Exchange City
Comments
-
Happy Birthday, Sandra!
0 -
Sandra, that's wonderful that surgery #5 was successful! Hopefully after your surgery this month, you'll be done!
0 -
Sandra - happy B-day and GREAT news about the surgery.
DiveCat - I have 410 anatomicals and you're right - I was told not to massage.
0 -
DiveCat, That's the best explanation regarding the reasoning for massaging implants that I've read or heard. Thank you for sharing that in the way that you did. Perhaps you'll copy your response and save it as a draft it so if the question comes up again you can repeat that exactly as you did. Thank you for that.
SpecialK, thanks for chiming in. Everyone who is familiar with your knowledge base appreciates your input.
Sandra, I ask more questions of all my doctors than most people..I assure you. My last visit with my PS covered a great many issues that were of far greater significance to me than the massage one. His PA only mentioned it at the end. But I agree. Always ask questions.
I didn't realize that capsular contracture could occur long after surgery? I'm referring the the previous response from the woman (am sorry I can't go back and see your name) that it is something one is supposed to do 'forever'? I wish there was a video on the massage technique.
As for the scar in the fold, I'm using coconut oil and shea butter. I also developed some stretch marks on my breasts from the surgical bra (Grrrr...) and am using the same on those. Has anyone had experience with stretch marks after implants? Am 5'5' and 120 and we never had children so have no experience with stretch marks.
Good luck with your anatomicals Divecat. So far I'm very pleased with my 500cc Mentor rounds... am almost 2 months post op. At what point did you develop the wrinkling? Am guessing it can occur at any time?
0 -
I am having a bad evening and I would appreciate any help and info you can share. I thought I had a great transfer from to gummy bears almost a year ago: little to no pain, no pocket work, no drains, nicely symmetric, and overall a good experience except for expected swelling and thinking my new boobs were a bit too close and too high (like in sexy-high but I am not sexy-looking, lol).
It turned out to be a mild case of synmastia or uniboob. Because it wasn't too bad, I went back and forth about deciding for a revision - which I had today. My new implants are a bit smaller, the next size down on the chart. And I don't know why I have a lot of pain. Maybe this is normal and I got lucky the first time?
The immediate (10 hours) post-surgery has been nothing like the transfer, although both time I had 4 nerve blocks and the work done by the same PS. I'm in pain even while typing this with 2 fingers on a light tablet, it is pain with a burning sensation that I never had before. I took a pain killer and helped a little. And I am back to sleeping on asofa!
I would love to hear if you have any suggestions or if you had more pain on revisions than first exchange. Should I open the tight vest and see if there is anything obviously wrong? Should I take an extra pain killer? Should I suck it up and wait until Monday to email the doc?
Thanks so much. Can't help thinking What would I have done without this forum for the past 18 months?!Hugs, Nisa
0 -
I wasn't given a choice of incision. He just did imf. I have mast scars which are minimal and imf now. I would ask why you have a choice. B
0 -
I had my exchange November 7 and am doing well. Although I am not sure I am happy with the size 425cc round hp and rippling on one side when I lean forward. I also have a small dart at the end of my mast scar on the other. My surgeon never mentioned revision he just said it's not an augmentation and he would see me in February. I was never given an option for anatomicals.
0 -
- OceanSky, I have the same size frame as you and my ps put in 425cc hp rounds. Thinking I should have gone bigger. I was afraid of having porn star boobs thoigh. What size were you pre bmx and do you like the size.
0 -
Hi Nisavilla - I didn't have much pain after exchange but there are many women here who have had multiple exchange surgeries due to issues and they have said that each surgery was different in recovery and pain levels. My guess is that your PS had to do a significant amount of pocket work to correct your issues and most likely have disturbed some "live" nerves. Realize that it has been a year since your last surgery so your nerves, who were most likely not functioning in that area, have had some time to reconnect and therefore send the signal that this hurts - hence the burn. As always, I would call your PS and let them know just so you can be checked out.
0 -
Happy Birthday Sandra and great news about your surgery!!!!!! You're almost there!! Yeah!!!!!
Babs
0 -
Nisa - when you mention "burning" it sounds like the nerve pain I had after my BMX/TE pplacement. Once my BS finally figured out it was nerve pain she switched me from hydrocodone to neurontin (gabapentin) and I was a new woman!
