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Comments

  • Angie4
    Angie4 Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2015

    Scottie,

    Keeping you and yours in my prayers. I'm so sorry you are struggling. Hugs!

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

    Thank you Sherry and Angie. Today was better. I got to go to work and dh had to stay home with him. Work can be my sanctuary from treatments, surgery and special needs kids. I was just taking to one of our older state building authority guys this morning. He told me he was retiring after 13 years on 12/31. He said he worked 20 years for the railroad before that. I got to thinking that I've been a special needs mom for almost 20 years now but I've got a ways to go before I can retire from working.

    I just need to conquer my continuing nerve pain and then I can get back to the business of really getting back into shape.

    Scottie

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    I know it's still early but o m g it's so nice to have those tes out. Now I'm worried the implants are too small. Just going to revel in how much more comfy they are for now :)

  • Msmath
    Msmath Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    OK so yesterday I made the decision to go back to work on Monday. I have made arrangements with the school and the lady who has been subbing for me. Today when I was getting ready to go to lunch with a friend I noticed that my right breast looked a lot bigger than my left. I took off my sports bra and my right breast is very swollen, red and somewhat sensitive. I'm not running a fever or anything. Could I still have an infection? The other thing I have been dealing with is the spot where my drains came out is oozing still on my left side. Now my DH doesn't want me to go back to work. I just want to put this all behind me........

  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 118
    edited October 2015

    Msmath...I suggest you let PS know right away! The sooner you get on antibiotics the better. Last week at my two-week check up I was red (slightly...almost not noticeable) on both sides above incision line. PS decided to go ahead and start on the antibiotic just to be safe.

  • trailrose
    trailrose Member Posts: 89
    edited October 2015

    MsMath- Definitely contact your PS about your swelling and redness!

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited October 2015


    I think Andrea had a red Breast after a few weeks and it was an infection that was taken care of with antibiotics.

    I have a weird question.....anyone ever had a hollow spot? The top of my right Breast has a spot I can poke.....nothing in there. Like with expsnders and there is a spot. Left breast is perfect. Is this why women get fat put in?

  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 289
    edited October 2015

    Msmath...don't go back to work. Get a ps appt pronto. Go to the ER if you have to. Implant infection is very serious. It's possible to lose your implant if the infection goes too far.

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

    Msmath, I concur with all. Go to PS, Urgent Care or ER today. Sending you hugs and prayers.

    I'm beginning to understand why my PS does so many rechecks. I postponed my last one for two weeks due to work schedule.

    Scottie

  • Msmath
    Msmath Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    I'm going to my PS today. She was able to squeeze me in. Woke up this morning with some numbness and a little back pain on my right side breast is huge. I'll update later.

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    Msmath, good luck! Hoping antibiotics work magic! I completely get you wanting to put it all behind you!!! Positive vibes sent your way....

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    For those who are post surgery and who are wearing a bra. Any advice on best bras? I'm now wearing the bra the hospital gave me post mastectomy as it hooks in the front and has an expander for swelling but I wonder if it is snug enough. I havea bunch of sports bras but they are all over the head things.

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

    mysunshine - yes this is why people have fat grafting. Gravity causes a round implant to settle lower. If you had a thorough breast surgeon tissue should have been taken almost up to the clavicle, so there is no way a round implant will reach and fill that space on most people. Grafting some fat above the implant softens the step-off and fills the dent above the implant

  • kgirard411
    kgirard411 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2015

    That image makes me feel so much better. I look and cry about my implants all the time - looks flat from top. I already know they are too small (was very upset already as went from double F to not able to fill a B cup, so trying to decide what to do there - lose 20 lbs they may look better). I am almost 5 weeks out, and haven't seen the "fluff". I asked my PS on Monday if they would fill out a bit in shape, and she basically said what you see is what you get. Having seen this, I guess I will wait a bit to make a decision.

