Exchange City
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Yeah, but I took up for ya! Don't go there much...unless I'm needing recipes or garden tips, neither of which I do!
I shouldn't have let my PS reduce my good one because when he filled the TE on the BC side and exchanged it, it's now prettier than the real one, and larger! Shoot. I planned on going smaller but I did sort of think they would match, or at least that was my request. My PS is so cute, real easy on the eyes, which is lucky for him in this situation. I'm not having another surgery, unless it's to remove some piece of evil again. I don't do well on anesthesia. Makes me crazy, makes me forget what I say, and I say awful things to really nice people. I still don't remember a lot of what was going on around me during those times. The stories I could tell about those happenings! Anyway, I'm considering not having the nipple added. I kind of like not having one
Been a crappy night and day. Pain going on, sometimes like a soreness and sometimes sharp. Plus, still got those damn stitches poking out. Slept most of the day cause I kept some pain pills in my system. Arm is stiff but I can still lift it over my head. Healing is tough.
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I am 5 1/2 weeks post exchange, and I still don't feel 'normal'....still lots of tightness, and a bit of the 'iron bra' feeling. So, I wouldn't say I am comfortable, yet. But, it is a bit better than it was a few weeks ago...one side more than the other.
I could NOT have gone back to work a couple of days after exchange I took narcotics around the clock for 2 days, and at bedtime on the third day. After that, I could deal with discomfort. But, I do think the majority of my pain was from the liposuction he did to remove 'mudflaps.' Without that, it would have been a whole different experience.
As far as how they look and feel....I still have swelling on the bottom on both sides that is tight and almost feels fibrous. The top does feel 'squishy'....very similar to how I felt before the BMX. And, I am fortunate in how they look. In clothes, I actually look exactly like I did before surgery. I always wore 'reducer' bras, or sports bras, so, unlike a lot of the women here, I am not experiencing that 'empty bra' feeling (the cups were smaller to begin with). My cups are appropriately full, now. But again....I wore the reducers before. The cool thing is that I can wear the exact same bras as before, too....which is also uncommon, I understand. Like I said...in clothes, it's amazing how much they look exactly the same. Out of clothes....not so much. I am still not used to the look, and I think it's a bit bizarre. Maybe after nips and/or tats I will feel more 'complete.' I do think things are changing every day.
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mnmbeck - that tightness should continue to lessen as more time goes by. My PS preaches 6-8 weeks minimum for proper scar tissue maturation so remember you've still got internal healing going on. If I remember correctly I think I had that tightness longer than I had expected after exchange also and I think one key is to continue to wear a bra most of the time to give them good support until those pecs finally decide to relax. Gentle stretching through the chest may help loosen things up too, with the key word here being 'gentle' because of the internal sutures that are in the late stages of healing. Keep up posted
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hi all, I have my exchange booked for Friday and getting nervous!
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Best of luck Previvor101! I am 5 days out from mine and am doing very well. Have faith! You will be fine
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Thanks, Curly. It sounds like a need quite a bit of fat grafting. Have you had a lot of swelling? My only concern is that my son's wedding is four weeks after my surgery. Thoughts?
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Hello exchangers!
I'm currently going through my expansion, and did some reading here on the forum about sizes when it comes to TE's vs. silicone implants. My doctor told me that when the TE's are approximately the size I want my breasts to be, then I should come in to the office for one last fill (which in my case has been 50 cc.) for overfilling in order to create some ptosis, if possible.But when reading here on the forum, it seems like many ladies here agree that the silicones will be SMALLER than the TE's, which I don't really understand. I'm wondering why my doctor hasn't said anything about this. I was about to tell him that I'm satisfied with the size pretty soon, but then maybe I should wait and let the TE's get "too big" in order to get the final boobs to be the size I actually want? Hm.. I don't really get this!
Also, I've had silicone implants before (before the mastectomy) and those implants were anatomical implants, and they were quite hard. It wasn't possible to "flatten" them with my hand, etc.
If possible I'd like to upload some photos of how I look now and before, but don't really know how to do that on this forum.
Best regards from Duvan
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Hello all! Why does this thread keep dropping off my favorites? Sigh.....
Mnm beck happy you are doing well. Hope glad for you too! Lostboob, happy you're on the squishy side too. Have you been to Vinnie Meyers website? He does the most awesome nipple tatoos. They are 3D tatoos and look awesome. You don't have the nip projection but you can get the nips and then do tatoos. Something to consider.
