Exchange City
Comments
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KEW - Thank you for your comments about people saying "at least you're alive." Wondered if I was the only one who was sensitive about that. Another favorite is "you're so brave," as if we are not, from time to time, a quivvering mass of questions and insecurity on the inside - gotta keep a happy face and reply, "I'm just fine."
Makes me so grateful for this forum and the friends who just let me ache through this my way.
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Cheri:
I am back with some information. I got sidetracked after reading about your specific type of expander and started researching further. So here are your dimensions:
SSP/LPP13 - 380-450 cc's: 13.0 cm wide by 10.6 cm height by 5.5 cm projection.
You have a nice fill level now, but how large do you want to be? Still need at least your ribcage dimensions and also height and weight to get some idea of where you are.
This is an unusual expander style, in that it focuses on expansion in the lower pole of the breast and I cannot determine from this how much upper pole expansion you have. I hate to phrase it like this, ahem....but is the expander somewhat egg shaped? If so, is the egg standing up or lying down? If it is simply round, then your PS expanded vertically and laterally equally.
Deborah
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Kew--Thanks so much for your insights, my friend has the 800cc implants and her breasts are enormous!! But she was a DD before. My PS told me because she still has breast tissue she looks bigger even though the same size implants. I am so glad to hear you say how you feel about coming out of this experience better than before. I have really rationalized this experience in the same way. At least if I have to suffer so much I get something to gain. Being the same cup size I was before I gained 100 pounds is NOT a benefit! I just tried on my mx prosthetic bra size 40C and it is too big. Boooo.
Deborah--Thanks sooooooo much for the information. When I first started this process I wanted the DIEP but my PS doesn't perform this surgery, so he referred me to one that does. This guy pulled the fat from one side of the bottom of my stomach and said this is how big your new breast will be, I don't think you have enough tissue down here. Even though I was 70lbs overweight. They led me to believe implants were my only option. Just as he has now led me to believe that a B cup is the largest size I can achieve. This is totally unacceptable!! People like you on these boards give me the confidence and information to be able to say no to my drs and I want better!! I was totally happy with the TE except is was hard like a pg belly, the size and projection were perfect. now it's no bueno! I will talk to him at my follow up appointment and see what he says, if he can't come up with some better solutions I will ask for a referral to another PS or even out of my network! I have Kaiser. Thanks a million!!
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Hotsyta--Well I hope it helped a little. I think Deborah sent great information--she is amazing!
Imays--I think people forget that we are still people, just people who have HAD cancer, and our now the mend. I see it as my chance to educate others.
Karen
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Deborah - Whippetmom,
ISorry it took awhile to get back to you. I have been away. I believe I will be getting 550 ccs in the style 15 Allergan implant. I can doublecheck with the PS if it helps ONCRN. Georganne
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hotsyta - Go see Dr. Karla Werninghaus with Kaiser in Hayward. She is the DIEP specialist for Kaiser in No. Cal and she might have a different perspective. Otherwise, do ask for an outside referral. They could do a combination of autologous and implant [typically the combo method though is from the lattisimus dorsi], although talk to Dr. Werninghaus about DIEP plus implant. Maybe it can be done....
Deborah
P.S. Pour out your heart to her and tell her you are unhappy...do not hold back...
EDITED TO STATE:
Tell her also about the "stacked implant" technique used at Stanford. You are close enough to throw a rock at Stanford and could be outsourced there if you petition for this....
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Just wanted to post this disclaimer though regarding "stacking" of implants - not an FDA approved procedure....so many plastic surgeons are not going to want to assume the risk....
What are Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions for You to Consider?
Surgical practices that are contraindicated in breast implantation because they may damage the shell and cause deflation/rupture
- Placement of drugs/substances inside the implant other than sterile saline
- Any contact of the implant with Betadine®*
- Injection through implant shell
- Alteration of the implant
- Stacking of implants: more than one implant per breast per breast pocket
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Hi Whippetmom
I am the friend that YvonneB mentioned. I would like to thank you for telling her about the Band Stabilzers. I have ordered and received 2. I would like to know if I am to wear them 24-7, or just at nite
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YvonneB
I have finally entered this room of Ta Ta Sisters is that right. LOL
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Hi Wippetmom!
