear off. I am glad she told us about this situation so I am aware. The nurse who's face was shocked when I entered stopped by and I explained why I was back for more surgery. It is nice that the nurses are concern and do care.
My cancer doctor was at the hospital for other surgeries and stopped by to say hello. It was nice to chat with her. My plastic surgeon came by to review my procedure one more time and I had to sign one more consent form. She explained she has 3-4 different saline implants that she will try in my breast cavity and she will put the implant in that matches best to my body. This is why I love my doctor! She doesn't just put one implant in and say your stuck with that particular one. She makes sure I would be happy with the final outcome. The surgery finally began forty minutes later than expected. I remember being wheeled into the OR room and getting the mask over my nose/mouth to make me go asleep. It seemed like it took longer this time to fall asleep then in previous surgeries. I remember a nurse moving my arm out to the side and then I was out in la la land.
I will continue my journey in a new blog. I have alot of information to share with all of you. I will write more tomorrow. Good night.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Friday 12/2/10
Surgery is confirmed for 9:45 am tomorrow 12/2/10
My new journey is here once again and my life brings me several loops that I will continue to stay positive, be strong and and stay healthy!
My new journey is here once again and my life brings me several loops that I will continue to stay positive, be strong and and stay healthy!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Surgery is almost here!
I am ready for my 5th surgery. I want it done. It seems like I've been waiting so long but I haven't. My insurance has approved my surgery and the hospital confirmed my registration. I didn't get my blood work done last week because my allergies were bothering me.(lucky I manage not to get sick) I got my blood work done today 11/24/10. They took four vials of blood. They are checking cbc count, make sure I don't have any blood clots (not sure how they determine this), electrolytes, and I forgot the last category.
I saw my plastic surgeon on Thursday November 18, 2010 for my pre-op exam. Before I went into the exam room, I had to read and initial 26 pages of information regarding my surgery. Wow, if this was my first time having this procedure, it's enough data to scare you and not to have the surgery. I told this to my doctor and she agreed and said she tells her receptionist to send this packet to the patients house prior to the pre-op visit so the patients have time to review it. I don't really remember going through this book before. I guess I was so involved with the cancer that I just signed it all.
I explained to the doctor that my entire family is on antibiotics for allergy infections. She mentioned if I have any signs of an infection to call her and she will give me antibiotics. She gave me a prescription for antibiotics to start to take the day before my surgery. Any time you have a foreign object inserted in your body, you have to take antibiotics to protect from possible infections.
The surgery is scheduled for December 3,2010. I will not know the time for the surgery until a few days before 12/3. The surgery will take around one hour fifteen minutes - one hour and half long. Say a prayer for my surgeon to perform her wonderful work and correct the issues my body has gone through. I will be a new women soon! I am changing my implants to silicone. My right breast tissue that has harden seems to be not as hard feeling as a few weeks ago. She said the breast will go through changes on its own when its effected by the radiation. At times I feel my right breast moving around like it has fluid in it and has a weird feeling. I can compare the sensation when you shake water in a bottle and it squishes around. My doctor said I will not feel this with the saline implants and that is one of the differences.
She will cut along my existing scar on the outside of each breast, take out my saline implant and insert the new silicone implants. For my left breast, the existing tissue will remain. She is going to insert alittle of fat above my breast to make it look fuller. On the right breast, the old tissue will need to be removed and be replaced with fat from my stomach. The tissue will be placed between my skin and the implant. She will cut below my belly button and remove the fat from that area. She said no-one will notice the incision after it heals, it will be small.
It does gross me out to watch liposuction perform on TV. Lucky I will be asleep and I will think about the positive benefits: a healthy new breast and some fat removed from my stomach area! Yea!!! She will remove the fat with her tools and by using her own arm muscles. She doesn't use a suction fat machine. I teased her and said she gets a work-out performing her surgeries. I also told her that I would be okay if she removes more fat! PLEASE She did say I should notice a slight difference in my stomach after I am healed.
The surgery is an out-patient service and I will be going home the same day. I will be able to drive if needed the next day as long I am not taking pain mediation. She gave me an RX: Oxycontin to take if needed. I will get the prescription filled before next week. I will stop all my vitamins and medications two days prior to surgery. I will be bandage up around my breast area. I can take a shower in 48 hours.( I have to check on the time, I forgot to write it down.) My stomach area will not look pretty for awhile. It will be swollen and black and blue. After the surgery,the hospital staff will put on a girdle around my stomach that I need to wear all day and night. This will help the swelling. I will see her the following Thursday in her office for a follow up.
