Exchange City
Comments
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Deborah: So sorry to hear about the fat graft! To go through all of that and have it only last one week - my heart goes out to you.
Elaine: Yippee! Great that you are healing and on your way to getting that implant!
You ladies are really an inspiration. I mentioned this group to a friend who was asking how I was doing after she said that I sounded remarkably upbeat and OK with the whole situation. It was at that moment that I realized how much all of you mean to me and how much I appreciate the support and friendship I've received here. Not that any of this is a cake-walk and I hope I'm not deluding myself by thinking it's really no big deal, but you all make it look so easy and your morale is amazing. I guess when I finally have my BMX in June I'll know for sure! Thanks for being there.
Terri
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Terri: I agree. It is remarkable what having this friendship and comaraderie does for our mental and emotional well-being. It is priceless. We laugh and cry together and what we do for each other here is an immense part of our healing process. It has been a God-send for me!
Laura - That is just fabulous news! I'll bet you could hardly contain yourself on the drive home!!!!
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Hi ladies, It has been a busy week, but reading your posts have been so encouraging and for those having more difficulties, my thoughts are with you, all of you even if I don't mention you by name.
(((Sandy and Deborah)))
I am gearing up for my exchange a week from Monday and have done my pre-op with the PS. He states he cannot tell me exactly what size implant he would be using, he had to review my records. He will attempt to stay to the size of the current expander, but remove the "hump" at the top of my TE "turtle". My expander is a mentor moderate profile Siltex tissue expander #354-6213, It is filled to 500 cc now. I am 5'6" and currently at 150 lbs, 30" circumference around the chest. I want to be a nice C cup, and did mention to him that I would like some nice projection. He agrees and will try different sizes using the sizer for a natural look, as I have a narrow frame on top, (big butt on the bottom!) He did say he would sit me up during surgery to see how they "hang" Someone here stated that having the PS sit you up to check for symmetry during surgery is very helpful, so I appreciate having that advice. I am excited to get this phase over with, but I have to admit I am a little nervous too. Anyone else have the mixed bag of emotions?
I love all of the new pictures on the site, Karen yours is amazing, must be your girl scout picture
Thanks for being so supportive to those of us that don't post often. Thanks Jan 0 -
My son took the picture--around my 49th birthday in April, it is the same one I had up before, but I just cropped out the dog, because someone mentioned they wanted to see my face. I appreciate everyone's support, because, well, I feel the last 8 months have made me tired and a bit disconnected from me, and with all my parts either gone or changed, I feel more like Frankenstein than a woman some days. So, I really do appreciate how gracious everyone has been about my picture.
Regarding Girl Scouts, I was kicked out because I was too interested in the Boy Scouts! No really, I was never good at that kind of thing, only child, kind of a loner. I preferred being off riding my horse than earning badges, nature was where I found my peace, confidence, and importance as a child.
Jan, I was definitely mixed about the exchange, I think it is normal, revisions aside, it is how we are going to look. I think it is good they sit you up, I don't know if my PS does that. I have the 800cc and don't think I could have gone smaller I'm a C/D now that swelling is going down. I like how they look, but don't like how they hang and don't know if that can be fixed, but maybe I'm just used to my droopy "prior girls." I hope the lift in November will make it better.
You need to just pamper yourself and get ready to feel soft, the difference between the TE's and implants is, for me, almost beyond words.
Karen
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Cil... I just re-read and saw you had your exchange today... I am really happy for you!
Keep us informed on how you are girl... ok...:)
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Judy, I am not sure I know your story... but if you are a TE/RADS/Implant gal... feel free to PM me anytime.. I mean that... I was a mess over all this rads crappola.. no joke!
If I can help in any way... you just let me know... k?
God Speed!0 -
Everyone....thanks for all the support and encouragement....I think you are what has kept me sane.Called my PS office today hoping to get a surgery date set up......not that I'm anxious or anything.....but now that I am finally healing I want to not be lopsided. Well the PS has not dictated his notes from Wednesday.......so office can't fax info to insurance for approval......grrrrrrrrrrr. Grant me patience..........NOW!!!!
JAX.....I am so sorry to hear your news. I hope you can get success next time.
Sandy.....get ya a new bike and be careful......I live vicariously thru your escapes of exercise.
Jan......I will be sending positive thoughts your way ....good luck on your surgery......hope you get really great soft foobies.
