Exchange City
Comments
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bud, yes. In saline implants I have a spot that feels like a bubble. Very small. But i keep pushing in on it. Kinda like popping bubble wrap! LOL glad I'm alone most days..... LOL
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Moon,
I wonder if It would help if I put the breast strap on for another week.
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bud, call your PS first. Bit I know my P'S said it should go away. But I'm 8 months out. It doesn't show. I just know it's there. LOL
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Yes babyo20. You will be able to sleep comfortably on your side but it didn't happen right away because of the swelling and In my case I had new incisions. But now I am really comfortable. Keep in mind though, there are def new sensations that you have to get used to. Like the implant moving more than the expander. Like for example when you lay on your side and the implant rolls a little towards the center or towards the outside. But no pain. Mine are really comofrtable at this point. Julie- I didn't have that problem. Mine are pretty wide do to the smaller size but you may not think you have alot of swelling, I know I didn't and then three weeks later when it was gone I was amazed at how much microswelling is in the tissues there was so it'll take three or four weeks and you prob won't have a uniboob.
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moon, I definitely will show and tell my PS when I see her in a couple of weeks. Mine actually IS visible. If it was underneath or near the arm pit I wouldn't care. But my "bubble" is right in line with the new cleavage. I suspect she will not be able to do anything about it. When I wear a bra and push the boobs up, it disappears, so I'm not going to worry about it.
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budrfligirl,
While I can't see them, I have a couple spots on underside of my breasts where the tissue is more thin (even with Alloderm there) and I can kind of feel the implant shell if I press in and it feels a bit clickey....so of course I like clicking them. I just find it more a curiosity than an annoyance or anything to do anything about, but mine aren't visible. I also don't know if it will change over time as that is the area where things "fluff" and I have already noticed quite a bit of change, especially on one side...you are still early out from exchange so this might change for you too as they settle more into place.
Babyo20,
I never had TEs but it took me about 9-10 weeks to go back to stomach and side sleeping from my back and I almost had to relearn how (before surgery I could NEVER sleep on my back, stomach always, now I can fairly well and can interchange them all). Lots of odd feelings at first and initially my implants felt weird to sleep on...I position myself with pillows, etc so when I am on my stomach I am not putting a lot of weight on the implants, plus I have a down topper so they aren't pressed against anything too hard. Now I don't think about them and sleep however I want. I do wear a bra when sleeping and wedge a body pillow against/between them when on side, but I did this before surgery as I was/am more comfortable the less movement I had/have while sleeping.
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Mommyathome, I did!! The nipples are kind of long and pointed at the end with stitches to the end. Not sure what to think yet, but I imagine they must change some??!! Hoping they flatten out a bit for sure. So far my PS seems to know his stuff so I'm trying to trust him on this too. The dog ear is gone. Feels so much better! I know we need patience with each step of the way, so I'm trying to learn that lesson. Will post pics on picture forum soon, I just forgot to take them.
Hoping you are feeling better!! Think of you lots, especially since we are exchange buddies!
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Simplelife2,
Wow just typing in simple life makes me giggle. Life for me these past 10 months has been anything but simple. I received the diagnosis that I feared since my mom and aunt were diagnosed 6 years ago. Then all the procedures, surgeries, parts of my body being cut away, my emotions in the toilet, the fear of dying, feeling like I'm not doing right by my family because I'm out of work because of this, having to have my husband wash me and help me in the bathroom, etc etc etc. I'm just not feeling too positive lately. And every time I question something I hear, just Try to stay positive! I am blessed to have a job that I am expected to return to next week and I have a picc line hanging from my arm, a new incision on my breast that I must look at 25 times a day to make sure it's not draining or open. I have no energy or desire to get out of bed most days.... Cancer sucks!!!! I know eventually I will get through this, but right now, man I'm beat down! I have no intentions right now of getting nipples as I am scared. Scared of yet another surgery and more scared of another surgery that will never end- revisions etc and keep me from my job.
I'm just not in a positive place right now and need to get out of this funk. I just feel that people around me are like get on with life, stop worrying, etc. but I'm not there! I am worried. After my last surgery last week, the plastic surgeon said keep your fingers crossed, hopefully this time it'll work. That's what I have to hang onto for positives... Keeping my fingers crossed....