You are awesome in doing all that research for me. You have been amazing! Thank you for all your knowledge. OK I just measured and it is 31 inches ribcage, I am 5'8 and 150 pounds. Somewhat athletic build so have pretty broad shoulders. I have been to the photo site and mine do not look very full in comparison to others who have 500 cc's- that is my concern. There is almost no comparison (in fact some women who have 300 cc's even look larger!) I look right now to be a B cup. I want to be a full C! They seem real large in diameter but not protruding outwards!!! No egg shape just a circle. From the photo site I am thinking the implants will appear smaller than the TE- so if I stop now I am afraid I will be a very small B- which doesn't look right to me!!!
In reading all the posts I have read- I have yet come up with anyone who has my brand which is also concerning to me!!! I know you probably have a lot on your mind with you procedure coming up but if you have the time, I would love some thoughts/advice? I see my PS again on Tuesday and I guess I will get another 50 cc's!
You're cute too
and thanks! If I can figure out how to work the photo site I will try and post a photo to you!0 -
Whippetmom,
I appreciate your wisdom and help so much. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers for your upcoming fat grafts. Let us know how you are!!!!
Peggio, Congratulations. I am so happy for you.
My kidsmom, you're in my prayers too.
Ladies, If I didn't mention you by name, I continue to ask God to bless, strengthen, and heal my BC ta ta sisters everyday. He will. He understands.
I have a couple general questions for any expert out there about what to expect with my exchange:
First, I was invited to a dear friend's wedding and reception the day after my upcoming exchange. Does anyone think this is doable? I'm not sure what to think, ...
Next, (this is silly, BUT) I have a swimming pool, and since my exchange is June 26th; how long is it before you generally get to swim after the exchange?
I apologize for the questions, but you ladies have been such wonderful resources, I know I can trust your expertise and judgments.
Georganne
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Wippetmom,
Don't know why I did not think about the wallet card with the TE info on it. It says Allergan Style 133V expander. I don't know if that helps or not. My rib cage is at 29 or just a tiny bit less. I won't talk to my PS about everything in detail until my last fill to decide if I am done for sure or not and then to discuss implants. All I know at this time is she wants to use silicone. I have another term that I've read that I don't know what it means: gummy implant. I'm not really sure what we would all do without your information and willingness to help us all I can't thank you enough! I will not be having rads. Thanks again:-)!
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KEW- I haven't heard PS going up a size (you having 700 cc's TE and then 800 implants?) What type TE did you have???
We are about the same size. I am 5'8 and 150 and 31 inch ribcage but broad shoulders (I think they are broad at least)
What cup size did you end up again? I am pretty sure I want to be a C cup.
You are lucky you have lost weight- I have gained 10 LBS since all this started- I am starting to think I am a stress eater- I never knew that about myself!
Imays: I hear that "you're so brave" comment a lot and I have started saying in return; "it's amazing what you can do, if the alternative is death". That seems to shut them up! I have had a handful of women say to me, "I wish I was getting a boob job!!!!" That blows my mind!!! I want to strangle them- but I usually educated them- tell them I have no nipples and scars across my chest- my boobs are not filled with any tissue and I will never really be able to feel my husband touch them!!! Although I dream about saying to them- 10,000 dollars is all it takes for a boob job- isn't 10,000 better than a life threatening disease!!! But so far I haven't- I know these women are trying to relate to me and be my friend but just don't realize the mental stuff I am going through!
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DENRulzBC,
i'm also 5'0" and 102lbs., I have scheduled 6/4 for my exchange. I have filled 300cc on my left side and 350cc on my right side (my right side has always been smaller). My bra band is currently 34, my PS said I'll probably be wearing a 34B bra, a full 34B will be my size. Since I don't want too much projection, she'll use Natrelle style 15 instead of 20 (which will give more projection). If you want C cup, I think you will need to fill to around 400-450cc. Hope this info help!
Cil.
