Exchange City
Comments
-
Laura....absolutely....I am Deborah.
I do post my name sometimes...when I remember to do so. So everyone, even if I forget to do so, I would be happy to be called Deborah on these forums!!!
0 -
Candi - You are most definitely a Ta Ta sister - or what ever Estepp calls us all. Anyhow, welcome. I can tell you that at 6-7 weeks post op, the TE's are not that big a deal. I am w/ your friend. If you want boobies (and most of us do), then, my dear, you should fight for them. If that means another surgery and dealing w/ TE's - then so be it. In some ways this stage can be a little "fun" (did I say that???). When do you get to chose your ultimate size and shape? Soft or hard? Ah well, of course not a choice we would all make, but so be it. I like the fact that I still look the same to the outside world and that I can wear t-shirts and t-necks. Putting up w/ the TE's seems like a small price to pay. If I were you, I would go for it again. Know that we are there for you and PLEASE stay on this thread. You are MOST welcome! - Jean
0 -
Oh, by the way, I decided to call my PS for one more fill. She is out of town, but will return in plenty of time. The nurse thinks that one more fill can be done, but perhaps is not necessary. I need to talk to the doctor. Thanks for the input ladies! - Jean
0 -
Just got back from PS, exchange is scheduled for 2/11 Next Week! Yeah! I'm so excited! I am just so confused with all the cc talk, I had a thread a while back about how many cc's and realize it is so individual. I'm 5'7" and was expanded to 400cc and he said he will probably use 450cc mentor silicone implants and later he will possibly do some fill with my own fat cells to create a more natural slope. I guess with my thin frame that puts me at a medium C cup, I hope! Right now the expanders or should I say rocks fit into a small C bra. I hear it takes a few months to know what they will look like, that is going to be a long few months. the whole fluff factor. I'll be interested in all the nip talk too... I can see the light...Jean, where are you hiking in the pic? just got back from the Grand Canyon and we hiked Tetons and Yellowstone after I finished Chemo
Candi, so sorry to hear about the infection, don't give up, do what you want
I hope everyone is having a great day!
0 -
Jean,
Thanks for the pep talk. It's refreshing to hear someone dare to put forth an opinion. I think most of us are trying to be so careful to not overly influence someone in one direction or another, but I am thankful for the straight-shooters!
It's weird you guys, I feel different every day about doing this again. This website has been helpful in so many ways and yet some days what I read scares the pants off me. And...along that line..Forgive me for being so open about this, but I don't like making love to my husband without a shirt on. These stretched out muscles make me feel so undesirable. He has been amazing to me through this whole thing, so it is my feeling, not his.
40something mom - It sounds like we are the same body type. I also hate the fact that PS's don't talk in cup sizes, as that is all we know how to measure. My first expander was filled to 460 and this was going to make me bigger than I was.I am fairly small. I told my PS...even though my name would be good for a Las Vegas showgirl, I'm not looking for a new career just now! He promised me that my new size woudl be tastful. I trust him completely so if I try this again I'll go with what he thinks is best.
Take Care ladies,
Candi
0 -
Patricia - I have hiked in the Tetons and in Yellowstone, beautiful country. But this is near home in the Adirondacks of New York State. I am so psyched for you - NEXT WEEK! That's so cool. And I bet you will be thrilled. I understand the confusion regarding final breast size. Seems like they are all over the chart. I agree that I ultimately have to trust my PS.
Candi - Sorry for my bluntness. I hope I didn't over step. I agree about our wonderful husbands. Mine keeps telling me that I can do what ever I am comfortable w/ - sometimes I wish he would state a preference. But then, I know he is being kind. And I can understand your concerns. There are certainly a number of women here that have had infections and the whole lot, You yourself have had to deal w/ more than any of us should have to deal w/. Ultimately go w/ your gut my dear. Take care. - Jean
0 -
Jean,
My friend...I really meant it, I loved your email. Your thoughts were such an encouragment to me today. It really helped me to hear your thoughts and I'm glad you shared them. It helps to hear thoughts in someone elses words. They help me in processing all my own thoughts and it makes me feel like I'm not alone.
Hey sister...keep it up I need you!
My husband is the same. If I am going to go through this again, I would like to know what he would like. He is so afraid that I will make my decision based on what he says and not my own. But I wouldn't be doing this just for me, it would be for him too and I don't think that is wrong. It would help me in going through all this again that it was something he really wanted too. I think he has concerns about more surgery because I was in so much pain with the TE and it bothered him. Like I said, I feel differently every day about this decision. Hopefully I will start leaning more consistently one way or the other.
Candi
0 -
Thanks, Jean--the link worked! What an amazing group of people you all are. I'm sure you've all talked about meeting in person one day. I'm in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My implant surgery is on Monday, 2/9. My daughter Monica is coming from San Diego this Friday to spend a week with me. I'm a little nervous, and very emotional. I have a loving, supportive husband and family, but this site is a Godsend for talking about the nitty-gritty of the whole process.
I'll contribute as much as I can--thanks, everyone!
0 -
Tracey, if you see this.. please check your PM. Thank you.
