Exchange City
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Hi Fe Princess! I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying gorgeous Switzerland. Sounds like they are taking good care of you. So sorry that you will be having a revision surgery and are feeling pain from the implant! Do you know how long before your revision surgery? I'm curious as to what kind of implants they have there that we don't have here in the U.S. Keep me posted on what they plan on doing. My rippling is worse now on my right side so I'm looking at my revision surgery in the Fall. In September I will meet with the new PS again to look at the newly approved Inspira implants. He didn't want to do the surgery this summer because it was too soon. Like you I'm enjoying the outdoors! I just ran 14 miles on some trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so it's nice to be back to normal. My implants feel so cold all the time so maybe they help keep me cool while running!
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Can anyone tell me if they have or had same experience? Is it a leak is it LE or maybe chest compression might help? Why would it be sore and feel like crawling/tugging feel?? Please and thank yo
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B123, I have not had the same experience but I only just had exchange in March and revision 2 weeks ago. I was told that I would get a MRI every few years to check to integrity of the silicone implants. Sounds like you should have them checked out.
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Scottie,
Yes, you must not reach past the elbows for at least 3 weeks post EX. Do it slowly and let those muscles hang onto your implants. I am 5 months post EX and have full ROM, but I made sure I did it slowly and carefully. I know you want to return to normal as quickly as possible, but let your body tell you when it's ready. Now, I am not saying don't do anything, because then you might get stiff. Just listen to your body. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
I got my bandages off of the nipple tattoos. There is healing left to do here too. But all and all, I am happy with the outcome. Perfection is not an option. After all, I am very happy with my implants and the only people these nipples have to please are DH and myself. Hang in there and you will do fine.
Robin
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Thanks Robin. I'm behaving myself yesterday and today. Yesterday exhausted me just going out to PS checkup and lunch after. I came home and went straight to bed. At least I'm sleeping a lot and not going anywhere today.
Kindle here I come.
One frustrated Scottie.
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thanks Jojo.. I just don't know what to make of it? I get a twitchy feeling as I'm walking.. I hope nothing is wrong!!
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Hi Ladies,
So excited that I can finally join this thread. I got my exchange date!! August 24!! Had my last fill on the 31st and it was a doozy. Normally he puts in 60cc and I'm sore but not terrible. Well this time I was so eager to be "filled up" that I asked him to add another 30cc. He did so a bit reluctantly but I pushed him. This allowed him to get me on the schedule for end of August, which is what I've been hoping for (this is best for my job and upcoming Fall travel). However, I have to admit the pain that resulted from this last fill has been awful. Not sure if it's just the extra 30cc or it being my final fill, but I've been on pain meds almost around the clock since I got home last Friday. Pain has been stabbing (first on one side and then the next day on the other side) and also just aching. It's worse when I move or twist or even take a deep breath. It literally stops me in my tracks. I'd say this pain has been more intense than it was right after my BMX. Honestly never expected this. Of course I feel like a fool since i asked for this and pushed for the extra 30cc. However, I think I'm gradually improving and so far today only needed one pain pill. But honestly I"m just so happy to have the exchange surgery in sight and excited to get rid of my rocks. I'm filled to about 520 or so and he's going to bring in implants that range in size from 500 to 550. He'll use sizers while I'm on the table and then see what looks best. I feel confident that I'll be in good hands and that he'll make a good choice. I'd like to be a C cup or maybe a small D and I think that's where I'll end up.
Still need to do all that preadmission testing stuff but I've got the disability handled already (two weeks out) and have also informed my boss and my team. Even have my work calendar blocked. I can't believe the journey is almost over. I feel blessed if I'm honest. It's been hard but the peace of mind I now have over my health is worth everything.
Good luck to everyone moving to the squishy side this month!!!
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B-123: It doesn't seem like anyone else has had the same issue. I do think it's important to get into see your doc as soon as possible.