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I have Natrelle style 20 350cc and 375cc
I am a C cup and if I had went any bigger I would be afraid I would have ended up a D...I have tried on a 34D bra and I almost can wear it......my ribcage measures 29"
I wrote all my info in an earlier post.....
I do not think I have too much projection with the style 20
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Cheri2--Actually, my TE were 600cc filled to 725cc, then I had 800cc implants. This seems fairly common to over fill, and then have even a larger implant. Some over fill the TE and put in a slightly smaller implant. I have broad shoulders too, and long arms--I row, so I have that build, I can be pretty athletic and muscular (soft and squishy now--just have worked out as hard since dx), but got a little chunky, 2006-2007 I had a daily commute of about 190 miles, lots of sitting in the car and sitting at my desk and the weight crept on. I had a hard time losing it until this happened. I cleaned up my diet, and funny enough--I've always been a stress eater and it has just stopped. I guess I got as stressed as I could, and realized that food couldn't fix it, and my relationship with food has totally changed. I still treat myself to an organic brownie or two each week! I'm curious to see if I start gaining weight after having my ovaries out and now being a post menopausal woman. I hope it isn't much different from being on Tamoxifen
I am now a solid D, but am going to Nordies tomorrow to see for sure. I went to VS and found a bra I liked, but so many of their bras are now, like baking forms, that my breasts didn't quite fit, mostly it was the very tip, my breasts don't mold into the bras, and in some of the form ones there was a bit of space where the nipple would be. I kept my nipples, but they are low, so I'm hoping Nordies will have a better selection of bras that will fit me, not bras that my body has to fit into, if that makes sense. If my cup size changes at Nordies, I'll let you know.
Karen
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Georganne - For me the exchange was a walk in the park, surgery on Thursday and back working on Tuesday. I expect you can go to the reception, but you won't be feeling like staying long or dancing. I walked the next day, but slowly and gently and not too far. As for swimming, I wasn't comfortable doing that until 4 weeks post exchange, but I imagine I could have swam sooner. Take care and best wishes! - Jean
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geysermom
I am 5'0", and 104 lbs. I have 330 cc's and wear a full C cup with tissue expanders. I do have one size D cup bra and it fits but being that the tissue expanders are so awkward, I would say that I am a C.
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cil326
Have you tried on bras since the fills? We are the same height and you are two pounds less then I am
. I have 330 cc's and am a definite C cup. I guess that goes to prove how individual our results will be. Are the Natrelle Style 15 smaller in diameter with more projection? 0 -
dani42,
You had answered a couple other posts but I was trying to get the same info and am about the same size so I want to chime in. I have a bought a couple of bras, no underwire and just thin cotton and I'm just about a C cup, I currently have 250cc, and the PS said I should fill to about 300cc to be a small C and that sounds like it would coincide with you being 330 and a definite C. I am scheduled for two more 30cc fills, which is all I can take at a time and that will put me at 310cc and then I'll probably stop. Thanks to everyone for their input on this, I appreciate all the info. Can anyone tell me what a gummy is? I'm just not up on some of this terminology.
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Looking for some help from some of you - you all seem so knowledgeable. Have Tissue expanders currently. Was filled to 530 and looked good, but friends thought they could be a bit bigger and look better. Today, I went in to PS and said just want to be a tad bigger, so he did his overfill that he had planned - 90 in each and added another 30 in ea. for a total of 120. So I'm now filled to 650.
Now I'm scared. My original size was B before bc. I decided a nice full C would be nice. My PS is talking Allergan 700 or 750 high profile implants. I'm getting nervous by posts I've read on here. I don't want to be too big. I am 5'7 and 145 lbs. I like to run, golf and be active.
I have read posts and have friends that wish they went just a little bigger, so I thought this last comment would save me from that wish - now I'm just confused and worried. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.
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Cil: The Allergan Style 15 has LESS projection than the Style 20....it has a wider base with less projection. The Style 20 has a narrower base width and greater projection.