Jen, I don't want to scare you, but think very hard about doing a revision on radiated skin. There gave been a lot of people lately who have had issues and if you don't gave to go in, really give ut some thought. If, however all you ever think about is the disparity between your breasts than it means so much to you that you will take that chance anyway. Just be sure you want it that badly. Well all be praying for you either way. Previvor you'll do fine. But i don't think you should go back by Monday? I think that was you. If I'm erong, whoever it was take off mor if you can. The P'S should be able to cover at least a week. Even anesthesia isn't out of your body for alt least 48 hours! Gotta give yourself a bit ore than that.
Duvan. If you back up a page or two, Sandra explained about the TES vs the implant shape projection make sure you visit implant sizing 101 for help too. As for pics, this is an open forum and most don't post private pics here cause anyone can view them. There is a private forum but it takes a while to get accepted as it is not officially BCO. However, see Vinnie Myers page for 3D tattoos to see a lot of healed foobs and boobs. You will see tram, Diep, BMX vertical, or horizontal scars all at least 6 months after surgery. It helps with expectations. Also some P'S we sites have pics.
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top one is what you see if I wear a lower cut t shirt. The scar you see is from my port.
Bottom shows a bit more! LOL you can see the scar for the implant on right side. These are from my sx in Dec. About 5 months ago. I am wearing a Bali style 3488 C cup bra. It is very comfy!
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Duvan- I agree the TE vs. implant size is very confusing! Basically my PS told me that because the expanders are harder and project more than the actual implants my actual implant would be larger. For example, my left TE was 400 cc and my implant ended up being 600 cc. I will say the sizes of my implants are very similar to the size of my TE's so I would agree with your PS that you should tell him when your TE is to the size you are happy with. Hope that helps.
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Moon, looking good, girl! I have that same bra too!.
Just checked the conversions again because I had the discussion whether to consider am implant 50cc larger.
50 cc = 3.38 tablespoons
To me, not worth changing for that small (about an ounce)
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Hi Julieped, I'm still bandaged up so I don't know the full extent of the swelling. However, I have peaked down there and see some bruising. So, I imagine swelling is still present. I didn't wear the abdominal brace for a few hours today while I washed it and my tummy did begin to swell a bit. This is just post-op day 5. I bet by 4 weeks post-op you'll be feeling and looking beautiful😊.
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Previvor 101 you'll do great! I will be praying for a speedy recovery
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Just a reminder.....there's a thread here on BCO called "Breast Implant Sizing 101" that is so helpful in answering questions about tissue expanders, different types of implants, etc. The creator of the thread has put a ton of helpful info right in the header of the thread and she kindly asks people to read through that before posting questions. It's a very active thread and very supportive and the perfect place to get many implant questions answered.
Best wishes...
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Hi ladies. Im not sure who posted, but is there a thread on here to see photos? I believe I read that it takes a while for approval. Can someone kindly guide me into getting into the photo gallery? Thanks in advance!
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I am glad I was not all wrapped up after my exchange because I am too nosy not to want to look! The nurse at the hospital actually chuckled at me when I woke up because the first thing I remember doing is checking down the front of my gown and seeing my implants and being kind of shocked because they were just out there in the open!
p.s. I am glad someone recently mentioned that the tight feeling goes away after the implants settle because I have been noticing it the last few days. I got used to it with the TE's so I am not freaking out about it at this point
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budrfligal13 - The header has been deleted, but please read the first post on Page 1 or the following thread:
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/805466?page=1
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Hi ladies. I was diagnosed w DCIS and had a BMx January 29, 2014. I'm scheduled to have my exchange on June 2. Due to heavy bleeding, possibly adenomyosis and failed iud and cryoablation, I am also scheduled to have an abdominal hysterectomy on July 1. Any suggestions/advice on healing from the exchange and being ready for the hysterectomy?
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Due to ongoing repairs because of a bad infection after the first surgery (BMX with immediate permanent implants), I've had three more surgeries so far and will have #5 next month. It's been 6 weeks since #4. Because I've gotten a new implant in at least one side each time, I've had lots of experience with how new implants "behave" for the first several months. In the last few days I've noticed that this new implant has settled in nicely. Much of the swelling has gone down and visually it looks nearly the same as the other implant which is 5 months old. At first the new implant sat much higher, looked smaller although it was the same size, and was obviously tighter than the same one on the other side. Now you can barely tell them apart.
Those of you who are unhappy with your new implants need to wait several months to see what they really are going to look like.
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thanks Tina!
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Just this morning my DH told me how good they are looking. That helps! I began to see that they do look better. Every few days there is a change and that "high" feeling is lowering. I'm four weeks out from the exchange so each week will be good for me.