I was surprise to hear the following information! She mentioned to me that I will continue to see her for six months after the surgery. There is a slight chance that I will need to have another surgery. As the fat settles down in my right breast, I might need additional fat insert into right breast only. I hope I don't have to have another surgery. I haven't had always the best of luck in my past when it comes to slight chances that may occur.
Happy Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble
I saw my plastic surgeon on Thursday November 18, 2010 for my pre-op exam. Before I went into the exam room, I had to read and initial 26 pages of information regarding my surgery. Wow, if this was my first time having this procedure, it's enough data to scare you and not to have the surgery. I told this to my doctor and she agreed and said she tells her receptionist to send this packet to the patients house prior to the pre-op visit so the patients have time to review it. I don't really remember going through this book before. I guess I was so involved with the cancer that I just signed it all.
I explained to the doctor that my entire family is on antibiotics for allergy infections. She mentioned if I have any signs of an infection to call her and she will give me antibiotics. She gave me a prescription for antibiotics to start to take the day before my surgery. Any time you have a foreign object inserted in your body, you have to take antibiotics to protect from possible infections.
The surgery is scheduled for December 3,2010. I will not know the time for the surgery until a few days before 12/3. The surgery will take around one hour fifteen minutes - one hour and half long. Say a prayer for my surgeon to perform her wonderful work and correct the issues my body has gone through. I will be a new women soon! I am changing my implants to silicone. My right breast tissue that has harden seems to be not as hard feeling as a few weeks ago. She said the breast will go through changes on its own when its effected by the radiation. At times I feel my right breast moving around like it has fluid in it and has a weird feeling. I can compare the sensation when you shake water in a bottle and it squishes around. My doctor said I will not feel this with the saline implants and that is one of the differences.
She will cut along my existing scar on the outside of each breast, take out my saline implant and insert the new silicone implants. For my left breast, the existing tissue will remain. She is going to insert alittle of fat above my breast to make it look fuller. On the right breast, the old tissue will need to be removed and be replaced with fat from my stomach. The tissue will be placed between my skin and the implant. She will cut below my belly button and remove the fat from that area. She said no-one will notice the incision after it heals, it will be small.
It does gross me out to watch liposuction perform on TV. Lucky I will be asleep and I will think about the positive benefits: a healthy new breast and some fat removed from my stomach area! Yea!!! She will remove the fat with her tools and by using her own arm muscles. She doesn't use a suction fat machine. I teased her and said she gets a work-out performing her surgeries. I also told her that I would be okay if she removes more fat! PLEASE She did say I should notice a slight difference in my stomach after I am healed.
The surgery is an out-patient service and I will be going home the same day. I will be able to drive if needed the next day as long I am not taking pain mediation. She gave me an RX: Oxycontin to take if needed. I will get the prescription filled before next week. I will stop all my vitamins and medications two days prior to surgery. I will be bandage up around my breast area. I can take a shower in 48 hours.( I have to check on the time, I forgot to write it down.) My stomach area will not look pretty for awhile. It will be swollen and black and blue. After the surgery,the hospital staff will put on a girdle around my stomach that I need to wear all day and night. This will help the swelling. I will see her the following Thursday in her office for a follow up.
I was surprise to hear the following information! She mentioned to me that I will continue to see her for six months after the surgery. There is a slight chance that I will need to have another surgery. As the fat settles down in my right breast, I might need additional fat insert into right breast only. I hope I don't have to have another surgery. I haven't had always the best of luck in my past when it comes to slight chances that may occur.
Happy Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
follow up with Oncologist
Sorry, I know I am behind to update my blog. I just haven't taken the time to sit down and write. We have been busy with sports and now everybody in the family is getting a sinus infection and asthma concerns so there has been several trips to the doctors.
I saw my Oncologist on November 3, 2010 for a follow up visit. I informed him about my surgery on December 3, 2010. He was shocked to hear about the news! He listened to my chest and my breathing was good. He also pushed on my spine to see if I had any discomfort. He was checking my bones for any abnormality. (no, I didn't have any pain.). He reviewed my bone density test from September and it was normal. I will get a bone density test performed every two years. I explained to him that my night sweats aren't as bad as they were in the last few months. He said " my body is adjusting to the changes and that's why I am not sweating as much as before". I am happy for that! The night sweats were bad. I would wake up and my face and hair would be sticky. Now I just wake up hot and I can take off the covers and go back to sleep. Lucky, I am not having any other side effects at this time.