I am sorry I am distant right now ladies.. I hope to visit again soon.
0 -
Hi Everyone, What a GREAT thread! I am having exchange on Wed. Feb 4th!! Yahoo!! Having nips done too and tatooing will come later! I have an AWSOME PS!! MYKIDSMOM! I live 2 hrs. South of Lake Placid NY. The Adirondacks are almost in my backyard. Are you close by? Moody. My prayers are with you and your daughter. Please keep us posted. KARENFTOO, Congrats on NO chemo or rads. I too am one of the fortunate ones, My prayers go out to all my tata sisters.CANDI, I am sorry for what you are going through, tough it out, the months fly by and before you know it you will be having your exchange too! I will let evryone know how the new girls feel!! Can't wait! Gentle hugs, Jeanie
0 -
Laura im gonna PM you my ph#. I just left you a message
0 -
Baxter---I'm with you! I'm not reconstructing FOR my DH, but an opinion sure would be helpful. I think I lose perspective on how I really look(which is mostly square and weird) and to have someone else weigh in could help make decisions. As for going through the process again....pros and cons to all of it. You decided on recon once...don't let people who don't know what it's like to have a mastectomy tell you "what is" and what "is not" meant to be. A mile in our shoes....you know? Whatever you decide, there are great sisters here for you!!!!
0 -
Hi ladies, I got invited over here and hope I can be of service and or support, as i had my exchange in October and the girl has settled in very nicely.
Laura, are you alright?
Hi there pretty little Tracey!
xoxo
0 -
If it helps anybody in "sizing", I have mentor 600s and it made me a full C with a lat flap? (vs. my 53 years old original saggy aggy on the othe side)
0 -
Hi girls just got back from a night of phase 10 & celebrated my father-in-laws B-Day going to try and get caught up on all the threads but have to tuck my little boy in and hope to get back on if Kelsey isn't using the computer
Laura I sure hope everything is fine...
0 -
Jeanie--I'll be thinking of you all day on Wednesday--just told my husband about this great site and that you're next to have your exchange. I didn't need chemo or rad either, but a friend of mine who had surgery the day before me did--she finished up chemo just after Christmas. She's not considering reconstruction until later. I want mine ASAP, but getting pretty nervous about my scheduled date, next Monday. Just told my sister I have constipation one day and way the other direction the next--I think it's just nerves. Anyway, best wishes for a smooth procedure and fabulous results! Suzie
0 -
Finally back...
Suzie this site is amazing it has helped me so much on my journey. I also was one that my onco type test came back low so no checmo or rads for me. The exchange I hope will be fine for everyone : - )
0 -
Hello girls
I think Laura is focusing her attention on Moody's daug Olivia just as I am. I just don't feel like getting on the site until I know Olivia is going to be OK.....I just check ever once in a while to see if Moody has posted anything. We continue to pray for Olivia's doctors to find out what is wrong so that she can get the correct treatment to make her all better. We ask that God put his hand on this family......
0 -
Recent news from Karen/Moody is posted on the Prayer site.0
-
Hi Ladies,
My bilateral exchange was 11/14 to silicone 550 high profile, smooth, and round. My TEs were filled to 480, and I was expecting 500cc at exchange surgery. My PS felt during surgery that the 550s looked better and were less likely to ripple. At 5'3", I am a 36C. My PS strongly recommends high profile after a mastectomy since you have no tissue projection of your own left. She uses round to avoid any asymmetry if the implant shifts. It was my understanding that the teardrop shaped implants are used to try and match a more..."mature" and sloping breast. She also strongly recommends silicone after mastectomy for a more natural feel. She says that saline is fine for augmentation where you still have a covering of natural breast tissue.
I had the CV flap nipple reconstruction 1/22. I'm hating the nipple protectors but only have to wear them for 2 weeks total. I wasn't looking forward to sutures and scabs again after the exchange healed, but they are looking pretty natural if I use my imagination. At first they looked like little burn victims in flying saucers from my vantage point.
Good luck to all, and feel free to PM me if you have questions. I'm not on the site as much as I used to be. Life's getting back to normal, but I'll be around.
Carol(AZ
0 -
Whippetmom, Jeansbeans & soccermom96,
Thanks for the words, it all helps me. I think it is harder now because I have all this time to think about whether I want to go through it again. At my mastectomy, after the breast was removed the PS inserted the TE at the time of surgery and had inserted some fluid, so I was well on my way.
I can't wait until I can feel like I'm no longer on the sidelines waiting. I want to be an "under reconstruction" girl again!
Candi
0 -
Hello everyone! I am new here. My exchange is scheduled for February 24, so I thought I could use some help from those who have been there and done that. Right now I just can't wait to get this cannonball off my chest! "Iron bra" is an all-too-accurate term!
Diane
Dx 8/ll/2008, Stage 0, multifocal DCIS, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes
0 -
Ladies, Hello.. new and old!
Welcome to the newbies.
Since there are a lot of exchanges coming up, maybe you would all post your dates and Jean could put them in here original topic. I am not sure how to do that.. but I bet if Linda or others pop in, they could tell Jean,
I hope you all have been well, I have missed you in the past day...:) I love my Ta Ta's!
