Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Take our poll: Caregivers, what do you find most difficult about caregiving?
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?

Exchange City

1…12341235123712391240…1387

Comments

  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 289
    edited September 2015

    Marketingmama, oh my gosh, after my bmx and just prior to returning back to work after 9 weeks of torture, my hubby fell down our basement stairs and ruptured his quad tendon and had surgery on a Sunday! Maybe it is the stress of watching your wife go through such a trying time. He was in the hospital for a week in rehabilitation. Hope he is going ok. And you too;)

  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2015

    Rebecca—You said exactly my thoughts, BRAS??? I was hoping to never wear one again! I loved wearing tops with tiny straps that I would have NEVER worn before…or even a form fitting t-shirt. Mine weren't big before, just not symmetrical and I could camouflage that by wearing a bra. But, since my implants seem to be bigger than I expected, and I'm afraid of the droop factor, based on Whippetmom and val61's comments on Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate I think I will be wearing a snug underwire, for at least a couple of months. This was taken from the topic header:

    "Because underwire bras provide such excellent implant support and stabilization (when properly fitted), many plastic surgeons advocate the use of them soon after the exchange surgery. The wire provides "encapsulation" to help prevent implant migration." (but not if you have your incision line along the IMF.)

    They go on to say 3 ½ months is the time it generally takes for the scar tissue to form the "capsule" around the implant. "Until then gravity and arm movement can cause the implant to migrate."

    There's a ton of info on that thread, yall should check it out if you haven't already!

    My PS said I wouldn't have to wear a bra, but my trust in him has gone down a notch since surgery.

  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2015

    Glad to hear you are doing better marketingmama—and hope DH won't need surgery! Yikes!!

    Hummingbird—what kind of torture device do you have? All I was told to wear post-surgery was this dinky little surgical bra. (At least is seems flimsy compared to my old underwires)

    Audrey—did you get sized at Nordstrom's, sorry if you already said. I stole one of my daughter's Victoria Secret's until I can get sized and it (36D) fits perfectly. Hope she doesn't notice its missing! ha

  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2015

    Good luck tomorrow Lkscolo!! No, I'm sure your TE's being sore does not mean complications in surgery…it means you are READY to get them out!! :

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited September 2015

    Thanks all! Tomorrow is the day. Yes, I think I am just MORE aware of them this week (how can we be any MORE aware of them?) and not sleeping well which makes me dwell on the discomfort. I am getting anxious, and ready. Trying to hydrate well today and relax, enjoying a beautiful day here in Colorado!

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2015

    loriekg, yes, I had a wonderful experience at Nordstroms. My underwire bras fit me perfectly, I ended up a 36 DD.

    I forgot my PS did say I would probably need a lift in five years and I remember thinking I'm gonna hike these babies up and give them support. Can't believe I just remembered this now.

  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 78
    edited September 2015

    Lorie,

    I suppose I shouldn't refer to it as a torture device but it feels like it. It's just a super tight eye hook up the front sports bra but it feels like it goes from my waist to my neck and its tight (especially around my armpits) and HOT! I just got spoiled not having to wear a bra at all, with my TEs and now I'm wearing what feels like a girdle 24/7. My friend bought me a gift card for a soma bra so I'm going shopping in a month or two when these things settle. I am going to have to read that other thread about the great exchange debate and bras. My PS hasn't told me anything about what the plans are for later, when I can lose this surgery bra.

    My implants don't really look even. I know it's early and they're settling but it bums me out. PS said we could "go back in" if we needed to and honestly, I don't want more surgery. I can live with it. I'm just not as happy post exchange as I thought I'd be. Happy to be minus the coconut bra but at least they were pretty symmetrical and even and I didn't have to wear a bra.

    Good luck to those heading into surgery

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2015

    hummingbird

    What kind of implants did you get? I had to wear a sports bra 24/7 for 6 weeks after surgical bra and binding came off after a week. I have dummies so they have to stay put so that they can adhere to your muscle and skin. I still wear a wonderful soft lounge bra by Body by Victoria Secret. They are $28 but very comfortable. I take it off when I get home from work and relax till bedtime when I put on a Pink sport bralette. Also soft and comfy. It is like my security blanket. :) Give the girls a chance to settle, at the least, 3 months. There is swelling and they have to drop into position. If you must, stay away from the mirror. But personally, I looked at mine every day several times a day!! Love them!