We reviewed my last blood work results. All the results were good. He informed me when individuals have a hysterectomy that some people's cholesterol will increase. I will have my cholesterol re-checked in five months when I get my other routine blood work done. My cholesterol was good, 174.
He wasn't concerned for ovarian cancer since all my organs were removed. There is a slight chance that a cell for breast cancer is floating around in my body so that is why we have CA-127 and CA-129 markers for breast cancer checked during my blood work routine. Everyday I take Tamoxifen and I asked him if I should remain on this medication or I need to change to Arimidex since I am considered in menopause stage. There was a recent study performed with women who had a partial hysterectomy verses women who had a full hysterectomy. Half of them took the medication Tamoxifen and the other half took the medication Arimidex. There was no difference between the two medications. I have no side effects on Tamoxifen so there is no reason to change. He feels Tamoxifen is better for your bones as well as a great estrogen blocker. He feels that I am a very low risk for breast cancer recurrence. My breast cancer was diagnose at an early stage but when the lab examined the tissue afterwards invasive cancer was found. That is why I am taking the medication and my genetic testing is undetermined if I am a carrier.
I will get my blood work done in May 2011 and follow up with him at that time.
I am feeling okay about the surgery. I am fighting a little bit of sinus issues. I have been resting so I don't get sick before the surgery. It seems like the surgery day is so far away. I want to get the surgery done and over with. I am excited to see what my new boobs will look like! Who would ever think I would be saying those words! I want to start the healing process and be ready for Xmas. I am getting my pre-op blood work done tomorrow and on Thursday I will see my plastic surgeon for my pre-op visit. Take Care and stay warm!
I saw my Oncologist on November 3, 2010 for a follow up visit. I informed him about my surgery on December 3, 2010. He was shocked to hear about the news! He listened to my chest and my breathing was good. He also pushed on my spine to see if I had any discomfort. He was checking my bones for any abnormality. (no, I didn't have any pain.). He reviewed my bone density test from September and it was normal. I will get a bone density test performed every two years. I explained to him that my night sweats aren't as bad as they were in the last few months. He said " my body is adjusting to the changes and that's why I am not sweating as much as before". I am happy for that! The night sweats were bad. I would wake up and my face and hair would be sticky. Now I just wake up hot and I can take off the covers and go back to sleep. Lucky, I am not having any other side effects at this time.
We reviewed my last blood work results. All the results were good. He informed me when individuals have a hysterectomy that some people's cholesterol will increase. I will have my cholesterol re-checked in five months when I get my other routine blood work done. My cholesterol was good, 174.
He wasn't concerned for ovarian cancer since all my organs were removed. There is a slight chance that a cell for breast cancer is floating around in my body so that is why we have CA-127 and CA-129 markers for breast cancer checked during my blood work routine. Everyday I take Tamoxifen and I asked him if I should remain on this medication or I need to change to Arimidex since I am considered in menopause stage. There was a recent study performed with women who had a partial hysterectomy verses women who had a full hysterectomy. Half of them took the medication Tamoxifen and the other half took the medication Arimidex. There was no difference between the two medications. I have no side effects on Tamoxifen so there is no reason to change. He feels Tamoxifen is better for your bones as well as a great estrogen blocker. He feels that I am a very low risk for breast cancer recurrence. My breast cancer was diagnose at an early stage but when the lab examined the tissue afterwards invasive cancer was found. That is why I am taking the medication and my genetic testing is undetermined if I am a carrier.
I will get my blood work done in May 2011 and follow up with him at that time.
I am feeling okay about the surgery. I am fighting a little bit of sinus issues. I have been resting so I don't get sick before the surgery. It seems like the surgery day is so far away. I want to get the surgery done and over with. I am excited to see what my new boobs will look like! Who would ever think I would be saying those words! I want to start the healing process and be ready for Xmas. I am getting my pre-op blood work done tomorrow and on Thursday I will see my plastic surgeon for my pre-op visit. Take Care and stay warm!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
more surgery part two
The night I found out all this information I was running some errands with Emily. Gene called my cell phone and she heard me talking to him explaining what the doctor said. When I got off the phone, she asked me if I was having surgery again. I said yes. We arrived home shortly after this conversation. I finished explaining all the news to Gene and asked Emily to go upstairs and get ready for bed. When she came back down she sat in my lap and I could tell something was wrong with her. As soon as I asked her what is wrong, she started crying. I realized she was upset about me having surgery. The first thing I said to her was assuring her that I don't have cancer and made sure she understood. I continued to explain that I need to fix my breast. She didn't understand so I turned to Gene and asked him how do I explain this. At this time AJ was walking down stairs so we included him with this conversation. We want to be upfront with the kids so I explained the truth how I had to remove my breast from cancer and I don't have real boobs. I explained I have implants that make me look like I have real boobs and one of them needs to be repaired. I explained this is a subject that was discussed with-in our family and not a topic they need to talk with their friends. I explained I would be home the same day either before they get home from school or around dinner time. Emily was okay but she was sad she won't be able to sit on my lap for awhile. They didn't have any questions. Yes, I did get tears in my eyes while I spoke with my kids. I am sensitive and felt how scared the kids were. I have been through alot as well as my family.
