Exchange City
Comments
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Fairy49...well just to let you know, I am nervous about the entire thing! I have my expanders in right now, and I am so scared that the exchange will look so much different. I am looking forward to not feeling so "tight", at least I hope that will be the outcome. I am very nervous about the nipples for the same reason you spoke of. My PS is wonderful, I just worry about the final outcome.
Whippetmom please remind me of what size I should be asking for! My PS is exchanging my mentor expanders...filled to 500, with mentor silicone hp either 450, 500, or 550. She said she will decide in the OR. I really just want to look how I do now, same size as I was prior to my mast. My ports are still in place, so I can not wait to get them out!
Love,
Elizabeth
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Mary Beth - I think your plan makes a lot of sense. Best wishes!
Laura - My ex-business partner is such a pain in the ---, and you are so right. He didn't do right by me. I am so sick of him and his wife!
Laura/Jax - Hugs going out to both of you. No SEs for either of you on herceptin. You will both prevail!!!!! We are with you both!
Ilovemykids - Congratulations on your exchange date of 07/13. We will add you soon! I can tell you that I like the looks and feel of my expanders MUCH more than my TEs. Hope you do as well!
Txbadboob - Best wishes on your exchange and oopherectomy surgery date of 06/02. We will be thinking of you!!
Elaine - I am sending healing thoughts your way. You have been through so much!
Deborah - Two bags of wet cement! Yee gads!! I am sending healing thoughts your way as well!
Karen - I hope you feel much better soon as well. Hugs to you. Your work sounds wonderful!!
Cil - Sounds like you may get the same size as me. I am about your size and like my implants. Best wishes!!
Peg - I am glad that you like your implants, so do I!
Mom2b - As an adoptive mother myself, I totally understand your frustration. I am thinking of you!!
Looper - Glad that your grafting is behind you! I am so sorry about your daughter!
Sam59 - I am so sorry about all that you are going through my dear!
Linda - You look lovely!! I know you are pleased w/ your revision!
Lorraine - I think it's cool you are getting ready for nips. I am waiting until fall for mine. But I understand the concern, I think it will be a harder surgery than the exchange. But well worth the time. Hugs going to you!
BTW: My brother is an MD and recommends one dose of Metamucil for every narcotic pill you put in your mouth. Worked for me!
Ah, so many hugs are flying through the air!! That's what I get for getting behind on this thread! I have been away so much that I had three pages to catch up on. I hope I didn't miss anyone!
Best wishes to this week's surgery sisters:
6/2 - choward183 - Exchange surgery
6/2 - Txbadboob - Exchange and oopherectomy
6/4 - Cil326 - Exchange to Natrelle style 15 300-350cc
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Elizabeth:
I would recommend implants with a volume of 500 cc's or 550 cc's. I think Sandy commented on your numbers previously and we agree that the 450's would not have enough volume for you. I do not recall your ribcage dimensions. What is that number?
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Whippetmom, okay, I will get the measurements, but where do I exactly measure? I am 5-4 inches and weigh 125
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measure right below your breast where the band of your bra would be
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Well ladies, I want to share a little bit about how amazing people are. Eight people came to my house today and spent 3 hours working in my yard digging new flower beds, trimming trees, planting, and extending the skirt on my deck so the puppy can't get under there anymore. I do not know 7 of these people. The woman who organized is a fellow cross country mom, who has organized dinners this surgery and last, and asked me if I needed things done around the house. I talked about how disappointed I was that my yard was falling apart. Presto, my yard looks beautiful. I can't wait to do the same for others. It was great for my boys to see strangers helping us out, this has been an amazing experience for the boys--they've learned so much about people, health, compassion, women, and I think they will be great husbands
Thanks for all the encouragement about getting back to work.
Jean--I do have a great job, it just knows no boundaries and can easily be 24/7. You can check out our website http://www.stccmop.org/ Before I was straddling education and science, I worked as a wildlife biologist for the US Geological Survery and the EPA. I worked with frogs, out in the field, it was great fun. Thanks for the tip from your brother!
I finished my paperwork for the yoga clinical trial I will be participating in later in the summer. It's looking at whether or not yoga can improve sleep pattern for bc patients.
I'm getting some rippling and trying not to get too upset, but I don't like how it looks when I bend over or move in certain ways. I hope the revision in November will help that.
Softness and healing to the ladies of the week
6/2 - choward183 - Exchange surgery
6/2 - Txbadboob - Exchange and oopherectomy
6/4 - Cil326 - Exchange to Natrelle style 15 300-350cc
Hugs,
Karen
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Kew thanks for sharing that happy story
it's nice to know there are still giving folks out there that are willing to give a helping hand
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KEW-
I am wiping tears from my face after reading that beautiful story- I have 2 boys and they have been amazing through this with me and I think they are getting cue's from outsider's like this- I truly think this will help their compassion later in life! It is so uplifting to see the soul of some people- my oldest plays soccer and the entire team has carpooled him to everything. My husband is out of town a lot and the outpouring of love from both our son's friends parents has been amazing. People who were kind of on the outskirts of our lives are now so present. Friends have shown amazing beauty and some others distance...it is a gift to see the soul of people! I just loved that story- I am a gardner too and have been so bummed about the shape of my garden this year!!! It is so sad- I see mulch needs to be put down- my jasmine is so overgrown a bird put a nest in there and is dive bombing my poor dog (actually that has been a lot of fun to watch the nest and birds!)- I totally understand wanting it fixed! What a loving a compassionate friend to think to do that for you!!!!