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Mommyathome, my fingers are crossed for you right now and am also sending healing energy, happy thoughts, prayers and whatever else I can think of that might help! You have had enough! It can be so frustrating when everyone is telling you to think happy thoughts and all will be well. Sometimes we have to deal with all our emotions whether they be negative or positive.
I know for me, I tend to keep all the negative bottled up because I feel like I'll bring down everyone around me. I'm the one who usually has the positive, happy face, so when I don't , my whole family is upset. The only thing I can do is have a good solitary cry and try to put on that happy face again. Sometimes it's exhausting.
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3littlebirds,
Thanks. Yes, I also put on the positive show for everyone. It's is definitely exhausting and makes me more upset when I feel I can't talk to someone about how I am really feeling.
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simplelife2, my PS assured me that the nips will definitely "calm down" over the next several weeks.
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Mommy....My heart breaks for you....just to let you know we are all in your "pocket" full of love and hope for you and a great (& perhaps speedy) recovery.
I still feel you are entitled to some sort of financial aide due to your cancer DX and disability to work. Have you check with:
www.disabilityresources.org/CONNECTICUT.html
Susan Komen foundation gives $$$ aide also....and possibly American Cancer society.....I have hope you or your hubby will further look into getting help.
Gentle hugs (sent from the other side of the US)
Di
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Simple Life....careful what you wish for.....
I had the nip surgery and they were huge!....NOW one is flat (could not see it through a wet tee shirt) and one is big, but not as big as it was....
Be sure to protect those "titties" as they will shrink.
After PS said I did not need to protect them with his adhesive silicone backed sponge he had given me, with hole in center, I used round cosmetic sponges with a hole cut in the center, taped in place for 8 more weeks.
Besides needing a one foob revision on "floppy"
I need:
-one new nip OR
-both nips removed completely
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I have Allergan 410 Style FF 740 cc gummy bears but started out with Allergan Style 20 800 cc rounds. There's not much difference in "feel" or how they look, except that the gummy bears are taller. When I lost my left original implant and got a TE, I had an opportunity to compare a TE filled to 740 cc's on the left and a nicely dropped and fluffed 3 month old 800 cc right implant. The TE was so HUGE I had to wear a "falsie" over the right implant to make them look similar. The implants are definitely smaller. When it was time for the exchange, both sides were switched to 410's.
In my last surgery, the PS did more pocket work to the left side and now there is a difference between the two gummy bears. The left is firmer on the outside but the rest is fine and matches the right. So some of you who feel your implants are firm, it may not be the implant but rather the pocket or scar tissue that compresses it in places. Also the breast surgeon was very "thorough" in removing breast tissue at the BMX, especially on the left side, so I can feel the left implant but not the right. The left is cold. The right is warm. It's because there is more fat on the right.
When on my right side, the left one comes over right next to the right, which is uncomfortable. I sleep with a pillow hugged to my chest to keep that from happening. In my next surgery, the PS will once again dissect the pocket and move the implant over a little bit. My altered left side anatomy does not like any kind of implant so don't think this will happen to you. My muscles were damaged in the infection and there's lots of scar tissue from four breast surgeries on the left but only two on the right.
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Di2012,
I had the social worker at our cancer center contact organizations but they all said that because I didn't have chemo/radiation that I don't qualify for help. She's still trying, but that's the response I've gotten so far.
My superintendent changed the contract to allow me to receive sick bank- which after paying for my own sub only came out to like 200-500 biweekly, but it was something. I don't want to do anything that will affect the schools. She did do what she could..... Just wish there was something else to tap into
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Hi ladies!
I had a BMX June 26th with tissue expanders. So far I had two fills and am going for my third this week. I plan on expanding slowly so I am not in much pain for I have three boys to take care of, ages 8,6 and 3. I plan for my exchange to be in November for my kids will be on Thanksgiving break. What are the restrictions after the exchange? How long will it be until I could drive? Did you ladies feel the tightness on the chest after the exchange? Did you ladies need the prescribed pain-killers? I was hoping I wouldn't have to take them again, for they make me feel so loopy! I am starting to feel anxious about the next step. I know it's a couple of months away but i worry! My recovery from the mastectomy hasn't been bad. Every day has gotten better and better. I expected the worst which I will for the exchange. My hubby is a teacher and will be off the week of Thanksgiving to help me out but will I have range of motion restrictions like the initial surgery? What was your experience with the initial recovery following the exchange?