The next day, I started thinking if I should change my implants. The other type of implants are suppose to a softer feeling and the majority of people use them. I spoke with my plastic surgeon's assistant and she gave me the name of the silicone implant she uses. I was able to do some research about this type. I e-mailed my plastic surgeon and she thought I would be pleased with the silicone implants. She said the surgery wouldn't be much longer to switch the other side as well. I have decided to change both of my implants. I currently have saline and will change both breast to silicone. I am staying the same size for my breast so my skin will not need any other surgery. I will follow up with her in regards to questions about the tissue on my left side breast that isn't damage before my surgery.
As far as recovery, it will be less to worry about than the initial surgery. I will not have any drainage tubes, yea!!!! The cavity under my breast skin is already there, she just cuts near the existing scar on each side of my breasts removes the implants and inserts the new implants. She will have to remove tissue from my stomach and insert into the breast. I will have dissolvable stitches on the side of my breast and maybe underneath the front. I will be black/blue from the liposuction on my stomach with a small suture. I will have gauze covering the breast area for the first week. The recovery shouldn't be too long.
I scheduled my surgery for December 3, 2010. I don't know the time until that week. If there our patients that need to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy they will be scheduled before me. I wont be any later than 1:00 in the afternoon. I hope the sooner the better. I need to have some pre-op blood work done before my surgery.
November 3, 2010 I have my five month follow up appointment to see my oncologist.
November 18, 2010 I will see my plastic surgeon for any questions/concerns before my surgery.
My team: Bossom Buddies walked for the American Cancer Society on October 24, 2010. We had a great turnout. I have updated my blog site with some pictures from the walk. It was a colder day than last year's walk. October is a special month for me. This is the month I found out I had breast cancer. I also get to celebrate my birthday this month and remember how lucky I am alive. I will continue to participate in the breast cancer walk each year in October as well.
The next day, I started thinking if I should change my implants. The other type of implants are suppose to a softer feeling and the majority of people use them. I spoke with my plastic surgeon's assistant and she gave me the name of the silicone implant she uses. I was able to do some research about this type. I e-mailed my plastic surgeon and she thought I would be pleased with the silicone implants. She said the surgery wouldn't be much longer to switch the other side as well. I have decided to change both of my implants. I currently have saline and will change both breast to silicone. I am staying the same size for my breast so my skin will not need any other surgery. I will follow up with her in regards to questions about the tissue on my left side breast that isn't damage before my surgery.
As far as recovery, it will be less to worry about than the initial surgery. I will not have any drainage tubes, yea!!!! The cavity under my breast skin is already there, she just cuts near the existing scar on each side of my breasts removes the implants and inserts the new implants. She will have to remove tissue from my stomach and insert into the breast. I will have dissolvable stitches on the side of my breast and maybe underneath the front. I will be black/blue from the liposuction on my stomach with a small suture. I will have gauze covering the breast area for the first week. The recovery shouldn't be too long.
I scheduled my surgery for December 3, 2010. I don't know the time until that week. If there our patients that need to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy they will be scheduled before me. I wont be any later than 1:00 in the afternoon. I hope the sooner the better. I need to have some pre-op blood work done before my surgery.
November 3, 2010 I have my five month follow up appointment to see my oncologist.
November 18, 2010 I will see my plastic surgeon for any questions/concerns before my surgery.
My team: Bossom Buddies walked for the American Cancer Society on October 24, 2010. We had a great turnout. I have updated my blog site with some pictures from the walk. It was a colder day than last year's walk. October is a special month for me. This is the month I found out I had breast cancer. I also get to celebrate my birthday this month and remember how lucky I am alive. I will continue to participate in the breast cancer walk each year in October as well.
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