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Hi everyone,
So, I'm 5 weeks out from exchange. Been wearing the surgical bra consistently 24/7 for 2 weeks, then soft camisole a couple days past that as I had to have skin cancer surgery on my back and the surgical bra covered the 4 inch incision. Then, I went back to the surgical bra 24/7 until I bought new underwire bras but I still sleep in the surgical bra. So, I suppose my point is I'm supporting the new girls. All though now that I think of it, the surgical bra is pretty tight ... maybe it's causing more harm than good?
Now, I might be in the minority but I kind of miss my TE's. Yes, they were hard like rocks, but they didn't budge and I didn't have to wear a bra. With my exchange, I ended up with 375 silicone on each side (Sientra). He did do some pocket work and for the most part they look pretty good. He said in terms of results, I was in the top 10%. I had been hoping for a small C cup but I went for a bra fitting last week and was fitted into D34's. He took a look last week for me because I was feeling a bit worried that the left looked a little droopy and he said that we wouldn't have an accurate result until October so I go back Oct 15th. My nipple tattooing is scheduled for Nov 5th so I suppose Oct 15th f/up with PS will let me know if I can go ahead with that or if revision surgery will be needed.
The last few days I've had some pain on the left side near my bottom incision like I tore it. I did stretch my arm overhead last week so not sure if I micro tore some scar tissue. PS explained that there was a lot of healing going on inside my body and it was very possible to micro tear scar tissue which could case discomfort. Since then, I've limited my spin classes (used to do 5 week and have only been doing 2-3 and not nearly hard core rides like before exchange surgery) so don't think it's exercise plus I wear a sports bra so not bouncing even remotely.
Today, despite wearing a new bra (all our underwire which PS said was OK so not sure as I hear conflicting reports....), I am having a constant dull ache in my left breast where the nipple would be. It's constant and achy. But, surely, I can't run to my PS every single time I have an ache or pain. Plus when I press it, it doesn't hurt or ache so not sure what it could be.
Did anyone else have ache and pain this far out of exchange? Also, I laid flat w/o a bra for the first time and my right implant slipped a bit to the side towards my armpit and that was disappointing. So much for sitting up nice and perky. Sigh ... But, seriously, just curious if anyone else had aches and dull pain this far out from exchange and if its normal. Thanks in advance!
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Hi everyone! I haven't posted in a while. Had my exchange in April. Not happy with the size I chose.
I went for two fills with my expanders and was fine there, however, my DH wanted them bit bigger. So I said, what the heck….I'm getting implants, why not just a tad bit bigger? UGH!!! I was a B before the mastectomy, and now I'm a full C!!!! I hate it! It's so uncomfortable. I look fat and the right side (cancer side) still feels tight and just not like the left. I want to have them swapped for a smaller size but am afraid of what DH will say. I should have just listened to my gut and to my PS. He basically said whatever I want them to be. I went through all of this, so I should get what I want.Anyway, sorry for ranting. Anyone else not happy with their implants? Don't get me wrong, he did a fabulous job and they look great, but it's just not me. Im not used to being this big.
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Hi Ciaogina, I hate my implant. I wasn`t given a choice of reconstruction nor implant. I went through a lot of pain to get fat graphting done and it has been reabsorbed. I went smaller and I really like it because I am a runner. I have constant pain with the implant and need revision. I moved to Switzerland six weeks ago so I will have a new PS soon. I am just waiting for my insurance policy number to come. You should have what you want no matter what you chose. If you`re uncomfortable, tell your PS!. My implant feels super tight but moves into my armpit too. I am sorry that we all have to go through this.
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Hi Trailrose, how long between exchange and revision did it take? I am sorry to hear about the rippling. My implant has taken to sliding around my chest, awesome!! My new doctor told me that they would be more conservative then in the states. I haven`t seen my PS yet. I will report back when I do. I had a first five mile run since all the surgeries and it felt great!!!!!
