home - recouperating

Last surgery was this morning.  Was at the hospital at 6:00am. Had wonderful nurses. Surgery was at 7:30am.

Feel like there was an intern from Grey's Anatomy as part of the anesthesia team - my hand is like a pin cushion!  Even though I have good veins I was a bit dehydrated - They told me not to drink!!  Finally got it done in my arm.

Much more uncomfortable then I thought I would be.  They replaced the implant in the right side and boy am I black and blue.

The dr told me I would probably be the most uncomfortable from the fat grafting portion (had a little lipo from the tummy) and he was not kidding.  They do look better from what I can see.  Boobs are all bandaged and I have plastic nipple proctectors - funny.  No showering until Sunday and then I can can not get bandages wet until after bandages are removed which will hopefully be on Wednesday.

Back to sleeping on my back for a while.

Rob is taking very good care of me - made a yummy dinner and is keeping me on schedule with my pain meds.  Ialso have to take an antibiotic this time.

Thanks for all the good wishes/prayers/emails and texts.

Love ya,
Ingrid

Date Change

FYI
-
The date of my surgery has changed to next Friday, October 19th.

They really look out for me and the doctor is going on vacation 10/25.  This way I can have the surgery and still see him for a post op visit before his vacation.

Ingrid

It's been a while

Hi to my followers.

 I hope you had a wonderful summer.  I did - was busy all the time - seeing my family, Rob (and Christian at times) and other friends as well. 

For the most part I was feeling good.  I am not going to lie -  there were times that I had the why me, when is this going to be over, I look deformed, I feel like less than a woman,  depressed thoughts but they came and went and I realized and thanked G-D that I am ok.

Most of you know my Dad has Alzheimer's and I wasn't sure if I was going to do the walk this year.  Then it hit me - I am cured but Dad is not.  Was a pretty easy decision after that.  I also made it easy for myself and am doing the walk in Brooklyn this year in stead of NYC.

I had my 6 month followup with my plastic surgeon and scheduled my next and last surgery for October 25th - YEAH.   After that there will be another procedure in his office the beginning of the year and then checkups every 6 months.  The end is near!

I went to my breast surgeon last week for a checkup.  Was very nervous - not sure why and my blood pressure reflected it.  She said I am fine and that I made a very smart decision to do what I did.  The good news is I have to see her every 6 months for checkups but I never have to have another mammogram, sonogram, mri or biopsy!

OK - just wanted to update, probably won't again until around surgery time.

PEACE.

Ingrid

Phase II complete

Everything went textbook perfect.  I was in operating room at 7:25am and then in recovery by 9:30am and left the hospital before noon. 

I'm home - just had a bagel and some chicken soup.

A bit of discomfort  - not pain,  and a little bruising so I just took another percoset.

Going to try and get some sleep now - I am very tired. 

So glad to have soft boobs!

xoxo

Tomorrow is the day

I can't believe it's been over a month since the last post.  Sorry followers:)

Been an emotional rollercoaster.  At one point I said to a friend - I am sick and tired of being sick and tired and I'm not really sick - just tired!

Was trying to forget what was going on but it would crep into my life: a piece of mail, a phone call from the dr, a doctor's visit - I wound up having a few more inflations since the last post - the last one was 6/1.  Then I had to get a physical from my primary doctor before tomorrow's procedure.

But the day is almost here.  I am first case in the morning and I'm told I will be so much more comfortable after the expanders are removed and the implants are in.  Will be going from rocks to sand!  At least that's what they tell me.  Should be on my way home about noon.

I could not have gone through this so well without the love and support of Rob who has been incredible.  My friends - I feel so lucky that you've supported me and put up with my moods and even more importantly told me it was ok to be moody - lol.

Been very anxious but tomorrow is almost here - woo hoo.

Love to all!!

Ingrid

Update

Hi all,

Didn't feel like writing the past couple of weeks.  Was a bit melancholy for a bit, the mind was working overtime.  Am so grateful that it was caught early and I do not need any type of treatments but it got to me the past week+.

