Exchange City
Comments
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p.s. I was told no arm stretches or lifting until the post op exchange check up which I think was two weeks?
Everybody is different, I think lat flap recovery is different. I stayed in a sports bra 24/7 and I just now got out of it, mainly due to comfort. However, the result is very good.
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Hi Ladies--
I'm been resting comfortably at home today (thanks to the Percoset, LOL!) after my surgery yesterday. The surgery was at 12 and took three hours, and I was home by 7pm. Thankfully, I haven't had hardly any pain except occasional twinges. I won't get to see the "new me" until my post-op appointment next Monday--the grand unveiling!
I gave my PS and the rest of the OR team a good laugh yesterday by tucking a small note into my gown above my soon-to-be-enlarged right breast. It said "Please Supersize Me!"
Diane
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Yvonne,
Your story was so touching.I admire your compassion and selflessness! I hope and pray that poor man will do well, and that you'll get your exchange at just the Right time. Georganne
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Deborah - Whippetmom,
You should do stand up comedy - Fibbles - LOL!!!!! You crack me up. Georganne
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Yvonne: that story brought tears to my eyes. It was generous of you to be so gracious in the midst of your own disappointment. I hope that gentleman recuperates well.
jrgolomb: are you sure you'll be in the hospital for 2 days after an exchange? Maybe more is being done then it sounds like, or your history is complicated, but most people do well with exchange surgery or exchange and augmentation, and as you've seen mentioned, are back to normal activities very quickly. The hard part for me has been remembering the lifting restrictions because I feel so good. You may want to double check that just so you know how to plan things.
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So I went to Nordstrom's today to the lingerie section to look at bras. Boy howdy, wandering into that department is akin to driving up to a used car lot...except you are ambushed by women with measuring tapes, not men in leisure suits. I told Sabrina the Salesgirl that I was a 34 D and she laughed me right into the 34 DD section. Who knew?
Let me tell you, they are intense. You cannot say "I'm just browsing"...oh no...they are whisking you into a dressing room, insisting they see your boobies and then before you know it, ten bras are there for you to try on....right in front of the one with the measuring tape. She does not leave the room. My recommendation is to never go to Nordies during the week. They have way too much time on their hands. Luckily, my husband and 2 yr old grandson were riding up and down the escalators waiting for me, and I knew on about the 10th trip down, my husband's eyes would be glazing over and so this was my huge OUT. I'll have to go back there on some Saturday when I have more time and I can hopefully skulk around on my own.
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one word..YIKES!
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Deborah - Yikes indeed! You are one hot mama!
Interesting, here I am four weeks post surgery and still not doing my weight arm exercises. I have been stretching all along though. Tonight I will start the arm weights again. Thanks for responding.
Diane - Congratulations, glad it all went well!!
Qutypy and Jasmin - Let us know how you are doing
Loalermo - Best wishes for your exchange!
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Thanks so much for all the kind words my friends! I know that you all would have felt and done the same...that's why I love ya'll so much!!! I just can't get that man off my mind today though...we only spent about 10 minutes together but somehow he has touched me deep down inside. I'll keep him in my prayers and hope for the best for him. I work in the hospital so today, just out of sheer curiousity I checked the status of the ICU...it is filled to over capacity...if today had been the man's surgery date, he would have been bumped...Thank goodness he got in yesterday.
Glad to hear that you are home and recuperating with good drugs Dianne. Can't wait to hear what you think of the new girls! I love the idea of the note!! I bet that had a great laugh.
Take care of yourself Annie, and keep in touch when you can.
Deborah - All I can say is va va va voom!!!
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I know that this is not the "Weather update" forum but I do have to say....we had snow today!!! It is May isn't it???????????? YIKES!! Gotta love Saskatchewan Canada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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we don't have snow but we are having a thunder storm
hmmm should I really be on the computer
Deb whooo hoooo I knew those looked good ; - )
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I guess my surgery is going to be delayed because the radiologist wants to tx my chest wall. I am frustrated because I have a tissue expander in my chest and I thought radiation first , then if that doesn't totally fry my skin and/or disfigure me, then the tissue expander. I am very confused and kind of depressed over the whole thing. I am definately going for a second opinion. Thanks for letting me vent. I guess I will have to put the exchange date on hold.
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lifegoeson,
It seems petite woman need less cc's for a full cup size. I am 5'0", 104 lbs and 330 cc's equal a C cup.
Yvonne, you and your husband sound like wonderful people. I just fear that there may always be someone worse off then you on your given day. May I suggest waiting in the car until your name is called? I do hope the man and his wife have happier days ahead.
Annie, I am also sorry for the loss of your father. My father passed a year and a half ago so I know how difficult it can be to move through all of the emotions.
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Yvonne, Your story of todays events was a testament to your being a great lady. You have true perspective on what really matters and I know that you will be called up soon for your exchange. A prayer said for that man and wife for a good outcome. Here is to new Ta-Ta's by the end of summer! Jan
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Replied a little too soon!