Karen.....May I ask why PS is waiting to do lift?? Igot a reduction at same time of my mx.....wanted to be smaller......now need a reduction on the other end....lol
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Everyone....thanks for all the support and encouragement....I think you are what has kept me sane.Called my PS office today hoping to get a surgery date set up......not that I'm anxious or anything.....but now that I am finally healing I want to not be lopsided. Well the PS has not dictated his notes from Wednesday.......so office can't fax info to insurance for approval......grrrrrrrrrrr. Grant me patience..........NOW!!!!
JAX.....I am so sorry to hear your news. I hope you can get success next time.
Sandy.....get ya a new bike and be careful......I live vicariously thru your escapes of exercise.
Jan......I will be sending positive thoughts your way ....good luck on your surgery......hope you get really great soft foobies.
Karen.....May I ask why PS is waiting to do lift?? Igot a reduction at same time of my mx.....wanted to be smaller......now need a reduction on the other end....lol
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Laura I'm doing the happy dance for you. When I read your comment on facebook I was just thrilled for you. You should easily be able to get those nipples and tattoo done before the end of the year : - )
Jax I'm shocked at everthing your having to go through (((HUG)))
Terri I'm really glad you feel like we have helped you
this is why we are all here
to the new gal...sorry I forgot your name...welcome
well I better go search for a bike...
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Jean I forgot to say thanks for adding the web sites to the top of the thread
oh I love you ladies and can't wait to meet a lot of you in Sept : - )
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Elaine.. Hang in there lady... We are hear for ya!
Jean.. Since I asked you to.. I suppose I should say thanks too...hehe... GOOD JOB JEAN! Now, please post my exchange date.. I will feel jinxed until I see my name an the Exchange City Thread.... FINALLY.. wahooooooooooo...Ok.. I will shut up now.....hehe..
Sandy.. it felt so good calling the Mirage today and them asking me if I was with the " Ta Ta Sisterhood group"... Do you remember back when I named us that.... I got goose bumps! We have all come a LONG WAY sisters!!!! A Year has past for so many of us... some are finishing.. some are still fighting.. but we all are united in this Sisterhood we never wanted to be in... but we fight like girls all the way...... AMEN!
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Elaine--I had BLM skin and nipple sparing. There is some lose skin, thus the double fold, and my nipples are really low. When I had my exchange I also had an abdominal hysterectomy and oopherectomy and he and I felt that was enough for one surgery. Giving my implants time to settle may reduce the need of having to move the nipples or moving them much, they are very vulnerable to necrosis. When a non bc breast has a lift and the nipples are moved the nipples do not lose all of their vascular connections because some come from under the nipple. Nipples that have been retained during mx have lost all vascular connection except what they get through the skin. It is not uncommon to lose your nipples a few days after mx, but mine held their color and held on for dear life. When he does the lift all vascular connections will have to be severed, and there is the risk of losing them, depending on how well he reconnects things and how quickly things repair naturally. So, we felt that this last surgery was enough, give things more time to settle, and I wasn't ready to lose them, I won't be ready in November, but at least I won't be suffering abdominal pain on top of everything else. My lift will be tricky, I know the girls will come through, but I worry about my nipples, and they are the last bit of me that connects me to me before cancer, they connected me to my babies, they are the only female part that hasn't been messed with. I'm hopeful. With any luck in early December I will be posting pictures of my lifted girls, happy nipples, and no more step-down and double folds.
I'd like to ditto that you gals are great and make me smile everyday!
Love- Karen
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Thank you for all the welcoming messages. I feel so glad to be here. I've been on this site since March and I had a similar experience to Terri - my ability to cope is largely because I know this is here.... the information and stories are priceless.
Whippetmom - I do not have Jennifer Warnes' album, but I've heard of it!
I'm seeing my PS on Monday but just some quick questions for all of you in the know -- does the "lead bra effect" ever go away or is that something that's just there through the expansion phase? Can I trust it is gone after the implant phase? I know that for me visuals will not trump being able to take nice deep breaths and BE in my body without this sort of constriction. Having asked that I am aware everyone has a different experience -- but any generalities out there?
Serene Saturday to you all,
Geena
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Geena--from my experience you will be able to take deep wonderful breaths. From the moment I work up from surgery, I knew it was different. The TE's are completely different from the implants. It will be better. My PS has finally allowed me to sleep on my stomach--it is awesome. I know your body doesn't feel like yours right now, with the expanding hard objects in you, but you will be in your body with softness, breathing, and I'm sure it will look great, too!