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    All you Exchange Alumni out there, how long did it take until you were not constantly conscious of your new implants? Days, weeks, months....years?!?!?! I am only two weeks post ex but I am always aware of them. They still hurt, are rather uncomfortable, can't sleep. WAYYYYY better than TEs but still definitely feel like a "visitor" on my body. Recovery wise I feel pretty good. As long as I don't sneeze!


  • bbwithbc45
    bbwithbc45 Member Posts: 367
    edited October 2015

    Lkscolo, I could have written your post! My exchange was 8 days ago and I have the same questions. Funny you mention sneezing - I had a cold for a few days after the exchange and I was sneezing up a storm, clutching my chest each time.

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

    I am aware 24/7 and I originally exchanged in early 2012. I think some of this is dependent on how big the implants are and your particular body habitus - I am fairly thin, with thin skin, abnormally thin pectoral muscles and fairly large implants. Others have become used to the difference between implants and their natural breast(s) over time

  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    Hi everyone, I thought I could get through this and sail in to my exchange tomorrow, but it apppears rationale has left and freaking out mode is in its place...

    I had nothing like this when I had my bmx, I felt it just had to be done, so I calmly did it. Now I have healed really well, had no problems and I don't even mind the TE's but today I am just plain scared. Silly, right? I know this is a much smaller, easier surgery (my PS told me 45mins.) But I just can't seem to 'pull up my knickers' and get on with it.....I think because I am not sure what to expect...all my PS and his nurse have said is 'you'll breeze through this.' And to have my hubby take me breakfast after! 7 am surgery. They told me (if) I worked I would go back Monday? I apologize for rambling but I needed somewhere to put it down, plus any tips for getting through and healing well would be greatly appreciated.


  • Elizabethaw
    Elizabethaw Member Posts: 165
    edited October 2015

    Hey, Mummy! Don't worry--I know, that's not possible!! I remember being super calm the morning of my BMX. I was just relieved to have the hideous waiting time over. Then I was much more nervous about subsequent surgeries.

    It is a much, much easier surgery. For the BMX I took serious narcotics and was totally out of it for a period of time. I needed lots and lots of help. For the exchange, I probably took ibuprofen and Tylenol (perhaps a narcotic or two the first day to make sure major pain didn't hit me). I was sleepy and tired from the anesthesia, and the antibiotics gave me a stomach ache. The pain was very minimal! I took a week off work, and that was all I needed. Again, it was the tiredness that I felt. I'd take my daughter to school and go back to bed! I don't think I'd want to go back to work after only a weekend off.

    The major problem with recovering, I think, is being careful not to overdo it! In all likelihood you'll feel just fine pretty soon afterwards, and it will be easy to start lifting things or doing too much.

    Then the emotional side could be trickier. So many women come through this and have an emotional response after exchange. So you might feel all sorts of stuff. Give yourself time and let yourself heal.

    I know it's impossible not to worry, but the surgery will come and go, and you'll be fine!!!

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    Thanks ladies!

    Englishmummy, Elizabethaw is spot on! My surgery was an hour. From Noon to 1 pm. I was home by 5:00 and they only kept me that long because my O2 kept dropping from all the drugs I think. Once I got home I took one norco that night and tylenol the rest of the time. The fog and wooziness, nausea from anesthesia was the worst part. I don't know if you will feel up to going out to breakfast that day but maybe so! It took a few days to get the anesthesia out and lots of water and walks helps speed that along. I wouldn't fret if i had to do that surgery again. Really, it was not bad at all! Best wishes! I would not want to go back to work Monday but you might be surprised!

  • summerangel
    summerangel Member Posts: 182
    edited October 2015

    Englishmummy, are you having fat grafting with the exchange? I ask because if I hadn't I think I would have been fine to go back to work the next Monday (I had my exchange on a Friday morning, too). The only reason I was glad to take the entire week (which I really didn't need...) was that the donor site, my inner thighs, were super sore and it wouldn't have been fun sitting up all day on them! My chest was actually fine almost right away. Try not to worry!

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited October 2015


    I agree with the last few posts. I could not have gone to breakfast though! I also agree about the sneezing and coughing. I am 2 weeks out tomorrow.