Deborah, Wowie Zowie. When I get to my pre-op on June 1, I want you and Sandy to weigh in on the size and plan for the exchange. I figured I would get all the numbers together and what size implant he is putting in and then get your opinion. I hope you don't mind. I just don't want to stress out before the big event with worrying about screw-ups. Thanks about the Nordie's warning, I don't think I will need the pressure of making a sales girl happy on top of trying to find a good bra. I will go with my sister, she will run interference for me.
Diane, I am so glad that your surgery went well, I hope the grand unveiling makes you so happy and that you are satisfied with the outcome. I hope my exchange goes as easy as everyone elses, then again a little percocet changes ones perspective......Just don't forget the stool softener that percocet can tie you up in knots! Jan
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Jan
Deb and I will be more than happy to give you our opinion
well night ladies
I'll dream of soft boobies for everyone : - )
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Had my switch to silicone today. Took about two hours with all the tweaking that was done. PS also did some lipo along the sides to smooth everything down.I am quite a bit sore tonight as you can see it's 3AM and here I am...I am also very tightly bandaged around the chest for 2 days, then into a sports bra for 6 weeks, 24/7.
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Whippetmom - Can I still blame the word "Fibbles" on chemo brain (6 months after the fact). That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL!!!!
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WhippetMom- Thanks for the info on the Allergan's. I think my PS did mention them when I spoke to him, but I'm not sure if it was the 410's or what. I'm so new to all this - my head is spinning. I just want this to be over and done with so I can get on with my life! But I do realize that I had better investigate the different types and sizes or else I may come out looking like a porn star
. My next appointment is set for May 19th. The hospital I'm being treated at is very efficient and everyone is super nice and accommodating. My PS is the Chief of Plastic Surgery and I feel very confident that he'll do a great job. I haven't had time to calculate the measurements yet as per your recommendations but I will do it this evening. Family problems here the last 2 days...step-daughter and husband having troubles and will probably split. They've been through alot with the sickness of their daughter these past years (brain tumor at age 3 and then again at 5) and I guess it's taken it's toll on them. Yvonne - So sorry you have to wait soooo long for your surgery! I guess we may be in the same country but all the Provinces don't operate the same way when it comes to health care. I've got nothing but good things to say about our health care here in Quebec. We may have other issues...lol, but health care isn't one of them. Hope you get bumped up soon so you can put all this behind you! In the meantime, blessings to you for being so kind to that poor man and his wife.
Terri
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WhippetMom - I just measured and from sternal notch to nipple I am 21cm and also 21 from right nipple to left nipple. My chest measurement from armpit to armpit is 33cm. I measured the sternal notch to nipple with a bra on which pushes my chest out and lifts nipples to about where I want them to be. Bra-less, my boobs would hang too low ...lol for an accurate measurement. Does that mean that my implant width would be greater than 14??
14cm x 2 = 28 + 2 = 30 .??
Terri
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Hi--I saw my PS today and found out what implants he used last week. They are the Mentor 350-0800. High profile, 6.0 projection, 800cc. I have a 34 inch band and after trying on some bras today (thank you Deborah for the heads up on the VS with no underwire), I am a full 38 D. I wonder if this will change as they "fluff." Do they get bigger when they fluff. I am going to try and post pictures this weekend. I love my cleavage.
I do have step-down more so on the left, but he opened up the pocket to help that a little bit and one of the directions I massage is up. I also have a bit of double fold on the left breast. This fall, after giving them time to settle he is going to do a lift and reposition my nipples higher on the breast.
I told him I thought he did a great job and I think they are beautiful, but he's a perfectionist and wants to do the lift. None of this is unexpected we discussed that even with 800cc implants I might have some extra skin and that my nipples might need to be moved. I'm happy with it all, and looking forward to a nice surgery free summer.
Yvonne, I keep think about how wonderful you and your husband are!
Hyster still really hurts if I do anything but sit like a statue.
Nap time.
Hugs,
Karen
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Sandy and Deborah, thanks for being willing to help me with the implant decision. I only want to do this once.
My560Sel, I think you are being so wise to do your research before accepting an implant. I feel so reassured with Sandy and Deborah's expertise in this area. The more brains the better. Prayers for your step-daughter and family and this child that has gone through so much. It is so hard to watch the devastation that illness causes.
Karen62, Chemo brain, I would use that excuse,except I haven't had any chemo. I had been forgetting details and minutia at work for 2 months past surgery. I think some of the ladies here have said that the anesthesia after surgery messes with your head for awhile. It is just now where I feel like don't get so forgetful.
KEW-Karen, I am so happy for you and the outcome of the surgery. It sounds like your PS really is a good one and is willing to take the time to do the corrections so that you will heal well and be happy with the end results. I hope that the surgery pain from the hyster goes away soon, it is no fun to be in pain every time you move.