0 -
Nisa, I agree with what Sweetsndspecial said. I was given neurotin and it really helped with the nerve pain. Ask your PS for a prescription
0 -
I also agree. The burning is definitely nerves. I have had 5 surgeries now and each recovery has been different even though I've had extensive pocket work done in each. My third surgery was the most painful and took a full 4 weeks to turn the corner into feeling ok. I was emotional and just sick and tired of being sick and tired. In October during surgery 5, my PS completely revised both pockets and for the first time grafted in AlloDerm everywhere, securing it to my ribs. It should have hurt like a "sum-beach" but it was the easiest, least painful recovery I've ever had. You just never know so don't think there is something wrong necessarily. However, I would sure loosen that straight jacket. I found that anything tight made the burning and aching 100% worse. My PS said that pain after the first couple of post-op days is supposed to alert you that what you are wearing is too tight. It's not going to hurt you to see how you feel without the extreme compression. Many, many of us never had to wear a bra or get wrapped in something after surgery...and we all turned out fine. It may be your PS's recommendation, but what you are feeling has to trump his "preference." If you feel you must have some compression, get a Genie bra or wear a sports bra. Be on the lookout for any particular areas of exaggerated swelling and any changes of skin color.
Personally I don't recommend Neurontin (gabapentin) because of the memory issues which can become a real problem if you are continuing to work. It's a well known side effect.
0 -
oceansky - my PS advised to massage by pushing the implant at the clock hands 12 - push down, 3 & 9 push in toward the center of the chest or out toward the underarm, and 6 push up toward the neck. I was to start this once healed and when doing so did not cause pain - but to push pretty firmly and hold for a count of 20. Some others massage with a pinching technique - as illustrated by the graphic in this link.
http://www.californiasurgicalinstitute.com/breast-implant-massage.html
Capsular contracture is a muscle and scar tissue thing, so even though this info is provided for augmentation patients the problem is still the same even without breast tissue.
0 -
Linda505 - yes, you are right. I did not think of nerves reconnecting over the past year. But now I remember asking about "quick stabbing pains" during a follow up with PS and the answer was nerves reconnecting and phantom pain. How is your hair growing?
Sweetandspecal - the burning sensation is very real and it is still here today. I slept sitting up and surprisingly well. Resting helped too. How are you doing on the Arimidex? I was doing great until osteoporosis set in. Cancer may be in remission but oh boy other issues are not!
Sandra - Happy belated Birthday! I made the decision I am going to take a peek at my new boobs today. Your words gave me the confidence to do so, I will be looking for change in skin color and inflammation. I will put the straight jacket back because I think the compression today is about 20% less than yesterday and it makes me feel safer to "keep it all together there." I don't know if I got Alloderm - did not see PS after surgery. Next week I will know more.
Leslienva - Thanks for suggestion. I will ask at follow up. I had "chemo brain" for a few months last year so I'm a bit afraid of drugs that can mess with attention skillsas this is essential to do my job well. I looked at your stats...how in the world you cancer returns 14 years later?! This is more proof that regardless of how aggressive the treatment is, cancer can return any time.Thanks so much! Hugs, Nisa
0 -
NisaVilla - don't overlook Lymphadema when you're trying to find a solution. I'm considerably further past surgery but my physical therapist found my burning/stabbing pain was caused by LE cording. Hope yours is just regeneration of nerves.
0 -
Nisa, I haven't had any side effects from the neurotin, but I don't take it on a regular basis. I just took it when I had the nerve pain and now its gone away.
This is actually a second cancer, not a recurrence, so the originaltreatment was successful. I was tested for the BRCA gene 10 years ago but was negative. They can test for more genetic links now so I plan to be retested.
0 -
Sandgar...How did your PS arrive at that size... Meaning who chose the size before the surgery? Did he explain anything as to why he was selecting 425 cc?
Yes, I'm pleased with the result of 500cc. Amazingly, they look very close to what my breasts looked like prior to surgery. Slightly larger but with more fullness on top.
I guess what surprised me about the implants though was the actual weight of them. Implants are heavier than breast tissue. They look good. They're not 'Barbie boobs' and I didn't want Barbie boobs. I was recently reading that it's very difficult to add a slight natural droop, although mine don't have a 'droop' they also don't look like coconuts. They look natural.
My PS said that with 'immediate implants' the surgeon can't go much bigger than what one has to start with. Also, the general thinking is that they're for women who are are not overly big to begin with. So not everyone is a candidate. Also, many or most PS don't know how to do the surgery, but it sounds like you would be a clear candidate.