I only have 1 - 2 more inflations to go.  For about 2 -3 days after it is quite uncomfortable, glad the end is near!

Today, I did the Revlon Run walk for womens cancers. I was gearing up for it to be an emotional day. I have been doing this for about 10 years but this year it had a bit of a different meaning with me being a survivor. Our team is Buh Bye Cancer and there are pictures on facebook. I have the best group of friends and support system! It was a bit chilly - 5 degrees warmer would have been nice but the day was a success and ended with brunch at High Life.

xoxo
Ingrid

Doctors, doctors and more doctors...

Busy week of dr. appointments but all went well.

Had another inflation and they think I only need 2-3 more.  Scheduled the next surgery for June 14th.  This is to get the permament implants put in.  I will go from having all the mechanics in my breasts (removed) to normal feeling breasts.  Will be an outpatient surgery and am very excited about the next step.

The following day I saw the breast surgeon who does not need to see me for another 6 months.  She said I was healing nicely and just will be checking my skin and lymph nodes - no more diagnostic tests.

Then... I saw the oncologist.  There was a screw up with the time of the appointment but as he was apologzing to me for the wait he said it was worth the wait as he had good news.  I do NOT have to take tamoxifen!  Although it is helpful when necessary and the benefits out weigh the risks, since my cancer was caught so early, he does not think I need to have the risks that are associated with the drug.  He does want me to go off birth control (which I started taking to regulate my cycle and ease up the intensity).  I have to fnd a new gyno as I was less than pleased with the lack of response I got from my current doctor.  Sorry if this is too much information for some of you... but this blog is like a journey of my experience.

I was uncomfortable the past few days - not sure if it was from the various doctor visits or from the fact of skin stretching.

I still managed to have a nice weekend of shopping at the outlets in NJ, watching the Rangers (even though they lost)  and visiting a few parks and gardens.

Until next time....

Morning all

Was a busy last week. Between the holidays and my birthday didn't have a chance to update. 

Worked a bit longer each day last week.  My energy is finally back - woo hoo!.  This is the first week I am going to try to work full days.  I do have a bunch of doctor appointments this week,  so will be another update the end of this week.

Last week when I got my inflation the doctor said this week he would know how many more and when my next surgery would be - probably the end of June.  This is good news.  Everything is going according to plan.  I am a bit uncomfortable right after the inflation but I have Boobs! 

Spoke to a few people last week that didn't know what was going on in my life.  I think they were a bit shocked.  Not my intention but I have been dealing with this for a little bit already.  As I say to them - I really am doing ok!

Have a good week all.

Ingrid
 

Took a little break

Hi my followers!

Took a break as I had no doctor appointments for two weeks and not that much to report. 

I still do not have my full energy level back which is a bit annoying.  Been busy at work at yesterday I worked until 6 (!) since there were projects going on and I felt I had to.  Waited for a few trains to pass but finally got on one and no seats.  Didn't get a seat until mid Brooklyn but I survived.  Came home, ate and was asleep on the couch by 8:30.

Last weekend did a lot of retail therapy so that must mean I am feeling better:) Overall I feel good but there is still slight discomfort and feel like a constant tightness in my chest.  Thankfully no more 10 lb weight feeling - more like a 2 lb; much better.

Next week I am starting with my weekly "pump ups" and the following week have follow up with breast surgeon and meeting with the oncologist. 

Probably will be updating once a week going forward.

Have a good weekend!

Ingrid

First Inflation

So today was my first inflation (pump up!)

Didn't have such a geat week - was in a lot of discomfort all week - probably all part of the healing process and was very tired as well.

But-I worked myself up and it was all for nothing.  It was a piece of cake!  Saw the doctor, said hi and then closed my eyes and was anticipating who knows what and he said - not so bad is it, I already finished one and you didn't even feel it!  Doctor is going on vacation next week and my next inflation is the beginning of April.

So I decided since it went so well I walked back to the train instead of taking the bus.  Along the way I bought myself a pair of shoes and a dress and had some chips and gucamole from Chipotle for lunch.