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worryocd - everyone is different but my experience with the exchange recovery was like night and day from the long, painful BMX/TE placement recovery. I did not need pain meds after leaving the hospital. I did have some tightness for a while but it cleared up (don't forget your pec muscles will be traumatized again to remove the expanders and place the implants). My PS required 2 weeks off work, 2 weeks of no driving (I didn't obey that one 100%), no lifting over 5 pounds for 2 weeks, and no real workouts for 6 full weeks. I could do all the walking I wanted. I didn't have any range of motion issues. All in all it was pretty easy and it was kind of hard NOT to do stuff I wasn't supposed to because I really did feel good.
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I had my exchange 8 days ago and it has been so easy! I think I've been doing too much but I am so pain free it's easy to forget to not do all the things I normally do. I drove after a week. I took one Norco the next day but otherwise just took Tylenol. I have felt some tightness that is getting better but she did cram in 550cc implants after having TEs filled to 450cc. I've been doing dishes, cooking, laundry, carrying things, shopping, etc. I hope I haven't messed anything up. I return to work Tuesday which will be 11 days off.
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Julie - so glad you feel so great! My PS gave me my restrictions after exchange but then said 'If you over-do it, you'll know it - so just don't do it again'. If you were over-doing it I think you'd be able to tell (pain, etc). Just be sensible about things and you should be fine!
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Julie! I'm right there with you but PLEASE be careful not to overdue it! You still have stitches inside that are healing. Take it easy sister.
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JULIECC,
That is great to know. I am exchanging on Sept 8 and I was dreading another recovery. My PS said it should be much, much easier. I hope so. I have a 9 year old to keep on schedule. Last school year was a blurr.
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Definitely. I asked about Exparel during surgery and Vicodin after. My PS said no, I didn't need it. She was right.
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I do still get tired and usually knock out by 8 or 9 every night. I think it just takes awhile for the anesthesia to wear off.
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Mommy, so happy I can make you smile! yes, it is hard to always be the strong one and put on an "I'm doing fine with all of this" face all the time! It is so exhausting. But I really think our friends and families just feel scared if they think we are "not doing good", when we feel a bit down. I have found the shower to be a place when I can cry if I need it ( both physically and mentally). Also a car ride when I am all alone to really let things out - can be so healing. We cannot be strong on our own always, but we have such amazing friends here too that give so much encouragement...and some have been in your spot too. I know it can be hard not to feel alone though, when we are tired and overwhelmed!! I think most of us here have been the caretakers most of our life......so people aren't sure what to do or say if we are not so strong. We are with you in thoughts and prayers....lots of hugs! You are one strong Mommy!!
Janet12014, good to know, that is kind of what I wondered. I didn't get to talk with the PS after the procedure (I was too sleepy from anesthesia!), but my DH did and the doc really didn't say anything on what to expect. I have my follow-up on Tuesday.
Di2012, eeks! Thanks for the warning!! It was just such a surprise to see how they looked!! O boy, what the journey we have!!! Still getting surprised!
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Julie - I've read here more than once that they say it takes a week for every hour you were under anesthesia for it to work it's way out of your system. My exchange was somewhere around 3 hours or so, so when I went back to work at 2 weeks out I was still probably a little anesthetically retarded (not a politically correct term these days, but sometimes it's the only one that's right
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Sweetandspecial, yes I was very dopey in the past week but it's starting to get much better. Gee the first three or four days I was very talkative and would ask or say the same thing more than once. My poor mother and boyfriend.
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sandra4611 -
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Sandra.....Love it! ( I tended to be "camping out" in that melt down place)
Our cruise is coming up real soon now......Alaska here we come! LOVE LOVE LOVE Alaska!!!
Looking forward to meeting you......
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woo hooo - will be going to the squishy side on September 19th a 10 am!! Can't wait!
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