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Ciaogina my dh nearly drove me crazy with his jokes about DDs throughout this process. What is it about men! I was an A cup when we married. . .B-C cup at best after having two kids although they weren't as perky. My PS was rather disappointed that i stopped my fills at 250 cc because of extreme nerve pain. She said I had great skin and could be much bigger. I was happy with the size I looked like in the TEs, although she warned me that the implants would look smaller at that fill size. When we went for pre-op, I told her to put in the largest size that she cut fit given my limited expansion and to try for ultra high profile if possible. That was a compromise with DH.
DH fell asleep during my surgery (7 am on) and when PS woke him up she laughed and said she got larger ones in, surprisingly (explains the muscle pain when I woke up). I ended up with 300cc high profile mentor rounds and I have to say on my chest/rib size, they look good. She did pocket work and some lipo on the sides and the girls don't move, To someone who doesn't know, they will probably look fake. Well they are so let them think I got a boob job while I was "on vacation."
Seriously though, there can be swelling after exchange and I know many on these boards say to give them awhile to settle in. My PS told me that at 3 weeks I will have to start massaging them to reduce the risk of scar tissue forming and that massaging will be a permanent chore. That idea bugs me since they still feel weird to touch.
Fe Princess when you see your new PS ask him about the pocket work. They definitely shouldn't slide around. I know they can rotate, which is one reason I insisted on round, rather than anatomical.
Scottie
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Hi PhillyEmma—I am right there in the minority with you! I love my TE's! I love the fact that I'm not adjusting them in my bra (what bra?) and I don't even care that they don't move! (OK they could be a little softer just so I won't cringe if someone wants to hug me.) I'm scared that I've gotten used to this look and will be disappointed when I get my exchange.
Scottie—I don't care if mine end up looking fake either. I liked them best when I was filled at 300cc, now I'm just overfilling a bit. I see the PS this afternoon so today may be my last fill.
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Loriekg,
Hi EX friend! If you want a less bouncy result, get the Allergan 410 FF gummy bear silicone implants. They do not jiggle and stay pretty much on your chest wall. They have a natural look as well. I love mine! Enough upper pole to have a tiny bit of cleavage and a nice natural drop at the bottom. I was a B cup before and I am about the same to a small C. All my clothes from before fit me. No bra necessary now that I am 5 months out today from EX. I was filled to 420 and he put in 475. Perfect fit. Just got my nipple tattoos a week ago. So, I am done!!! No revision work needed. I will send you a picture on a PM. Robin
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Lorie -
Like you and PhillyEmma, I actually grew to really like my TE's...however, I can say that two weeks post EX, my implants look almost identical to my TE's, with the exception of the fact that I have anatomicals, so I have less of a shelf/drop off. Don't fear the EX - if you have a good PS, they can get a really similar look if you like the look of your TE's! Saw the PS today and he said I have virtually no edema swelling and I'm no smaller than I was with the TE's ;-)
PhillyEmma, I'm so excited to hear that at 5 weeks you're taking spin classes...the doctor hasn't cleared me for exercise yet and it's make me one grumpy girl! I am, however, so sorry that you're having pain. Hopefully someone who has been through it can weigh in with some insight.
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It's been a LONG year with TE, but finally have exchange surgery on September. We are going with Inspira implants. I know they are kind of new. Anyone use them yet? I haven't been on here much lately, so I haven't heard much about them.
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Fe Princess, Once I have my revision surgery it will be 6-7 months since my exchange surgery. My new PS is looking at the newly approved in the U.S. Inspira implants. I don't want to go much bigger but he said in order to help with the rippling I would have to go a little bigger and maybe some alloderm to help too. My right side that has the rippling all around doesn't sit as high as the left and I think it looks sad. I'll have to remind him that I like to run. That's awesome that you were able to increase your mileage! Does wearing a snug sports bra help keep your implant from moving as much? Did they give you an answer as to why it's doing this?
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Reposting, I hope I don't get in trouble.