Estepp- I don't know about anyone else with TE's but for me- it hurts- feels like I am lying on the front!!! Maybe that will get better with time? I am 9 weeks post op and going back in for a surgery on my TE's at some point- maybe that will get better???
rockwell-girl- I want you to know I walked 6 miles today and was so inspired by you I tried to run the other day- but feel like deborah with the wet cement bags!
I will try cycling soon after my next surgery!Deborah- how ya feeling???? Having fun with sis??
big hugs to everyone!
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Whippetmom, My ribcage measurement is 32. I am 5 feet 4 inches, and weigh 125. Thanks!0
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Cheri--It is amazing. For me it has been interesting to see who was here for me and who wasn't able to deal with it. Some folks couldn't be around until I was past the icky stage, drains, just home, lots of pain, weak, bandages, they couldn't accept seeing me that way. Some were just darn scared by the whole thing, others have given of themselves withought a second thought. With all the tough times people are having now, I'm so grateful that people have been here. I agree with you so much it people are setting amazing examples of love for our boys to see. I know my heart has been filled.
I'm sorry about your garden, I understand the frustration. We didn't plant tomatoes this year as the puppy mouths everything and I was worried she would make herself sick chewing on tomato vines.
Laura---I couldn't sleep on my sides with my TEs either, the pull was too great, it actually kind of bothers me now with the implants, I think my pockets are still tender. STILL waiting to sleep on my stomach....
Sandy you are a HUGE inspiration for me to heal and get back to rowing, that was my passion and I've been feeling like I won't ever get strong enough to compete again. I'm also thinking of getting a road bike again. I love to hear what you've been up to.
Hugs,
Karen
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Thought I'd chime in too about the goodness of people - definitely this whole experience has made me realize how amazing people can be. Lots of meals coming my way which is a great help. My son's soccer team has paid for a housecleaning service to come in and clean for me every couple of weeks. Gift baskets with wonderful things have brought tears to my eyes. This one is truly a topper though, I've been putting wood blinds in my house over the last 2 months to replace some old worn shades. The salesperson that I've been working with knows about my bc and she told me that she makes jewelry and donates 25% of her proceeds to BC, yesterday I go out to my mail box and there is a package from her with a get well card and matching necklace and earrings with the pink ribbon on them. That was it I just lost it and burst in to tears I was so touched. Renews any doubts anyone might have in how big people's hearts can be.
Hope everyone who has had any difficulties this past week or recoveries is doing well - saying prayers for you.
Hugs and well wishes to anyone with procedures this upcoming week, I love reading all your posts.
Dawn
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Dawn that is so sweet! I love that - when unexpected beauty is seen!!! My dentist sent me flowers!!! I was shocked- you know how they ask you if there were any medical changes since your last visit so I told the hygenist and then the dentist asked me a couple questions- no biggie- later that week- a bouquet!!! Unreal and so beautiful to me!
KEW- yes some folks that I really expected would be there- haven't even called- other people who I really didn't think would help out have been my biggest supporters and some I haven't seen in years have also come to my aid- it is really bizarre to see who is there and not. A couple of people I have been shocked still haven't even called. I did have one friend (I ran into her while walking) tell me that she had drafted about 5 letters to me and none of them seemed adequit and she just honestly didn't know what to say to me. I think that must be what is going on with those I haven't heard from who have surprised me. There are no hard feelings- whatever- just odd who has been real present and not! My boys friends parents have been amazing and I am so glad they are seeing that support because it helps them feel that love too! Like your son's team!
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Cheri2,
Flowers from the dentist how NICE! - definitely and unexpected act of kindness. I think it is true that some people just don't know what to say, looking back on things I can understand that - I think I've probably done the same at some point. I think I have now learned that if you don't know what to say, it's best to tell the person that and that in itself may help everyone in understanding better.
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Elizabeth. You have my measurements exactly! A 500 or 550 cc implant would probably place you at a "D" cup in the Mentor high profile implant. I do not know how much your skin and muscle have stretched to know if your pocket is tight enough for an implant smaller than your expanders. This, unfortunately, is something only your PS can determine and often he does not even know how the skin and muscle are going to embrace the implant until he has you in surgery. This is why he is taking several sizes into the OR. For instance, my muscle and skin flaps had stretched very well - to the extent that I was overfilled to 425 cc's in a 400 cc capacity expander, but my PS tried 475's, 500's and found that the 550's looked best. So you can express to your PS where you want to be. If you want to be smaller and would prefer a 450 cc implant, he might have to do some pocket revisions and tighten up the pocket, but let him know clearly your preferences in this regard.