To answer your other question I was a B cup before the BMX. My PS says each 200cc is a cup size. So 500cc would be between a B and a C and I think that's accurate. Am also suspecting I'll be able to wear many of my underwire bras when the time comes.
Am hoping you can get the issues with your implants resolved and perhaps ask your PS about the size? 425 seems smallish. Btw, Whippetmom on her thread about implant sizing rec 475 cc for me and that was very correct. Hoping you have photos of yourself before and you might want to consult her.
SpecialK, thanks for sharing the technique. I still think I'm a bit too early although the PA said to start massaging. At what point were you told to start? I still have a bruise where the largest tumor was. Not sure why. Anyway, tried the massage a bit and it hurt so am going to wait a week or two longer.
0 -
Sandgar, I'm in Northwest Indiana, but did not have Dr. Robertson. I had another PS located in Merrillville and he also uses rounds. I think in our area anatomicals are not used much and we would most likely need to go to Chicago or farther out of our area for those. I do like my PS, and he does do good work, so I'm not looking to go elsewhere right now, but will probably have fat grafting in the future
0 -
oceansky - just an FYI - when the reference is made to Barbie boobs I think most people are referring to someone who has had a BMX and has not reconstructed the nipple, or had a 3D tattoo - at least in my experience on this site. The reconstructed breasts resemble the way Barbie looks because she was made without nipples. Just didn't want there to be confusion - but of course, there can be multiple meanings.
On the question of massage - it was as I said - when I could do it without discomfort - I don't recall the exact number of weeks past exchange. Remember that because you had direct to implant you are recovering from BMX and reconstruction rather simultaneously. For most of us who went expander to implant - and were told to massage after exchange, the BMX recovery was long behind us and we were dealing with the exchange surgery only, so conceivably a shorter time until massage without discomfort was possible.
0 -
Leslieinva, - I ,too, was first diagnosed in 2000, had lumpectomy, cmf, rads, tamoxifin, femera, and then a new diagnosis this year. I also tested negative for brca, and am curious what other genetic testing you are going to do? My Mom had bc, as did her first cousin, and also my first cousin. I am sure there is a genetic connection.
I am 2 weeks past exchange, - but the radiated side is much more uncomfortable than the other side. Even typing on the computer seems to aggravate that side.
My implants are small, - mentor 260 anatomicals, but they are about the size that I was before (I am 5'3", 110 lbs) so I am ok with size.No mention of massaging from PS, just to wear sports type bra 24/7. and to avoid having shower hit implants with full force for now.
0 -
I have 500cc TEs filled to 580. PS thinks he's going to fit a 700cc cohesive gel in there! I'm tall (5'10") and, well...weigh a bit more than a lot of you. I have a 35" rib age under TE and he said this would get me where I was before. I wore a c cup then. Tried on an old bra with current TEs. Ha. My TE doesn't have much projection (although it's the size of a dessert plate) and I would have to stuff a sock in the bra to wear it.
0 -
Hi Horsemom fellow Oct surgery sister! ...I can't give any insight into TE's. Am wishing you the very best of luck though. My ribcage is 30 inches. Measured it myself, noticed my PS didn't measure it but he measured all kinds of other things. Have you asked your PS about the final outcome and asked him about your concerns? 5'10 is wonderfully tall and I'd expect you to weigh a lot more than someone 5'5. What is he telling you to expect regarding the final outcome? Is a cohesive gel a round or an anatomical?
SpecialK, I first heard the phrase 'Barbie Boobs' from my one of my PS's nurse. She was referring to up, out and 'Barbie-like' in Barbie's boobs in relation to the rest Barbie. Barbie's proportions are preposterous. So I got that phrase from his nurse. Guess it's a matter of context.
I found it particularly interesting while watching a Vimeo by Vinnie the nipple tattoo artist... He explained that the women who come to him don't have breasts, that they have mounds. That really got my attention. As a nipple tattoo artist he's able to give these women their breasts back. So yes, they would be Barbie-like indeed.
Horsemom, there are several women here who can help you regarding your TE's and what you might reasonable expect in terms of a final result. As a wise woman on BC.org once shared her PS told her that 'managing expectations' is a big factor for BC patients. Am hoping you'll still be able to ride horses comfortably though.
0 -
OceanSky
I trust my PS. He says I'll be the same size just won't need a bra to get there (52 yrs old and had some-but not bad-droop).