Home now - going out to buy the winning Mega Millions ticket!

Ingrid

First Day back at work

The alarm actually woke me up and I was excited and nervous to go back to work.  I leave pretty early so got a seat on the express train.  Switched at Dekalb Ave (only 2 stops until work) and there were no seats so was just holding on to the pole.  A very nice middle aged gentleman asked me if I wanted to sit.  At first I thought -"does he think I am pregnant", but I do have a flat tummy!  I guess I looked more tired than I thought.  I did forget to put mascara on before I left the house (was so excited to go out!) and it's good thing I keep emergency make up at work.

Was so good to see everyone.  I did not last all day, building up stamina slowly.  I ate much better at work than when I am home.  There is way too much crap on top of my fridge.  I am going to either bring to work or throw it all out!!

Had a great weekend in the Hudson with Rob.  We never got into the culinary institute but ate at a wonderful restaurant called Crave in Poughkeepsie.  Did the walk across the Hudson and was a beautiful day.  Had a picnic lunch (complete with wine poured into water bottles) as it is an alcohol free park!  Always a way around things.

I still feel like I have weights on my chest and emailed the doctor this morning who said it was a normal feeling.  I guess it is all part of the healing process.

Next doctor appointment is Friday for my first inflation (pump up)! 

Have a good week all.

Ingrid

Good News

Doctor said I was healing beautifully!  I asked him why I was so tired and his answer was " do you realize that you had major surgery less than 3 weeks ago!"

He cleared me to go back to work on Monday.  I can't lift, pull or push more than 10 pounds for a few weeks.  I spoke to my boss and will probably not work a full day for the first few days until I see how I feel.  I am excited to go back to work - I miss my coworkers/friends.

Rob and I are going away this weekend to celebrate.  We are on the wait list for dinner at the Culinary Institute. If not, we do have a back up plan.  We will do the Walkway across the Hudson and just take it easy.  It will be nice to be in a different environment than my apt!

Thank you all for the calls, cards, prayers, flowers, food, baskets etc.....

Big hugs!

Ingrid

Doctor Visit today

I have a follow up doctor appointment today.  Taking access a ride with my Mom!  My friend who has been my personal chauffeur, her Dad has been in the hospital since last Wednesday so please say a prayer for his his quick recovery.

Will report more when I get home later.

Enjoy this fabulous weather!

Morning all

Figured it was time for another update.  Thanks for all who follow.

Physically I feel ok - still very achy.  My ribs have been hurting alot the past few days and I asked the doctor and she explained when they put the expanders in the moved my ribs around abit.  Guess this means I am healing.  Plus I am still very tired.  The doctor also told me that anesthesia stays in your body for a while.  If I do not nap at some point during the day, I am cranky!!

I am having a more difficult time emotionally.  I signed up for the Revlon Run walk (team name Buh Bye Cancer on 5/5- join the team if you want).  I have been doing this for almost 10 years with my friends.  Just a good cause and a fun day in the city.  When talking to one of my friends they said "this year you can wear a survivior sign".  That hit me HARD!! 

Then I got a letter from the American Cancer Society/Visiting Nurse Services.  They wanted to set me up with a free in home wig fitting as well as offer me a free wig.  Well - that brought on the tears!  I am so thankful that I do not need this.

There are so many woman who go through this process that have it so much worse than me.  I was thinking about it the other day.  I was officially diagnosed on January 23rd and I had my surgery on February 16th.  It was less than a month.  I am so thankful that everything went so well.  I can now say 100% that I am cancer free.  It feels stranger writing this than saying this since I never felt sick.  although at times I do feel like aliens have invaded my upper  body!

I am also so grateful for the love and support of my family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, friends of friends and everyone who is in my corner.

Love,
Ingrid

Wednesday report

Went to the breast surgeon today who said I was healing beautifully.  Also said I made a very smart decision to have a double mastectomey since they found some atypical cells in the right breast.  At that point I started  crying and she just gave me a hug and said I am going to be ok.  No chemo, no radiation and 99%  no tamoxafin although I have an appointment with an oncololgist in a few weeks.  She told me to have him read the report before he sees me as she really doesn' see the point in me taking the drug which is great news.  I also got another prescription for valium as they help with the spasms (she explained that that means I am healing) and they also help me sleep.