Ladies, my Pink Perfect nipples arrived today. I have to say they look lovely. I stuck them on with no adhesive just to see how they look. I almost started crying. Even with my misshapen expanders they gave me a visual of what the future holds once I have my exchange surgery. Not having nipples has been the hardest part of this journey for me. These things are perfect, very thin around the edges so they look real as they just blend into my skin. I got the bold style so there is nice projection. I am not going to use them or the adhesive until I'm healed from exchange SX. I don't want to risk an allergic reaction (God forbid). I don't want anything to prevent SX. Anyway, I ordered them on CureDiva site and using their 20% discount for first time purchase they were $209.
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Badgergirl. . .I'm right there with you in the grumpy-girl mode. From two months post BMx until the day before EX I exercised almost every day. I worked up from ground zero (10-15 minutes slow walking on treadmill) to almost running and I was hiking up to 5 miles, including some hills, as well as lots of leg weight machines. I worked up to about 10 pound weights over my head and some arm machines. It became a great obsession and now I'm desperate to get started again. That said, I was exhausted just walking around BJs for less than an hour with hubby yesterday, and I'm not cleared to do anything but walk until 6 weeks post. UGGHHH
For those who remember, did you have pain wearing a tight bra at first after EX? As happy as DH is that I ended up with bigger implants, my sports bras are tight and pull on the muscles causing nerve pain. I mostly wear my surgical bra or nothing. Any recommendations for ones that are not too tight and all one piece (no clasps)?
Scottie
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Hello, may I join you ladies? Although I've posted on many threads over the past (very LONG) year, I'm SO grateful to finally be posting on this one!! I could read through the posts, but I thought it would just be quicker to post a few questions and hope some of you can share your experience with me. I'm scheduled for my exchange surgery on 8/27 and I can't wait!! Sad that I'm actually excited for surgery, right? I've used almost all of my paid sick time between the BMX surgery and the TE placement surgery, so I'm hoping to only take two weeks off for this surgery. Does that sound realistic? I typically have a desk job but timing is bad and I'm headed into a conference a few weeks after surgery, and it's one where I typically do everything. Take the materials to the hotel, staff the registration desk, gopher stuff around etc. I know this is an out-patient surgery and I won't have drains, so that would lead me to believe that it shouldn't be that horrible of a recovery? I just wanted to see what you all think and what your experiences were. I have already let work know that I plan to be present at the conference but that I probably won't be doing any lifting so I'll have help but I don't want to do too much too fast and undo the last years worth of treatment. Also, although I loathe these TEs (I call it the coconut bra) I have gotten REALLY used to not wearing a bra. Do you think I'll be able to go bra-less after exchange too? I'm going with silicone implants (my TEs are filled to 320 ccs - which probably means a 400 cc implant?) and tattoos. I think I'm opting out of nipple reconstruction. I know I'll be wrapped up and wearing that lovely surgical for a bit but later I mean?
Thanks ladies. I'm so happy to see light at the end of the tunnel.
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I love the Pink brand light sports bra. One piece over the head or pull up from feet. I still wear this at night and sometimes during the day. I am 5 months post EX. Love it and very inexpensive. Robin
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hummingbird - you'll probably be fine w/two weeks unless the PS has to do some repair work or pocket work. I did have drains for my exchange - and had them for a little over a week. Some docs say no bra, some say underwire only, some say never underwire, etc. Every one is different so ask your PS. I know that you're getting REALLY ready.
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Congrats on the EX date! I took two weeks for EX and it was perfect. I also have a desk job. I had to wear my surgical bra and ace bandage for a week. I have anatomicals so they require that you hold them tight so they can adhere to the chest wall and skin. I was then told to wear a sports bra 24/7 for 6 weeks. I still wear one most of the time. I got my tattoos a week ago. They are healing nicely and are so cool to see nips in the mirror. I was filled to 420 and my implants are 475CC Allergan 410 FF. Let us know how you do. Robin
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Thanks, Robin and congratulations on being done!! I assume you opted out of nipple reconstruction too? I figured I really didn't want ANOTHER surgery and without nipples, I may be able to not wear a bra.
Minustwo, I read your dx paragraph. I'm so sorry you had to deal with all of our worst fears. I hope you are doing well.