My sister went home today. She had a function to attend in San Diego with her DH this afternoon. So I am alone with my pup until Monday night. I am having a nice restful evening. I hope you all are having a grand weekend!
Hugs,
Deborah
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Laura I think you always make since : - )
I hope your having a great trip at your Grand ma's
Terri I'm glad we have all been able to give you some support here
The gals here are amazing
tatasisterhood ROCKS ; - )
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Jean I sure hope things with business go well and your old partner lightens up
also I have to say thanks for up dating this thread all the time
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Cheri way to get out for that long walk. If you don't feel good running walking is very good for you so here's a pat on the back. Biking is easier on the body than running so I'm hopeful that will work out for you.
Karen in time you'll get the strength back to paddle again. I love being on and in the water. In the morning I hope to join some friends for a long bike ride (hoping for 60 miles if I get my way) I have the TOMRV (tour of Mississippi river valley) ride which will be about 200 miles in 2 days. I talked to one of my teammates yesterday and it sounds like he's going to let me use his trek modone bike which should be a much sweeter ride compared to my 20 year old Schwinn I have. My bike is old but it still does me good.
I have to share some exciting news...Friday I got a e-mail from a writer from Runners World Magazine wanting to do a interview with me as part a Project Athena article which will come out in Oct. We chatted for a little bit tonight and will finish our chat in the morning or Monday after work. I told her about you gals here. Finding this site and getting support and being able to give back has been a god send to me. I can't say enough how glad I am to have had the opportunity to get to know all of you gals. I can't wait till Vegas we are going to have a great time.
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Deb I'm glad your sister was able to come visit for a while
sending a hug back your way (((HUG)))
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For the gals that can go to the pix forum I finally added pix to show the foam piece I wore to make my nipple narrower and added pix to show the way they look now. With a sports bra I can see a little projection so I'm happy. From the outside of my clothing it looks close to my natural.
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Congrats RockwellGirl on the article , that's GREAT!
OK I did it, I finally figured out how to add a pic/avatar. I'm so proud of myself, I always look at all of you guys and I love to see the pics to put a face to the name so finally I have one/won! Hugs to all for a great Sunday!
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6/2 - choward183 - Exchange surgery
6/2 - Txbadboob - Exchange and oopherectomy
6/4 - Cil326 - Exchange to Natrelle style 15 300-350cc
Choward183, Txbadboob, and Cil326, good luck this week.
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Sandy - Cool news about the interview.
DenRulzBC - Great picture!
Deborah - Keep healing my dear!
Take care ladies!
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Dawn- Good to see you now!! I will let you know when I am heading to the DC area this summer.
Sandy- So great about that article- I subscribe to that magazine and can't wait to see your piece! I know someone famous
As for me- I can NOT wait to meet my PS next week to talk about my upcoming surgery about switching these TE's- I will keep you guys posted!!!
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Sandy--Great job with the article! I love being on the water too, I may start slowly with flat water kayaking before I get back into an 8, and I have all winter to erg. Looking forward to hearing about the upcoming event.
Karen
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Sandy Sunshine,
I just looked at your results and you look wonderful. Where did you get the foam and how did you determine how wide to make the hole to fit around the nipple?
I subscribe to Runners World (my son is a runner) and looking forward to your article.0 -
Hello everyone!
I've been recuperating and not spending much time with all my sistas here! Missing you all but I am not able to read all the posts!!
Many thanks to all the wonderful wishes from you all.
I'm off for my genetic testing (a couple of hours from here). My mom and sisters are going up today to do a bit of shopping and then having the counselling/'testing done tomorrow.
I'll catch up on all the posts next week!
Love you all!
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Whippetmom. Thanks! I do not want to be a D cup. I have always been a C, so I better tell them. Even now, I am still at a C cup. I know that my right side pocket is too big at this point because my expander moves from side to side a bit and I do not like that at all. Do you have mentor hp silicone at 550? and are you a D cup now. I am glad I have the same measurements as you, so you can really help me with this. I am hoping to be the same size that these expanders are, I just don't like the shape of them...the size is fine. Thanks, Elizabeth0
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Elizabeth - I PM'd you....but to be the same size as your expanders you need an implant which has the same dimensions as your expanders and a 450 cc implant will be quite a bit smaller. Just an FYI.
Terri and Dawn - Love the avatars! Two absolutely beautiful, gorgeous faces! Thank you for finally sharing with us!!
Sandy: That is so awesome! I am so excited for you! I know I am going to be so jealous of your buff body in Vegas.
Deborah
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Yvonne Glad you checked in with us.....I have been thinking of you and so glad you got your exchange done.....((((hugs))))
Sandy, We have been subscribers to Runners World Mag for years and I will look forward to the October issue.....Congrats to you!!!!!!
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Sandy: congrats. That's great to have them do an article. You make us proud. JUDY
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