    Robin

  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 78
    edited September 2015

    Robinblessed, mine are Natrelle silicone, style 20, 375 Ccs. Your post made me feel better, thank you! I never see much of my chest, just getting in/out of shower when I'm not in this sports bra. PS told me to wear this 24/7 for 6 weeks and tomorrow I'm 4 weeks out, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to look at Victoria secret too. Maybe once I can wear something soft, like you do at night, I'll feel better. I want to give my implants the best chance at success so I am following PS instructions to the tee. I came home from the hospital in this bra and a white wrap around ace type Velcro thing that was putting pressure from the top. I only wore that ace thing for the first week.

    I'm so sorry for you ladies who are dealing with infections.

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited September 2015

    Lkscolo, hoping all goes well tomorrow! I am right behind you!

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited September 2015

    thanks, mysunshine48! If I feel up to it I might post here tomorrow night once I'm home. Good luck to you!

  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2015

    So turns out DH needs surgery for his broken hand. Next Tuesday. At least it's outpatient and doc doesn't think he'll need too much downtime. He is only planning to take two days off work! This is all so ridiculous-- we can't help but laugh. Hopefully I'll get my drain out tomorrow at my PS visit and that will really cut back on my discomfort. Drain hurts and is oozing somewhat. But fluid has turned straw colored so figure that's a good sign.

    I took this week off work as vacation. My STD is only paying 60% right now and I need the full paycheck. But hate having to take time off for something that isn't fun or enjoyable. DH and I have a big vacation planned for next summer (river boat cruise down the Danube) so my goal is to be fully reconstructed by then. Figure that gives PS plenty of time and it's a nice thing to look forward to. In the meantime, I'm avoiding mirrors!

  • Angie4
    Angie4 Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2015

    Is anyone else out there having problems with phantom sensations and pain? This is going to sound weird, but I have sensations like milk coming in and I can feel my nipples when I don't have nipples anymore. The sensations are intense and come in waves and occasionally are mixed with pain. I have no fever and no redness. I can't quit thinking about these feelings and it is hard to focus at work or anywhere, for that matter. I feel like I'm losing my mind.

    I've been watching this board and praying for you all, especially those with upcoming exchanges and those dealing with infections. I know sensations and minor pain are nothing compared to what so many are experiencing. I've been struggling with this for a while now and haven't said anything because I don't want to sound whiny. I'm just at a complete loss. PS doesn't seem to think its a problem

  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 289
    edited September 2015

    Hi Angie4. These sensations are all normal and I think that is why ps doesn't think it's a big deal. I think the nerves are trying to regenerate, and that is why you have all these feelings. My pains used to feel like burning and electric shocks. Now, over 1 year post bmx, I have twinges of pain and sometimes an itchy achey sensation. I have heard that these can go on for years. Try not to lose your mind. That is what we are here for...each other.

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2015

    Angie, I have phantom nipple sensation on the left side only. Its borderline sensation/pain/discomfort. Sometimes, I'll touch my breast and then suddenly the realization will hit me blindside, oh, yeah, I don't have nipples anymore. Its strange and freaky and just one more thing we have to put up with.

  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2015

    Hummingbird—your bra sounds like what I'm wearing! LOL I swear I went back and reread a few pages to see if I missed what happened to you that you were in a torture device! LOL

    OK, I am constantly amazed how different these PS instructions are! I had that ace bandage type wrap for only one day. My post op appt was the next day, they took off the wrap, no bandages, just told me to wear the surgical bra 24/7 till my next appt, which will be next week. (But during the day I'm wearing a tight underwire.) I hear you, about not being as happy as you thought you'd be. I think that I am bigger than I should be. I don't want to worry about drooping in a few years, I'd rather be a little smaller and be able to go bra-less. My PS assistant told me that PS said I "would not have been happy with the smaller size." How did he know that? What if he's right? I'm obsessing! I'm going to try and post pictures on the picture forum if I can.

    Aww man! Sorry to hear marketingmama, that your DH needs surgery after all! Good for you guys that you can find the humor in all this!!

    Mysunshine…good luck to YOU tomorrow! Do I remember you're getting Inspira's?

    --Lorie

  • bbwithbc45
    bbwithbc45 Member Posts: 367
    edited September 2015

    Lorie, I just had a thought - you say that you think that you are bigger than you should be, but do you take into account the swelling? I haven't had my exchange yet, but I recall reading somewhere that there is some swelling right after the exchange surgery and it takes a while for it to go away. With time you should get smaller when the swelling goes down - if I understood correctly.