What an emotional day!  Came home and had a shot of chocolate vodka and some peanut butter filled pretzels.

Nap time.....

Monday Report

Went to the the doctor and got the last drain removed - ahhhh - what a relief.  I can take a real shower tomorrow with no bandages covered.

Stopped by the office on the way home so say hello to everyone (my Mom's suggestion).  Was great to see everyone and I really do miss you guys!

Treated Mom and Lauren (my personal chaueffeur) to lunch and now it is nap time!

  Might walk down the block later for a manicure if I have enought strength!

Enjoy the nice weather.

Pre weekend update

Luda the visiting nurse just left.  My blood pressure was a little low but she didn't seem overly concerned - 108/62.  She changed the dressings and will come back on Tuesday. (I still haven't looked).   Made an appointment for Monday morning to get the other drain removed at my plastic surgeons office.  Then I will see my breast surgeon on Thursday.

I am more tired today than I've been the past few days so been napping alot.

 A friend brought me over a bunch of the movies that were nomoniated for the Oscars but haven't been able to stay awake to watch them!

Hope you all have a nice weekend.

Hugs,

Ingrid

PS - My apt smells fabulous - there are flowers in every room!!!

Doctor Visit

Had my first doctor visit post surgery today.  He said I was healing beautifully.  Only one drain was able to be removed, hopefully the other one will be removed early next week and then I will follow up with my other surgeon.

He also said I could shower (with a towel pinned over the dressings) and most importantly - I can drink!!!

Happy Thursday!!

More Good News

I heard from the doctors nurse today - (dr is on vacation on Colorado).  Lymph nodes were negative and I had non invasive cancer and its ALL GONE!!!

Had to share the news - surprised you didn't hear me shouting from my window!

Thanks for all the cards - got a huge bunch in the mail today!

Ingrid

hello

I know its been a few days so thought it was time for an update.  I was feeling so good the past few days and I think last night I finally crashed.  I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and felt like everything including my big toe hurt but thankfully the feeling has passed and I'm doing ok now.  I am definitely sore but I had major surgery so I guess it is to be expected.  I have an apointment tomorrow with the doctor and hopefully the drains will be removed and I will be able to take a real shower instead of just a sponge bath.

I had a decent breakfast since yesterday was a hardboiled egg and a bunch of munchkins but I am back to eating my fruit and yogurt with just a few treats throughout the day.  The best medicine (besides drugs) is babies, flowers and chocolate!  My friends with 11 month old twins visited the other day and my cousin Seth who is 4 months came by with his Mom and Dad yesterday.

I took a walk around the block yesterday with a friend to get sushi and felt like I walked 10 miles! 

Been catching up on TV shows that I dvr'd since everytime I pick up a book I fall asleep!  Everyone tells me sleep is good and I am a champion napper! 

OK - couch is calling - nap time.

Have a good day all.

Hugs,

Ingrid

So Happy to be Home

I am feeling much better today.  I slept pretty well last night and have been taking it easy.  Valium is really helping with the muscle spasms.  Haven't taken any of the percoset as I am not in pain - just uncomfortable and extra strength tylenol seems to be working. 

Feels great to be home and clean.  Not able to take a shower but since I have a hand held shower was able to have my hair washed (thanks Rob!).

I really am so lucky to have so many great caring friends and family.  I am enjoying all the flowers and the chocolates!

Had a visit yesterday from visiting nurse services and might be approved for a few visits a week.  My case is still pending but my vitals were good and she said I was healing very well.

I have to call my doctor on Tuesday and hopefully will be able to make an appointment for Thursday and get the drains removed.

Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather and the long weekend.