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I've got my surgery date! 9/16 Yay?
Robinblessed54…yes I would love to see a pic of how yours turned out! I did not get another fill yesterday so right now I'm at 360cc's. I told PS I was most happy at 300cc and wanted to look like that with the implants. And I told him how I wanted FIRM. He suggested going with textured over smooth for more firmness.
But then he said he'd be using at least a 500cc implant, maybe higher. I clarified that I wanted my end result to look like how I was at 300cc (twice). I had consulted with Whippetmom and she said I'd do well with 400cc. I'm worried I don't want to be too big! Plus how do you tell your plastic surgeon, who's on the Top Doctor's List in Dallas, "well…this lady on my breast cancer message boards said…." You know what I mean?? I wonder how much of a difference 100cc's is anyways?
--Lorie
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hummingbird. . .I had pocket work and a bit of lipo on both sides so I'm out for three weeks (half way through). To be honest, I'm still exhausted from the surgery and hoping I'll have my energy back by the 17th when I go back to work. I have a research mostly desk job; however, my PS put me on absolute restriction of no lifting anything for 6 weeks. You're conference sounds like a major challenge which you should talk to your PS about. Can you take more time if necessary?
As for the implant, going from 320 to 400 cc sounds like a stretch. Did your PS say that was possible? I was 250 cc going in and PS did not think she could get a bigger one in because I have very tight pecks. I did come out with 300 cc high profile mentors which look great; however, the muscle pain was intense from the EX surgery, partly because of the larger implants. It's getting better but only because I am on muscle relaxers as well.
Congrats on getting your date set and you will be happy to not have the coconut bra (I call it the iron bra). I will also probably do the tattoos. No more surgery for me and once I heal going braless is so liberating.
loriekg. . .at 250cc with TEs I was already bigger than pre-BMx but my sports bras still fit. With the 300cc implants, which do look good, they are all now too tight. As several mentioned, I was happy with the shape of my TEs. The implants are fuller all around, particularly on the top. My PS was originally disappointed that I did not want to expand the TEs more because I had "good skin." I had to be firm with her and let her know what I wanted. Best wishes.
Robin will have to look for the Pink brand light sports bra. Have not heard of that one. I was looking at tons on Amazon last night and have trouble figuring out sizing. I think I'm a full C.
Scottie
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Thanks, Scotttie. My skin is not great (I don't have a lot of space in there) and I had a hard time with the fills and had to back it down to 30 ccs each time. I have to be honest in that I researched and did so much reading before my BMX and when it came to the delayed reconstruction thing, I didn't ask a lot of questions and just trusted my PS. She has been awesome and I'm really happy with the way everything has turned out so far. I will be having a little bit of pocket work (she said) because the TEs are not even. I am NOT looking forward to that over-filled pain again if I do end up with bigger implants. Those days after fills were a total drag for me...thank goodness for muscle relaxers. I will just tell work that I'll be on a "we'll see" basis and I know they'll be fine with that. It makes me mad that I have to use my vacation time for this but it's better than time off without pay.
Welcome Lorie, congrats on having your date set. Doesn't it just make you feel awesome?!
Have a great afternoon everyone.
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I'm at 375 on the left and 340 on the right and my PS is going bigger for my exchange. I asked him about it and he said he used to go bigger on the TEs than the implants but found that he has better results the other way. I trust him, he's done a ton of these and has great results.
I have a desk job and I work from home full-time and I'm taking a week and a day (surgery is on a Friday). I feel like that will be plenty (barring complications, of course), even though my PS is doing fat grafting at the same time. Depending on how quickly a person tends to heal I think it varies a lot how much time you will need.
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hummingbird. . .I hear you on the vacation time. I had a lot of sick and vacay time saved before diagnosis. We were planning a cool trip for last Christmas, then the big "C" hit. I will be 1.5 years without a real vacation by the time I'm done, but as you say it's paid leave. HUGS to you.
Scottie
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