Jan
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KEW- a hysterctomy is so much more painful than abreast surgery...It was 6 weeks before I could move well, and months before I felt normal again. Take it easy, and don't worry, you'll be fine, it just takes time. Holding a stuffed animal on your tummy helps--a nice soft teddy bear did help me. Take care, JUDY
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Judy--Thanks for your note, it makes me feel better, I thought I was being a wimp. Dang, it hurts!
Jan--I think I struck gold with my PS. I too, didn't have chemo, but when I went back to work at the end of January and until I went out for this surgery, I felt like a deer in the headlights, so forgetful--I've never been like that. I could memorize my calendar for two weeks out, afterwards, I couldn't keep my daily calendar straight. I feel better now. I believe, for me, it was a combination of the surgery and a kind of shock from the diagnosis, and burnout from having to make so many important decisions.
Sweet Dreams!
Karen
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Karen, you are so right about the confusion. I had the added stress of a new lead position that required new programs for data bases. I was appointed the job and within 2 weeks was diagnosed with BC. I have a very patient boss, so that helps. Now I have the exchange surgery in a month, but I understand that this goes easier. I am taking 2 weeks off for this surgery. Hopefully this will be enough.
Take care of yourself Karen, you don't want to rush back into duties that may undo what you just had "did". You are precious stuff and you take good care of the good stuff! Jan
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Terri: The mention of my implant width plus "2" [the amount of cleavage] was just an example of how the numbers sort of worked in my particular case. That "factoring" example is not necessarily "technical" but it gives you a good idea of what size would work.
Keep in mind that your implant will compress under the muscle. The catalogue dimensions of mine are 13.5 cm wide and they measure 14.1 cm wide. So in your case, Terri, I would not go with an implant wider than 14.0 cm. Keep in mind that your ribcage measurement is 31 cm. You are broader in the shoulders than I am - my chest to chest is 30.5 cm, but your ribcage is 1 cm smaller than mine, which is 32 cm. [My sister's ribcage is the same as mine but she is broader in the shoulders like you and she is your height, while I am 5.4 with puny shoulders!
]Options: [If you do not go with the Allergan 410's]
550 cc's Style 20 HP in Allergan or the Mentor HP equivalent. The Allergan is 13.5 cm wide by 5.6 cm projection and the Mentor is 13.6 cm wide by 5.5 cm projection. I think you stated you wanted to be a "C" cup....I would not go any higher in cc's than this if you want to remain a "C".
The Allergan Style 20 600 cc's would also be nice....: 13.8 cm by 5.7 cm projection.
I am not going to even give you the extra full projection dimensions, because you will have much more upper pole roundness and from what you described, this would not be a look you are after.
But go over this with your PS. He may have some other ideas and if he uses the 410's, it is worthwhile to explore the benefits for this style.
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Question for our two mentors - tee hee...puny stuff hey???? Honestly Deborah and Sandy...don't know what we would do without all your advise and guidance - You truly are mentors when it comes to sizing etc! Do you think the gummy bears drop and/or fluff? A friend has had a revision (I posted on the Oct thread too) and it is sitting very high. Do you know if they have the drop and fluff thing the way the other implants do? I can't really see how they would fluff much because the info I have read says that they need a longer incision to put them in as they don't squish down as much as the silicone ones do.
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good evening ladies......I got my JP drain out yesterday......YEAH!....my PS said we need to wait couple months before we try for new right foob again....as you know that was my 3rd one since Marrch 4 when I got my expanders changed out .......am still at loss why the left one did so wella nd the right one acted out sooooooo much. I now feel lopsided but that is temporary I hope. Went to see my oncologist today and my lab results for my "blood" disorder are all out of wack....so new scripts and watch closer.
Went back to work this week so until today didn't have time to catch up....tried to post last night on my new apple laptop.....which I got for my birthday and kept loosing evertythig I typed in...back on the old big dell in home office.....guess "apple" computers are whole different world, at least they are for me so far. Maybe I have that anesthsia thing you girls were talking about....I have been under 4 times since Dec 30th...LOL .....Elaine
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Yvonne - What did your friend have by way of revisions?
She could get an implant stabilizer band - I linked to one in a previous post - which will push the implant downward and this is what the cosmetic breast augmentation gals use and it works for them. She is going to get some natural dropping - as the muscle and skin stretches and relaxes. As long as the PS has seen this and he knows what is going on [and it is not capsular contracture] I would not worry but I would recommend that she buy a $20.00 stabilizer band.
Here it is:
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?catid=8&id=33512&procid=1
There are some which might be better....for around $30.00 and some where the stabiizer band is built into the bra.
Deborah
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Yvonne - Another thing....
My PS and I were discussing the Allergan 410's the other day. She told me that the 410 anatomical is going to be the best "fix" for someone who wants more upper pole fullness which will look more natural, in her estimation, than one of the extra full implants such as the new Mentor and the Allergan 45's. So because of the shape of the 410, it is possibly going to be riding higher in the pocket than her other natural breast. I would still try the stabilizer band though.
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