Hugs,
Ingrid

Going home

Had an amazing day yesterday. I felt really great and had so many visitors that really lifted my spirits. By the time everyone left I was exhausted! Everyone commented on how well I looked and I felt good too.Now it is a different story. I feel like I was hit by a truck. My chest is very tight and I'm really achy. Why did they need to wake me at 1:45 to take my vitals? Wishing I still had the morphine pump alrhough not in pain just very uncomfortable. Plus I have the hiccups and they are quite annoying. I am being discharged In the morning. MOm already filled my prescriptions in the hospital pharmacy.cant wait to be in my own environment with out a huge needle in My arm.Going to attempt some more sleep.
Gnite
Ingrid

FYI just took more Valium and extra strength Tylenol

Morning

As soon as I fell asleep it felt like the woke me to take my vitals. Blood pressure finally going down, not that it was ever really high but for me it was. This morning was 125/75. Took another Valium they seem to help the most. Wanted to just take Motrin/ibuprofen but hit the morphine button at 6. Everyone tells me give into the pain. It is not pain just discomfort. Been up for hours. Thought I would sleep better here but guess I was mistaken. They were back at 4:45 for vitals and been up since. Trying to sleep but not happening. Interns have already been by twice this morning and the said I was healing beautifully. Waiting for some food- I am still hungry which I guess is a good sign. Dont really want twizzlers but might have to. Was just told 8am for food. Ok that all for now.

I'm doing ok!

Hello all, I feel so much better than I thought I would. Not going to lie it is uncomfortable but not really in pain. Took a while to get a room but on the 13 th floor for the next few days. Everyone is so nice here. I have massaging things on my legs to help prevent clots. Everyone know how much I love massages! Took a Valium earlier to help with muscle spasms and did hot he morphine pump a bunch but not in a while. Rob left earlier and my parents just left as well thankfully they fed me a bit because still waiting for my dinner - I'm hungry! They gave me a tuna sandwich which was horrible. It is a bit difficult updating from phone but wanted. You all to hear from me that I'm doing ok Hugs Ingrid

Recovering...

2nd Phase Complete!!!

As per Rob, Ingrid is in recovery, awake, and waiting to be moved into a room.

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes.

Keep checking back for updates!

Surgery Update

1st Phase of Surgery complete and went textbook perfect!!!

Check back later for further updates!

Third times a charm....

What a rollercoaster ride I've been on:

1) February 10th - mixup with operating room
2) February 14th - Surgeon sick
3) February 16th - FINALLY the day of my surgery

**Note - read the blog - there were 2 visitors for me at the hospital today that were told I was discharged!!**  It's hard to personally contact all which is why I've created this

I've gotten 2 shots of radioactive dye and I'm not glowing yet.

I was very upset yesterday in the moment but trying to see the positive.  I was able to have a nice valentines day and I got the best sleep I've had in weeks!

Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming.  Visitors welcome in the hospital on Friday and at home starting on Sunday.  Call first to make sure I'm feeling ok and up to.

Hugs to all,

Ingrid

Only me

At hospital in gown and nurse comes in. One of my surgeons is sick. Surgery rescheduled for Thursday. Have to get another shot tomorrow. What doesn't kill me makes me even stronger.

Almost surgery day

Had another good weekend. Saw the Nerds down at Jenks sat night. Very wierd being at a beach bar during the winter but they were awesone. Celebrated Helens birthday, saw boyfriend, dinner with my parents and then home to watch the Grammy's. Don't think I shed a tear at all yesterday! It is getting very real and the next time I wake up (unless I fall back asleep or nap) will be the day of surgery. Benadryl not really working. Had a drink while watching Grammys, and took pill about 10:30. Fell asleep around 11 and now wide awake. 3.5 hours - woo hoo.

Thanks for all the cards, calls, emails and Facebook messages (private messages only - not all fb world knows my business). Most of all thanks for the prayers - if G-d does not hear he must be deaf!

This will probably be last post prior to surgery. I have had a few surgeries in my life but all have been outpatient. I have never stayed overnight in the hospital- maybe I'll get more sleep there!

Someone will update after surgery.