    Special K, oh, boy.....I did not want this. Can I just live with the hollow spos? It does not look too bad, only when you poke it......hollow! IF I would do a fat transfer, what is the best place to get it from? I do not have a lot of fat.

  • Elizabethaw
    Elizabethaw Member Posts: 165
    edited October 2015

    Mysunshine48, if you want to know way more than you ever wanted about fat grafting, (I just had mine done and have been obsessed for way too long!) take a look at this thread: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

    You absolutely can just live with it! If it doesn't bother you, then leave it alone!

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    Mummy, I had surgery yesterday, exchange and fat grafting. I freaked out before too! Another surgery, I hadn't done my homework etc etc etc. I really feel good, a little sore, mainly from lipo and fat graft. Slept well last night. But I wouldn't have gone out to breakfast with hubby immediately after! Sometimes medical professionals lose perspective!

    Anyway good luck tomorrow, will be thinking of you!

  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015


    Thanks so much for the quick responses and kind words, Ladies - I am blaming tamoxifen for my over reaction as it is quite out of character - I get nervous but not out of control and not to the point where I can't hide it - but my new 'trait' has been prevalent the last few weeks. Ha, may as well blame it for everything... I shall be honest and say that writing it all out and reading the contributions is very cathartic.

    What did you all have for anesthesia? I am having propofol. Also, has anyone tried the silicone gel for scars - BioCorneum? I know you can't use anything for a few weeks but does/has anyone used it or anything like it? Oh, and for my BMX I had to wash with hibiscrub but this time, no - anyone know why? There's still a risk of infection, right?

    SummerAngel, I am not having fat grafting done tomorrow - the PS is confident I won't need it? So he wanted to wait and see. It may be on the table at a later date, I am so thin and boney in that area right now I can't see how it wouldn't be. I know you said before that was the worst part.

    LKS,  I doubt I'll feel like breakfast too....it is ALWAYS my least favourite meal of the day, one I try to avoid, plus Colorado Springs has lousy breakfast places IMHO :) Great tip on the water and walks, I forgot about that - could you do a small walk the next day? Having that 'junk' in my body for longer than necessary is one of my issues. I also have the Exchem drops to help clean it out. Luckily, I don't actually work (outside the house) for which I am so grateful, so going back is not something I have to worry about, but we do homeschool although I plan all that a month in advance and the children know what they need to do.

    Elizabeth, I am worried about the pain so thank you for covering that: I had little to none with my BMX as I had a paravertebral block and ON-Q pain balls, all of which were splendid! I dislike any narcs so am glad to hear that tylenol cuts it. Yes, the tendency to do too much, too quick is always there - I like being busy and independent. My hubby is off tomorrow of course and provisionally, Monday/Tuesday - he tends to organize everything with military precision so there will be little for me to do .....the polar opposite of my 'creative' organization or lack thereof! I shall likely be ready for him to go back Sunday night Winking Bless him! Ok, off to do some deep breathing before I take my 3 to their Italian lesson.....Thank you once again, I am sure I shall be back at least 10 times before tomorrow....

  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015


    Thanks Rebecca. Wishing you a healthy and speedy recovery, sounds like you are well on your way. Does it feel a lot different? I mean than the TE's?

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

    mysunshine - my PS feels that the abdomen and hip donor areas have the best outcome

  • mamam
    mamam Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2015

    does anyone know what we are to use on our scars? My PS wanted to use tape (apparently this flattens them somewhat) but I'm allergic to it. Any brands of lotion or scar therapy recommended?

  • bbwithbc45
    bbwithbc45 Member Posts: 367
    edited October 2015

    MamaM, my PS told me to use Scaraway Silicone Sheets. I'm sensitive to tape, but I did pretty well on those silicone sheets. Only after about 10 weeks I started developing a little rash and so I stopped using them. I've only used them on my native breast, which had been lifted and reduced at the time of my mastectomy. Once the steri-strips are gone from my exchange side, I'll go back to using Scaraway.

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

    My PS recommends Biocorneum

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