Cheri: There are as many, if not more of us, on this thread who have implants with greater cc's than our expanders than the other way around. There was a thread with a poll re: expander cc vs. implant cc....I'll see if I can find it...For instance, my expanders were 425 cc's and my implants are 550 cc's. I'll PM you with response to some of your other questions - probably tomorrow, as my DH is about ready to yank my laptop....I have been on it all day!!.
DENRulzBC - Check your card again, as there are two letters we need. 133V- MX or FX or FV or MV or SX...etc...
sam59 - Welcome!!! So nice that you joined us. So how tight does the stabilizer band feel to you? I have read that most augmentation patients start out gradually...."as tolerated" and try to wear it during the day as much as possible. It will benefit you more to wear it when you also have gravitational pull.
Deborah
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sam59.....welcome and you have come to the right place
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dani42,
the Natrelle style 15 has less projection than the 20. as i stated earlier, i don't want my foobs to stick up too high, my PS chose style 15 over 20. I've read somewhere on this thread that the tissue expander volume may not be quite the same as the implants, and also implants always seem smaller than the expanders with the same volume.
I've tried on my 34B victoria secret's cotton bras (from when I was breast feeding my girls) with the expanders and the bras were a bit small, so I figured after the exchange, they will be perfect. Am I wrong to assume? I'm opened for corrections & suggestions.
Cil.
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pmellon - If you are feeling apprehensive, you can have your PS extract some saline from your expanders next week.... There are some others here who are in your height/weight category and they can give you an idea of where you are "cup" wise, but I would think "D" cup. The key is to not go too wide with your implants - especially with a sport like golf.....keep the implants out of your armpits. A narrower base width implant is best - a HP or extra full profile implant is best. It is easier to go bigger than it is to go substantially smaller...once your skin flaps/muscle has been expanded. So you are questioning appropriately where you want to be. Some of us personally do not mind being a "D" cup....
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Sam59.. Yvonne is a doll.. we love her around here...:)... Welcome to you!
Ladies.. I hope you are all healing well...
Deborah and Sandy.. Just a quicky here.. I thank you for helping so many with the exacts with their/our TE to Exchange... very kind!
I will be out of town this weekend.. going to Texas... I get to meet DianaT... ( from here).. wahoooooooooooo... I will check in when I can.. take care of you!!!
Have a WONDERFUL Holiday weekend!
Laura
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Laura---I hope you have a BLAST this weekend, you really deserve it.
Karen
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Whippetmom,
I looked at the card again and on the back it says Catalog No. 133SV-11 or 133SU-11, I think it's a V but it could be a U based on the handwriting, other than that I don't have any other info here, I would need to call the PS office. Thanks for following me on this, I appreciate it. Could you explain what a gummy implant is to me? Hope you are doing well
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Laura - Have a wonderful weekend, I used to live in Texas and remember how hot May could be. But you are a Southern gal, so you will be fine. Please give Diana a hug from all of us.
Karen - I love your picture with your dog. My dog is a mix of lab and who knows what else, but she is my love. She never lets me out of her sight if she can help it. We got her at 5 years of age from the pound when our 12 year old lab died. So your picture always brings a smile to my face.
To all the news ladies - You have come to the right place. Deborah and Sandy are our phD's in implant sizing. As an point of information, my implants are the same cc's as my expanders (400cc) and I am a solid C. I, personally, would not want to be any bigger. But I am petite, only 5'2".
Have a wonderful holiday weekend! - Jean
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Hi All Thank You for the warm welcome
Whippetmom-The band 39" with 1 1/2 " fold over. I have it at the end because then it dosen't catch on my clothes. The only thing is that it rides so high under the arm, dosen't hurt just uncomfortable. I will wear it as often as I can.
Estepp-Yes Yvonne is a super person. We love her too.
Bukki- I sure hope so. Listening to all of you makes me think maybe I have HOPE.
Peggio-I have a lot of problems with my shape and yours sounded like maybe your PS could help me. Are you really far from Sacramento?
KEW- Is Portland closer to Bothell WA, or Delta BC.
Sorry for the funny questions about location, but I have family in those other Cities that maybe if I find another PS one would be close to them. I really need some help. You might be sorry that I joined your Sister Hood
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