Implant Exchange and Fat Grafting Surgery

2/19/2015 I had by implant exchange and fat grafting surgery.  We got to the hospital around 11:15 and were scheduled to start surgery at 12:50.  Well, after getting all the initial things hooked up, medical questions answered, and fitted for leg stockings, we just were waiting on Dr. Sonderman.  He was running about 30 minutes behind.  When he got there he marked me all up for the breast implant part and the lipo.  Here was a little of our conversation

"What areas were we all going to do again with the lipo?"  

"Well, let's take a look."  So he marked my lower back, inner and outer thighs.  

 "Do you take out as much as you can or only what is needed." 

 He of course laughed and said, "Well I'm not going to do one side and not the other."

  So I said, "You'll make me look good then right."  We laughed.

The surgery lasted about 3 hours.  Dr. Sonderman came out and told Andy everything went really well.  I actually remember waking up in the recovery room before they took me back to meet with Andy around 5:30.  I was out of it quite a bit.  I tried making it to the bathroom, but had the bucket in front of me again.  Once they got me back to the room they gave me some more neausea medication which eventually did help.  We finally left the hospital around 9 pm.  

Right now I will say that the lipo part hurts worse than the actually breast implants.  I think I feel a little relieved in the breast area, because I don't have the rock hard tissue expanders anymore.  I have some major bruises on my back and thigh areas.  Surprisingly I know it hurts, but I can move at least more than I thought I'd be able to.  Getting in and out of the chair is hard, especially the first initial sit down.  I look like a mummy from breast to toe with all the extra stockings and wraps.  This is to try and help with the blood flow.

The kids have been staying at Grandma and Grandpa's so it's just been Andy and I at home.  Nice to have the peace and quite, and time just to rest.  I have another big week with Doctor appointments.  I have my Eco test, to see how my hearts doing, Herceptin treatment on Wednesday, meet with Dr. Sonderman, and also start back with physical therapy.  Hoping each day I keep getting stronger and stronger.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way.  

It really does make a difference!

Physical Therapy, Tissue Expanders, 2nd surgery scheduled

February 6, 2015

Over the past couple of weeks I have started physical therapy, got expanded twice, and now have my second surgery scheduled.

Trying to show the lymphatic chording in my left arm. 
 If you can tell its the bulge that runs up my arm a little ways.
Also my hair is really coming in now, not quite comfortable
yet to not wear a hat, but soon I'm sure.

Physical therapy has gone pretty well.  It felt so much better to actually stretch my muscles and move around versus being so sensitive to movement.  Colleen, my physical therapist, said the more I move the better I'll feel.  It sure has proven to be that way.  I'm also walking on the treadmill 20 minutes each day, which feels awesome.  My left arm measured at 55 degrees for movement when I first went in and I now its up to about 136 degrees.   I have a small seroma (fluid build-up) in my left armpit that they have drained.  I also have lymphatic chording from my left armpit to my inner elbow.  Feels like a web of rope like structures under my skin.  Only hurts when I try and do my stretches, hoping they will break up.  I'm also still numb under my left arm, there not sure if that feeling will ever come back, but it doesn't bother me to much.  Right now I'm scheduled for about 4 more weeks of physical therapy.  Still have a ways to go before I can start radiation.  I have to be able to get my arms up over my head for that.

The tissue expansion was quite an experience.  The first time I actually felt the fluid going in and my breast getting bigger and tighter.  The second time I didn't really feel anything, but my skin getting a little tighter, especially around my pectoral muscle.  I will not need any more expansions, thank goodness.  I told the Dr. I'm big enough!

So my second surgery is scheduled for February 19th.  They will exchange the tissue expander for the breast implant, and also give me a liposuction for the fat grafting.  Talking with Dr. Sonderman he didn't want to use my stomach area for the lipo, but thought maybe my "love handles".  I asked if he could use my inner and outer thighs.  He said yes!  I proceeded to ask if you'll even be able to tell.  The response I got was, "Well it will be smoother."  What the heck, I'll take that.  This surgery is supposed to be much easier than the mastectomy.  They said I will probably be sorer in the lipo areas, which will feel like a deep bruise.

On Wednesday, February 4th I had another Herceptin treatment.  Blood work was good.  I think we were there for a total of about 2 1/2 hours.  Dad and I watched Tommy Boy during my treatment, and shared some good laughs.

My dad was down helping us out for the week since I was still on a weight restriction and can't pick up Clara yet.  It was great having him here running me and the kids all around.  Little interesting with my dad at Target helping me pick out a pair of spanks that will cover my thigh area:)  Let me tell you, I didn't know that there were so many choices out there.  Thanks dad for not making that awkward, love you!

Overall, things have been getting easier.  Now that I'm moving around more, I'm not as depressed.  I know I had some rough weeks after surgery and the emotional roller coaster of this all can get overwhelming.  Thank you for the continuous thoughts and prayers!