He's taking round and anatomical cohesives of different ccs to surgery and will try them out there. Cohesive is just silicone that stays put if punctured (I think this might be what some call gummy bears? Not sure)
I rode with my daughter the day before surgery. I was usually sore the day after. Didn't wear a support bra that last time...figured what the heck!- I'm going to be sore the next day anyways!!
I've heard the Barbie reference to both the lack of nipples and large proportion/projection.
0 -
Happy Birthday Sandra4611. We are sister Sagittarians. Since it is 1 am right now, it is officially my 64th birthday. One year away from Medicare!
Thanks to everyone for sharing. I am planning to get my exchange Dec. 29, and because of this thread (and some others) I have a great many questions for my PS. I am lucky she is so open and ready to answer anything. Also, we text. When that left troublemaker would act up, I would send her a photo and ask her what she thought. On two occasions, it led to more surgery - sooner rather than later. Because she is so easy to communicate with, I can get my concerns dealt with very quickly.
It is funny (to me) that I will have Barbie boobs - perkier than the originals (DD long) and no nipples. Because of my age (old enough to not care what I look like naked) and because I never had "outie" nipples, I am choosing not to have nipple recon or tattooing. I doubt any sensation will be returning to that area anyway.
0 -
AnotherNYCGirl, they can now test for variations of the BRCA gene and something called PTEN. You can contact the company that did your original test and ask them about retesting.
I feel like my TEs are expanding sideways instead of forward
0 -
I was tested for a partial panel of BRCA, as I did not fit the qualifications of a full panel. My onc sent me to a gene heredity specialist for the questioning and testing. Ok theres a better word for that person, which escapes me now. I was negative, yay!
I have rounds, about 300 , slightly more or less per side, to get them to match. Small but they are really coming out nice. The one from May has dropped to I think its permanent location, and the one put in 2 weeks ago is higher, but should follow suit...They are small but nicely shaped. Im happier than I thought. No nipple recon...might do some tattooing or temp tattoos of flowers or things to make it interesting.
0 -
Horsemom, I'd like to hear more about the cohesive rounds from others here who are very well versed types of implants. SpecialK? Am wanting to know if cohesive and gummy bears are the same? Also, Horsemom did your PS mention what brand of implant he's going to use? Mine are by Mentor btw.
Horsemom, I didn't have droop (another reason listed for being a candidate for immediate implants...Apparently if you have droop they don't do them. Am not sure what extent etc...). What I meant by Barbie boobs is that mine aren't so far up and out that they look fake. .
Another thing that I found interesting on the exchange thread is that almost everyone has referred to 'drop and fluff' in terms of their implants. That's so interesting to me because mine are in the same place there were originally. Am wondering what that's about? Again, I'd like to hear the answer from someone who knows about both immediate implants and TE's.
As for genetic testing I'm having the whole panel done. Had BRAC testing done prior but because both my sisters have had BC and for a few other reasons they're doing the whole panel as ordered by the oncologist. I believe she said there are 16 genetic mutations associated with BC. The doctors and hospital are the cancer group for a large university so am guessing this is also helpful to them for research purposes.
0 -
Ocean - gummy bears are traditionally the original Allergan 410 anatomical implants. Silicone rounds are not gummy bears. If you go to Breast Implant Sizing 101 you'll be able to read in the header about most of the different kinds of implants.
When you get a chance, go to My Profile and fill in your specs. It helps us to remember your specifics since many of us read multiple pages in several threads.
0 -
Hello to all,
My exchange is Dec 17th, woohoo! I go for my pre-op with my PS on Tuesday. I cannot wait to be on the squishy side! Now that the surgery is a little over a week away I'm starting to get a tad nervous. I've been so busy working, doc appts, and learning my new normal, I haven't been on BCO a lot the last couple of months. I have all my questions ready and whippetmom's suggestions so I feel as prepared as I can be for my pre-op visit.
I have Allergan TE's 400cc filled to 475ccs. Whippetmom suggested a high profile smooth round. I like the size I am now and know that the implants will look smaller. My TEs are 12cm wide. When I look at the at the charts for the Allergan Style 20 HP smooth rounds the 475cc implant is 12.6cm wide, the 500cc is 13cm wide with less projection then the 475cc and the 550cc is 13.5cm wide. Does anyone know how much wider of a implant (verses the width of your TEs) you are able to have placed?
0