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budrfli.....
you must be young.....
us older ladies don't want the girls touching all the time....and I avoid sleeping on my side to keep those nasty wrinkles away.....saw this on Dr Oz last week for that purpose! The pic is from Amazon.com....sorry I tried to make it smaller, What happened to the picture editing tool?
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I watched the same show! I wonder how it feels at night? Great picture...
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Hi ladies
Thanks for the replies about TE size, I will visit the "101"-section about that!
Also one thing that I've been thinking about; now with my TE's I have no rippling at all. But I've read a few with permanent implants mentioning their ripples, and I'm wondering if rippling is common or not? I thought that since I have no ripples with my TE's then I wouldn't have any ripples later either, but maybe I'm wrong. I hope not though…Anyway I actually like that the TE's are really hard and I could like the permanent ones to be as hard too, I kind of find it comfortable. They are really stable. Anyone who knows of any permanent implants that are that firm?
Best regards from Duvan0 -
Duvan - I believe the most firm implants are anatomical silicone - sometimes called "gummys". You can find out more about the Allergan 410s in the Breast 101 header.
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hi Di2012,
I'm 38, so i guess I'm considered on the young side. Also, I've always had small breasts, B cups with no cleavage. I still am unable to view the photo gallery that someone mentioned. I went to the fist page of this thread, but still unsure where the link is. I tried the links, but none brought me there. My PS is bringing me to a full C. I think it will be right for my frame. I'm not petite at 5'7 and although I am not heavy, I'm just broad. So i always secretly wanted bigger breasts because I just felt it would be more proportionate. I must admit, I giggled when I read someone comment on how hard they think their implants feel because they were used to mushy, droopy, breasts. That too, was not the case for me. My small ta ta's stood up straight. I always wished I could fill in a dress nicely or simply look more well endowed. This will be very new for me to have a chest! I'm excited, but realistic and intensely curious to feel one....my PS and I have not had that consult yet. I am still getting filled. I feel like I'm going to bust open every time I cough or sneeze...
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Di2012 - omg that thing is way cool, especially on that gold colored 'bust' (no pun intended!). It looks like some kind of medieval torture device except way more comfortable than I imagine it would have been way back then....lol!
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Has anyone here used the "breast pillow" pictured on page 1105 (posted by Di)? I am constantly stuffing a bolster-type pillow between the girls when I sleep on my side at night because I don't like the pulling sensation I feel in the foob on side that I am not laying on. When I sleep on my back, I am stuffing a bolster-type pillow under each arm so my foobs stay out of my armpits. I almost feel like I am in a a one-woman pillow fight at night! I found the link for the product on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Intimia-Breast-Pillow-Wrinkles-Prevention/dp/B005EUH1A8/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_I
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Bud. Search Breast Reconstruction Forum. Look for Picture Forum. Read the very first post. Follow the instructions.
If you can't find that forum, go to active topics. Look for a topic from the breast reconstruction Forum and click on the "breast Recon Forum" not the particular thread title.
Conversely you can go to search button. Type in Breast Reconstruction Forum. Scroll down til you find picture forum. Go to the Picture Forum and read the first post to follow the instructions.
There. That's 3 ways to find the forum you want. Those are the same ways to find ANY forum or thread you want. So if there is no link, you can still find things.
While you are there, there are a lot of threads for Newbies. In Breast Reconstruction there is one. There are some in every forum by the Moderators to help you get familiar.
Much love.
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mommyathome - since I had radiation, I had a much longer gap between my BMX and exchange. But, I'm not quite two weeks post exchange and feeling pretty well! But, I'm taking it easy! I need naps to make it through long / busy days still, but I think with four weeks between, your body will have time to recover and be ready.
But -- do line up help for at least the first two weeks post exchange (meals, housecleaning, childcare, people to run errands, and help with the simple things like unloading dishwashers and doing laundry). You will need to rest in order to heal! Actually, I'd get help with the housework all the way through both surgeries - you don't really need to be vacuuming / scrubbing in that week 3-4 window anyway. Once your PS says light exercise is okay walk as much as you're comfortable so you can keep up your energy. And eat well!
Grief - now I feel like I'm preaching, but I guess I want to convey that it is doable - but not if you try to be superwoman. Get as much help as possible so you can focus on healing in between. If you do too much too soon, it will make your recovery take longer (and possibly not go well).
How old are your kids? My boys are 6 & 8, and have done pretty well, but have both been clingier (and not wanting to go to school) since my surgery.
Hugs, dear!
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