Exchange City
Comments
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Andrea, LOL. We have to come up with a name for the multiple surgery club. I think SpecialK is the current queen since she's had over 10. I always laugh and tell her she's such an overachiever. Her signature takes up half a page. Unfortunately there are others who are giving her a run for the money. She'll get no challenge from me! I plan to stop one way or the other after #6 in a couple months.
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Sandra, SpecialK has had 10? Wow! I'm on 4 right now, and plan on the lat flap next year. So between that, and probably another TE w/exchange, it'll put me at 6 right there with you. Have to say, I'm getting tired of getting my frequent surgery card punched!
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Add me to the multiple surgery club. I will have 6 by end of year, and another one in Feb/March area. Getting my ovaries out on Dec 5 and Reconstruction surgery with lat flap on Dec 29. Hoping my body stays strong enough to handle it all.
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Ill have number 5 two weeks from today. A final one side implant exchange and some last lipo. And thats enough!!
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i will be coming up on number 8 in December,,, that is 8 in 12 months,, i am hoping that will be all for me,,, ready to start the new year with this behind me....
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OMG...who knew there were so many of us. Newbies must think we are divas that are addicted to plastic surgery. I've had to explain several times that I'm not going back for a tune-up, but rather to continue reconstruction.
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I just counted and it's been six. So crazy!!!!!
Babs
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I had one drain removed yesterday (the reduced/non-cancer side), one to go. what's really strange is that now the remaining drain is getting more drainage. i wonder if it siphons over from the other side.
Sandra, you came up with a great drain solution. I have just been using a lanyard from an old job, and it really helps when showering.
Clyday, I had lipo from belly, but they only took a bit, and went through the belly-button. that was 9 days ago, and i don't notice any bumps, etc. i am wearing a loose compression girdle, nothing constricting. It may be different for you, depending on how much is suctioned.
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My mother was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My father had thyroid cancer and an occular melanoma this year. I hate cancer.
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I'm so sorry, Andrea! That's rough.
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Andrea - so sorry, sending thoughts and prayers your way.
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ndrea. So sorry to hear that. Hugs.
Scary and the rest of you gals with fairly new sx and drains. PLEASE take it EASY! Remember the mantra " just because you can, doesn't mean you should! !!!!!"
The drains output is sensitive to the amount of activity you are doing. If you try to do too much your drainage will increase sometimes by quite a bit. Not only does it delay the drains removal, but it retards your healing! Truly, try to take the time to heal.
I'm sorry some of you are having such a time with the exchange. And if you had to lose the implant, that sucks. Hugs! I do wish that Doctors would be honest with the radiated breast results before they try. Although with the fat grafting before the implants it sounds like it has a better outcome. But they need to be discussing this.
As for multiple surgeries, yeah. Add me to that silly club. I called it "surgery of the month club" because a couple of times it was one month sx then the same the next month. LOL. I've only had 9 sx in 3 years so I can be n this select club.... LOL
I ope everyone heals fast and well. I hope the outcomes of recent surges are all that you hoped for.
Much love
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Andrea
That's tough. So sorry!!!! You're right cancer sucks!
Babs
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((((Andrea)))))
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Moon, I knew you'd be along to "set the bar". Dubious honor, eh?
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turtle42, I am 3 weeks after exchange. I saw PS 1 week post-op and will again 6 weeks after. At 6 weeks I will not be ready to decide on nipples. I wonder about swelling, dropping etc affecting where the nipples should be placed? Also, I don't know if I want them being "out" all the time. Why do you have to decide at 6 weeks post-op?
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Andrea, I am so sorry you have all this pain in your family. Yes, cancer sucks. I had just passed my 5 year mark, after melanoma, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I thought how unfair it was. Sending hugs your way.
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all you ladies, with multiple surgeries, have me worried! Yikes I hope you all can get good results soon.
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You don't need to decide on nipples at 6 weeks and shouldn't rush your decision. Take your time, my PS said he has done nipple reconstruction several years later on many patients.
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ok. I just have to say it. Sorry.
Nipples are the "cherry" on top. LOL. Sorry
You can add them at any time. You shouldn't have to make a decision now. But if it has too do with insurance you may have a time you have to get it done so you on have another deductible.
And Sandra, someone has to do it! LOL.
Much love
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Moonflower, Yes insurance can distaste when one is allowed to get things done. I am lucky mine is flexible. My doctor did mention he can make nipples, aeroelastic or I can have the 3-D tattoo. I think I will join the picture forum to check that out.
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Thank you everyone for thinking of me. My mother seems to be in pretty good spirits, all things considered, and said she's just taking things one day at a time.
I've decided I don't want nipples done. I'm considering having my scars covered by a tattoo sometime in the future instead. I've seen some beautiful work done, but it depends on my level of courage, as the thought of the pain scares me. I wish there were tattoo artists in Utah who participate in events, such as p-ink.
Love and blessingsto everyone!
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Andrea, I'm not sure what to do about the whole nipple situation. I'm leaning towards 3D nipple tattoos, or something floral and viney. It will be awhile since I plan to do a little fat grafting in Jan/Feb.
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I just started a new thread called What's the matter with me? I don't want to read!. I used to think I was the only one who couldn't seem to focus enough to read more than a Facebook post for weeks after surgery. Now that I know I'm not alone, I'm fascinated to read more stories from everyone else and hear your theories. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/826105?page=1#idx_2 Please share YOUR observations.
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Andrea, I just read about your mom, so sorry to hear of this hugs and prayers to you both.
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Thanks, Frostecat. It means a lot to me.
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Hey there, I will have my exchange on December 17! I was wondering how many women need to have drains for exchange surgery? My PS told , me he prefers no drains but cannot promise that for sure!! What would precipitate needing the dreaded drains for exchange? Thanks ladies!
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Andrea, hugs and prayers to your family.
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lulivesay, i needed a drain on each side. the reduction side drain was removed after 8 days. i still have the implant side in, hopefully to be removed this week (15 days). i think it depends on how much fluid is in there at time of surgery. i seem to have alot of fluid on the exchange side.
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I had no drains for the Exchange, which was a first. None for the next two surgeries either, even though pocket work was done each time and new implants (same kind, same size) were placed. However after my 5th surgery a month ago, I woke up with one drain. PS said for some reason my right side was just "bloody." So from my experience, you should always be prepared for a drain.
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