Hugs--Karen
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FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH TISSUE EXPANDERS, FACING THE DILEMMA OF WHAT KIND OF BATHING SUIT TO WEAR THIS SUMMER, YOU COULD GET ONE OF THESE TO PUT OVER YOUR TE'S, WEAR A BIKINI BOTTOM AND VOILA! A CHIC SUMMER OUTFIT!
Yes Geena! We have all experienced the "iron bra" phenomenon. However, for me and for a number of others, the discomfort resolved significantly with fills. I was one of those who, in the last two months before the exchange, felt so comfortable and liked my shape so much, I hated to part with them and I was very apprehensive about the exchange.
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Have some questions. I am scheduled for my exchange this coming week. Can someone give me an idea of what kind of discomfort they felt immediately after their swap out surg? The pain after the Bi-mastectomy was the worst I'd had ever endured, and I can't wait to get rid of the TE's! They have been most uncomfortable! Also, how long should I plan on being off work? I have a clerical job, and do lots of computer work and telephone answering. Thanks for the info!
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Hi Everyone!!! I have been so busy with doctors appts...end of school things for both kids and an end of the year soccer tournament...I haven't been on the board in a while! I wanted to let you guys know what happened with my plastic surgeon. OK- just to recap- he wants to place new TE's in because he doesn't like what the old ones are doing (They are SSP brand). I am thinking about switching doctors. The 2nd opinion PS concurred with the original PS- yes they need to come out- they are too high and have traveled under my arms a bit so I have no cleavage at all. I did not like the 2nd opinion PS as much as my PS so went to my PS to have some questions answered and left in tears. He told me he was frustrated by me, that I am doing too much research and that I should let him handle it all. I have since made 3 more appointments with 3 new PS's! One came highly recommended and another recommended by Tracey who is planning the Vegas trip!!! LOL We live close to one another. SO.....I am back to square one- am really frustrated and feel that I really didn't do enough homework the first time around because I was more worried about the cancer aspect then PS. Anyway- both doctors said I would not damage my pecs in any way to keep them in for a while until I have a surgery.
Deborah- I love your coconut bra!!! We are heading to FL for vacation I will have to seriously consider it!!! LOL
I can't wait to stick my toes in the sand and forget about all this for a couple of weeks. The new doctors appts. are for the week I get back into town. Please pray that I find a doctor who doesn't mind answering my questions and who I don't frustrate (eeessshhhh)!
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Geena....welcome to EX city...these are the best ladies for support and answering questions.
KEW...thanks for the explanation. When I had mx and reduction they moved and grafted my nipples to new location....so they don't point south....it was a weird dressing over each nip and the smell of the iodafoam gauze made me nauseous .......they left one is doing great with the feelig back at least 50%.......The right one looks like a puckered a** with no implant under it.....they both turned dark and sloughed lots of tissue the first 6 weeks ...and they were covered with that iodafoam and dressing that was sutured over each for 3 weeks. Hope that if you have to have yours lifted they can leave one edge attached and pull the folded skin up and remove it....then the nipple would have less trauma and maintain the vascular connection..
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Cheri2......my gosh your PS should be thankful you are actively participating in your care and asking questions is your right and responsibility. Patients that ask questions are the ones that recover fastest as they are also responsible for the outcome by following instructions. Bless you for all you are having to go thru......Healthcare is a partnership between patients and thier providers.....you keep asking those questions.....Elaine
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Geena - Welcome! And best wishes! You are still fresh from surgery, but you will be feeling much better soon! And the lead bra feeling does get MUCH better after the exchange. Have faith!
Deen (Txbadboob) - Wow, you certainly had them cutting from all directions. Hugs my dear. Take it easy and rest!
Jax - Oh no!! What can I say. I am so so so sorry! You have had so much to deal w/ and yet you continue to be so supportive of others. Hugs are going your way my dear!
Deborah - I am sorry that your procedure did not work out for you. Where do you go from here? BTW: Great picture that you posted! I had quite a smile out of that!
Karen (KEW) - Ok, I admit it. I have been out of town so much that I missed this wonderful piece that everyone is talking about. Can you please post the link again? Also, I agree. My new girls don't actually "hang" at all. But I am getting used to them.
Sandy - Wow! That was a little too close for comfort. I am glad that all worked out for you! And you are welcome for adding the web sites. Anything for my sisters!
Laura - I am doing the happy dance for you my dear!!!!!!!! Yahoo!! And you had nipple sparing right? So you will be all done??? At least as much as any of us are "done." If so, I am jealous!! Just kidding.
Candi - Sorry about the wrong date, things have been a little / lot crazy with me lately. I will correct it today.