    I'm just hoping my PS will match my existing breast and I will be as close to symmetrical as possible. I'm getting more and more excited to say good-bye to the TE, but also nervous for the surgery.

  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 118
    edited September 2015

    BBwithBC45...you know, maybe you're right! I do still have some puffiness under my arms, on the sides, and still 5 lbs heavier than before surgery. I'd like to at least drop a cup size.

    When is your surgery, or do you have a date yet?

  • bbwithbc45
    bbwithbc45 Member Posts: 367
    edited September 2015

    Lorie, my exchange surgery is next week Wednesday. Coming up quickly.

  • Angie4
    Angie4 Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2015

    Thank you, Kingster and Audry. I'm taking today and tomorrow off. I'm a high school teacher and I'm just too distracted to focus. I'm not giving up, just trying trying to cope. You all remain in my prayers

  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,072
    edited September 2015

    Angie. . .along with continued nerve pain, I have phantom water dripping sensations. The only way I can describe it is that I thought my TEs were leaking when I had them in because it felt like water was dripping down from my foob. I still have them even after EX which is even weirder because I have silicone squishies. My instinct when this happens is to grab my foob to see if it's leaking. Still hoping all the nerve issues will resolve with more time and more PT. I go 2x a week.

    Scottie

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,261
    edited September 2015

    marketingmama - I am currently without a left implant - have been since May of '14 - I will find out next Monday if I can have a new TE placed. PM me if you would like.

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited September 2015


    Yes, tomorrow is the day! Yikes! Ready, but sort of nervous. Thank you for the good wishes.

    Lkscolo, Hope you are doing well tonight.

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited September 2015

    Angie4

    I also have had phantom nipple sensations. When I get a shiver, it still feels like my nipples are reacting to it! I know, really weird! I used to have the electrical shocks too, like Kingston said, nerve regeneration. I also have itches that I can't reach. So annoying. Tomorrow is one year since BMX. Cancer free for a year!

    Hope you all have good outcomes with your EX.

    Lorie, are you clear to wear underwires? My PS said no underwires. I would think that the wire might cut into the pocket. But I know how different every PS is.

    Robin

  • DaisyQ
    DaisyQ Member Posts: 44
    edited September 2015

    Hi All,

    I'm 2 weeks out from exchange surgery. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped. A huge hematoma from the port removal put me back in the OR before I even got out of the recovery room. An infection 3 days post op sent me to the ER. Fortunately a broad spectrum antibiotic took care of that within a week. Not nearly as difficult as some of the stories here, but it wasn't the easy "last step" I was anticipating (and thought I deserved after a year of chemo and radiation.. :p)

    I have gummies so I'm in an underwire bra 24/7 and physical restrictions for 4-6 weeks. I have a lot of scar tissue from radiation so I'm wearing a binder to keep the radiated side from moving up as I heal.

    I am thrilled that without TE's I can sleep comfortably on my side again. Sweet relief!

    I am 13 months out from my initial cancer diagnosis, finished with treatment, feeling good, and loving life every day!

    Amy

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    Home from exchange urgency today. It all went well, just groggy still now. Have to say I hate my implants. They're way too flat and I really thought I would be bigger. I know they need to settle but honestly is there a chance theyll get bigger? If anything I'm afraid after swelling I betthey'll be even smaller! I know it seems petty in the scheme of things but after all these months I just wanted to be pleased with the results!


  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited September 2015

    Lkscolo, Good to hear from you. Sorry you are not happy, but give them time.... At least that is what I read. What did you get? I am about to go to bed and wake up early to go to surgery center!

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    idk what I got. Husband forgot to ask. I wanted to look same size as TEs and I am not. I know they're anatomicals. Good thing is I didn't have the bad nausea like last time. Good luck tomorrow! Mine was quick. Home by 5 pm!

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited September 2015

    Thanks, ready for bed. I go at 7:00 a. m.

  • moonflwr912
    moonflwr912 Member Posts: 5,938
    edited September 2015

    ksco, please give them a while to settle. Sometimes after he swelling, the foobs actually look bigger because here more definition of the implants.

    Marketing mama hang in here.

    Mysunshine, i hope things went well.

    Forgot who asked, but the zings are very weird, aren't they? I had one that felt like a zipper from under my arm all across to the edge of my scar in one line zing! But then it went away. If it had Lasted or continued to go back and forth I would have screamed. LOL but it was gone so Fast I was still saying WTF!?! And then it was over! LOL

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.