It sure is good to see Karen getting things working for Olivia... Us moms.... we can kick all Booty if our kids are involved huh! Good Job Karen!
I have been thrown a little curve ball as of late.
I had my Herceptin yesterday.. ( Us Her2+++ gals need this med)... I told my oncologist that We were all so happy around our home with the outcome of my surgery and complete response to chemo..:).. I told her that we decided no rads for me and I am ready to do my yr of herceptin and get my silicone boobies next month.
She told me she felt I was making a huge mistake, and so did the rads doctors there. She gave me one more week to think about it and get more opinions. She did make me feel like I was a
" Dead Woman Walking"... sooooooooooooooo I have had a tough 24 hrs... BUT.. I am regrouping and am feeling strong again. My PS gave me two Rads specialist here to see this week... Our Tracey here gave me her rads doc in VA that told her no rads ( Tracey and I have the same type of cancer and about the same DX.. and we are the same age).. so I was written to him.
MD Anderson just came in today, and they would advice me to do rads if I were there in TX. But if I chose not to... they would understand...
I am having so much fun...NOT....LOL LOL
Anyway... I am feeling stronger today and Everything with me will be just fine. I will make a Godly Decision, soon, and NOT look back. I just got thrown a scary curve ball.. and I WILL SURVIVE it... Yes I will... ~ Smiling with Faith~
So, I wanted to post this for all who wrote me wondering if I was ok because with my "chatty" mouth on here...LOL LOL....and I had not been around. I just did NOT want anyone worrying about me and my issue when there are WAY bigger issues on BCO lately that needed your prayers and focus....
I love you gals and I feel much better and I just have to hit my curve ball... And I will! Rest assured!
Now. back to your fun talks about exchanges and the great boobs you are going to all have !!!
Moody... you get that kid home soon... and give those doctors H. E. Double toothpicks if needed sister.. I have FULL faith in you!
My Love ladies!
Ta Ta Sisterhood!
0 -
Candi.. I have not had the honer of meeting you . Hello.. You have had a really big curb ball too friend. Well... I will just say it... THAT SUX!
I would, personally try again one more time. Don't give in if that is where you heart is leading you. This is what I would do if I were you.
If I cried and mourned my breasts after TE did not work out the 1st time. If my heart hurt... I would try one more time and suck up all pain and take all pain pills they gave me... and give it all I had , one more time to the Ta Ta Sisterhood.
We will back you an whatever you choose. It is your body ! Your call!
Love and blessings,
Laura
0 -
Ps Candi.. if I have to have Rads.. I will be on those sidelines with you... and we can do it together... I will be there for you if you want me to be!
0 -
Hi Girls,
I didn't have tissue expaners at the time of my bil. mast. which was on 1/9/09.
I was lucky enough that my BS did skin sparring surgery and my PS went right to implants.
I have silcone implants. The brand is Allergan Natrelle. You might want to check out their web site www.natrelle.com They have a list of Dr's who use them incase you need a PS. Just enter your zip code.
Good luck to you all and be well,
Ann
0 -
Hi Laura,
I am praying you make a decision that you can feel comfortable with. One that will allow you to not look back. Every one is different. I take tamoxifen because I am hormone receptor+ as well as her2+, and my tumor grade was a 2. We do have a few differences but not extreme. I would go back and talk to the breast surgeon as well as the other opinions, pray, speak with Dr Arthur, sleep on it, then make a well informed decision. I am in your corner and praying for God to give you answers. What ever you decide...your gonna be fine!
Tracey
0 -
I just posted an update on Olivia over on the Prayer topic.
Keep praying
0 -
Laura,
It's an honor to meet you too! Don't you hate having to continue making decisions about BC? Right now I am living in the frozen tundra, but I really think my outlook about trying this all again may change as spring approaches. It's hard to feel optimistic when it's dark at 4pm and it's -16!
I think I'm leaning more toward trying again. I turn away when I change my clothes so my husband doesn't have to look at it any more than he has to. I can't see doing that for the rest of my life. I will know more at my next appointment in two weeks, but my PS said I was healing ahead of schedule. I nver had to have chemo or rads so that is a big plus.
I hope they will find that you don't need rads. It's a tough decision to make, but all we can do is get the most information we can and then make the right choice for ourselves. I'll be prayinig for you in this.
Candi
0 -
HI ladies..and thanks for your thoughts.
Tracey.. Dr. Arthur is awesome.. you were right. He was so kind. Who to me twice... looked at my information. He gave me one more Rads. Doc to see here, but did tell me that Dr Wall... who I see now, is one of the best of the best of the best.
Today, I just received word from Dr Arthur that he agrees I should do rads. He said there really are not % out there they can give ladies with my exact situation.
So.. I need to talk to my BS and find out why she told me no rads.. no way... She is also know here in KC for being..." the best"... Dr Arthur knew her too...
Anyway.. Tracey, thank for for your help and all ladies for your encouragement. We really do all have it tough in our own way with our own cancer....:(
We CAN do it though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love!!
0