Terri (my560sel) - When in June is your BMx scheduled? We are certainly there for you my dear. You will do fine!!!
Jan - In some ways I was more uptight about my exchange than the original BMx. It doesn't make any sense, but that's how it was. Anyhow, the exchange went fine. And I was up and back at it in no time. We will be rooting for you.
Cil - Thinking of you. I hope all went well!
Elaine - I hope you get a surgery date soon my dear!
Cookymkr - I only took about 3 work days off after my exchange and was travelling for work within a week and a half. For me, the surgery was pretty easy. I understand it is more difficult if your PS has to do a lot of pocket revision. But just replacing the implants for the TEs is not that difficult. And I am pretty numb, so that helps too.
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Ladies - Sorry, I had a lot of catching up to do. I have been so busy.
I must admit, I had a total break down in the airport yesterday. I have been working so hard these days, trying to get my new business up and running, and still dealing w/ my jerk of an ex-business partner who is trying to cut me down every where I turn. And then I get to the airport after working out of town all week to find out that I am on stand by. Mind you, I had purchased a ticket more than a month ago. But the plane was over-booked. Well I just completely lost it in the airport and started crying right there. I must have looked like a real jerk. I guess I have been holding it together all these months, between the surgeries, the recovery, losing my job the day before my BMx and now to still be hounded by my ex-partner. I wish he would just go away! It is a bit telling that I am so busy and his business is very slow. So slow that he has time to hound me.
Ah well. I needed to unload w/ others that may understand all the emotions we are storing up and dealing with. Most of the time I am okay, but I guess yesterday was a bit too much.
Good news is that someone took the $300 deal from the airlines and I got his seat! I was home on schedule and walked the dog and slept like a log. I am MUCH better today.
What would I do w/o all of you? - Jean
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Jean--Wow, it has sounded to me like you've been working a ton, I hope you are getting some down time. Pooh, on your ex partner, he has too much time on his hands--good job on your part. Your crying experience is timely. I was going to write about mine today, but decided not to. But maybe it is important, are you ladies still crying sometimes? I feel like I'm getting it all together, and I have no idea what triggers it, but sometimes I get a wave of "oh my god I had cancer and I've been through all this sh.." It happened this morning, I was having a great morning, then smack. I burst into tears, and then it passes, it doesn't happen often, maybe once a week or ten days. How about it are others still feeling a little raw, and like Jean said maybe we are burying it a little?
Elaine--Thanks for the ideas about my nipples, and yes that anti bac material they put on us does smell. It is good to know that they can turn dark and still survive. I hope you get your surgery date soon.
Karen
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Thanks Karen. ANd thanks for posting your site. What a touching story. It reflects the beautiful woman that you are! Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jean, So sorry for all of the garbage you have had to go through, thankfully you made it home. The frustrations of all of the things that you have gone through were like a dam ready to burst, the airport just pushed you over that emotional edge. I pray for success in your business, that is the best way to stick it to your ex business partner.
Karen, sorry to hear that you had a moment of NORMAL feelings. Bless you for reassuring me that the emotional stuff can and most likely will happen. You have to admit, that you and some of the other ladies have a lot going on with work, BC, family, etc. Remember you had meltdowns before BC, it is just exacerbated because of the BC and other C*#P. Have a better afternoon!
Jan
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Karen, Jean--I'm nine months out from my first (of three) surgeries, and I do great most of the time, but I'm not done crying yet. Because I'm still more emotional and thin-skinned than before, some of my crying jags are brought on by problems at work (especially with the two women in my office who seem to think my bc is a plot to get off work and have surgeries so they'll have to cover for me.
) The others are a result of what I call my "black cloud", which just comes over me and overwhelms me, with no warning and for no apparent reason. Luckily, I have a wonderful therapist who's helping me cope, and the crying is becoming less and less frequent. I guess it takes time; I just don't know how long. But we haven't come this far to give up now.Love from your sometimes-weepy-but determined bosom buddy,
Diane
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Jean.... It was just your time sweet lady.. You have been through a Hell year, and we all understand here.
Crying... an emotion I understand and yet.. wonder why it strikes at times that I would never imagine. Random it is.
I , personally, am happy for those tears you shed at the airport. Release.. you must have needed it!
Give yourself a HUGE hug from me tonight.....
Cheri..... go with Tracey's doctor... if you can... she went the extra mile to find the best of the best of the best while she was going through all this....