Much love to all
Ingrid

update

Yesterday was my last day at work before going out on short disability.  Was blown away by the kindness and caring of my co-workers.  Special shouts outs to: Ada for the reading material - I think I will be back to work before I finish all the magazines! The hospital goody bag from Sheila had lots of my favorite things and Amy - the cookies are almost gone already (with help from Rob)- they were YUMMY.

The best news I heard in a while was from the genetic counselor today.  My test results were all NEGATIVE which is fabulous.

I am going to try my best to get some sleep tonight.  I finally bought Benadryl which my doctor suggested and can't wait to hopefully get more than 3 hours sleep.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekends.

Feelings

As usual sleep is not my friend. 

I am so blown away by the love and support I am surrounded with.  From my incredible boyfriend Rob who is always so positive to my friends both near and far as well as those that I've known for a lifetime to those who are relatively new.  My family, my neighbors, the people I work with who have also become my friends, people who have gone through similar experiences, including my case worker from the insurance company! 

I started this in bed on my smart phone but then had to get up and go to the computer because I still don't fully understand this blog thing. 

I hope I can get back to sleep.....

Surgery date confirmed

My surgery is confirmed for Tuesday, February14th.  I have to be at NYU at 6:00am.  At that point I will meet with my anesthesiologist and my doctors.  My surgery is scheduled for 7:30am.

On Monday, February 13th I have to go to Nuclear Medicine to get a Lymphoscintigram (injecting radioactive dye so they can check my lymph nodes).

I was told I would be pretty out of it on Tuesday and to keep visitors to a bare minimum the day of surgery.

Hopefully I will be feeling better and up to visitors on Wednesday.   Then if all goes as planned, I will be going home on Thursday.

The weekend

Had an amazing day despite my lack of sleep last night (and the past few weeks).   Did a little shopping and cleaning.  Then, since the cast came off yesterday I treated myself to a 90 minute massage - all I can say is AHHH - so needed and felt amazing.  Came home and napped for almost 2 hours.  Then out for yummy Thai food with Lauren and Felice.  I also heard from my parents today who are in the Caribbean and are having a wonderful vacation.  I almost felt like I didn't have cancer today.  I hope it continues tomorrow and the the Giants win.  Go BIG BLUE!!

Surgery

Originally scheduled for February 10th but has been moved to February 14th.  I should be in the hospital NYU Tisch for 2 nights and hopefully will get out on Thursday, February 16th

The beginning

I have Stage 0 Breast Cancer (DCIS ductal carcinoma). It started as bloody nipple in December. Never hurt - just saw blood on my bras    Had mammo and sonogram and dr thought it was a benign pappiloma in the ducts of my breast. They did fine needle aspirations and pathology came back benign. She set me up for a ductogram/glactogram. They couldn't do the test since the bleeding stopped. She wanted me to go for a MRI.

In the week between the unsuccessful test and the scheduled MRI - fractured wrist and elbow so did MRI with cast up to bicep - not fun. In that week and a half a visible lump formed but just thought it was a clogged duct and thought for sure I was going to have a lumpectomy. They found 2 abnormalities and ordered an MRI guided core biopsy that the head of the department did and used me as a research subject on 1/19. Found out 1/23 I had cancer and the course of action was mastectomy. 

Went last Wed 1/25 with my Mom and Felice (so she could take notes - arm in cast). I do love my dr. A lumpectomy is not an option since it is in my ducts and I am choosing to do a bi-lateral to I don't have to worry and get tested every 3-6 months. The best news is 100% survival, less than 1% of recurrence and if everything goes as planned I will not need chemo or radiation or tamoxifin. I did go for the genetic testing yesterday to see if I have the BRACA gene.

The doctor is so happy she ordered the MRI and we caught it so early.

I am 47 and I know I am losing my boobs not a vital organ. I know I am going to be ok but I'm still scared. Just of the unknown and recovery and what to expect. All of the information is overwhelming to me. 2 weeks ago I was fine and I still feel fine but I have cancer and am getting a double mastectomy. I am busy all day but when I get into my car after taking the train home I get all weepy and I'm having trouble sleeping. I think it is when I shut down that it gets to me.