... Just my opinion...:) Just wanted to support your efforts on finding another PS... Love
Laura
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Karen - your story is a beautiful one and I thank you so much for sharing it! I am in awe of your strength and positive outlook.
Laura - YEAHHHHHH for July 20th. I'm crying happy tears for you girlfriend! What wonderful, wonderful, God-blessed kind of news!
Elaine - Healing incision - WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO as Laura would say!!!!!
(((((((((((Deborah)))))))))))) Wear a bra, don't wear a bra, wear a bra, don't wear bra....WHAT TO DO!!! LOL I'm disappointed in your fat grafting results. So not fair. Loved the dh/malt story!!! I'm glad you stuck to your guns and got your malt. Men and details...the two things don't go together too well.
(((((((((((Jean)))))))))) I think we need to put a contract out on that ex-business partner of yours!!! What a jerk!!!!!! I can only hope he gets what's coming to him.
Cil - great news on your exchange going so well! Sooo happy for you!
Speedy recovery vibes going out to you Deen.
Oh Jax I'm so sorry that you still didn't have any success with your TE. I just can't believe all that you have endured so far. My heart goes out to you.
You've come to a great spot Geena - WELCOME!
Diane/Karen/Jean - I am on the runaway crybaby train ride too. I get off and on that train way more often than I would like.
I've only had time to lurk because my youngest son's wife was being induced (to have a baby that SHOULD have been here on May 24th - baby didn't get the memo apparently!!lol) She went in on Wed, Thurs and finally Friday things got moving. I am so proud to say that I am a grandma again to a beautiful little baby girl named Ella Carrie Rose. Her name honors 4 grandmothers and an aunt! I really should rescind the "little" part because Ella is 10 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches long. She was born early this morning after over three days of her poor mama laboring to get her here. Her mom is in great spirits but the delivery sure did a number on her. I am so proud of my baby boy as he was amazing through it all. Both sets of grandparents kept a vigil in the waiting room and are pretty pooped today.
On my way to visit my new little darling today I got into a car accident and totaled my car. God was watching over me once again because no one got hurt but I sure had a scare. The air bags went off and my seat belt did a wicked retraction thing. I thought I might have displaced or ruptured my new implant. I spent 3 hours in the ER department and my PS said he thinks it all seems okay. THANKS BE TO GOD!!!! I'm feeling achy and sad over my car but grateful that it wasn't worse. What bad timing though as I spent all those hours sitting in the ER freaking out about my implant when I could have been spoiling my little Ella!!
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{{{Yvonne}}} THANK HEAVENS YOU'RE ALRIGHT!! How scary for you! You need to relax and take it easy girl! Congrats on your new grand baby!!! VERY EXCITING!!!
This has been an extremely weepy day for me too girls. wah...SUCKS BIG TIME!
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Cookymkr,
The discomfort level is nowhere near what you experienced with mastectomy & tissue expanders. I had a little more work done with the pockets, therefore I felt a bit sore from the bottom part of my breasts. The incision lines have no feeling at all from the mastectomy. When I woke up from the surgery, I felt a bit pressure on my chest, but nothing I can't handle. My surgery was on Thursday, I've gone shopping yesterday for 4 hours, and went out to a 3 hour dinner tonight. I haven't been taking the pain med all day.
You'll do great! it's so nice to have the turtle shells out. Good luck!
cil.
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Cheri: Okay, gotta tell you that I was worried about you having those SSP's - because of their potential to compromise the pectoral muscles. And the same PS who wants YOU to trust HIM with everything is the one who put them in and now they have to come out and thank goodness they are coming out! My PS was thrilled I was doing all of this research. I am concerned about your PS' level of insecurity inasmuch as he feels threatened by your interest in knowing what is planned for your reconstruction. You have every reason and RIGHT to gather this information - to ask questions, to research, to have some input. GRRRRRR. I agree with Laura - go to Tracey's PS. If not him - then someone else. I know you feel your current PS is more personable than the second PS. But it does not matter a WHIT that he has no personality or is not a schmoozer or a primafreekingdonna! Who cares if he is boring or a cold fish, as long as he has great hands? You are not going to date him and bear his children - you are going to him because he is good at building breasts and because he listens to what you have to say about your expectations.
Jean: I am so sorry this had to happen....that your "crash site" was the airport! I keep wondering where I will be when that happens. An airport would be a likely place for me also. That feeling of powerlessness when you have a ticket and there is no seat and you just want to get home. I am probably going to have a nightmare about that tonight - after reading your saga. Big (((((HUG)))).
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