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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Msmath
    Msmath Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    Just got home from the PS. She said so far we have dodged a bullet. She did a procedure in the office and was able to remove over 100cc of fluid from my right breast. I am on antibiotics and full restrictions. My PS even looked at my mom and said you will need to stay longer and keep helping her. I go back on Monday for a follow up and for her to decide if I will need surgery to insert a drain again. I will need to call if anything changes over the weekend. So not going back to work Monday......ugh

  • Czechmate47
    Czechmate47 Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2015

    Sorry to hear you are going through that Msmath. I ended up in a similar situation about six weeks ago although my exchange isn't until December. I had the last of 4 drains removed after nearly two months post BMX and had 120 cc drained off a couple weeks later. Then I ended up having the drain reinserted. I have to say I felt SOOO much better after that surgery. I think there were some clots and general debris that my body was trying to break down by producing fluid. The swelling/redness/pressure was gone pretty quickly and everything seems to have chilled out in expander-land, although I still have the drain. Hopefully it will come out next week...I'm setting records!

  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2015

    englishmummy- I'm in CS too. What hospital are you going to? I was at memorial north. Great care! Enjoy this gorgeous day

  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2015

    I found the exchange surgery to be very easy. I took a week off of work but didn't need the whole time--though appreciated it! I had general anesthesia but nowadays, they're so good with it, that you're up and around very quickly. I think a took pain meds for the first day or so, as I'm a wimp. Didn't even try tylenol. Main thing is not to lift or do anything that could pull at internal stitches.

    Regarding scars, I've got a ton (some not BC related) and I've read that most say the silicone sheets are most effective. I'm not certain they really helped me any more than plain old time but it's worth a shot. Some of us scar worse than others. If you use them, just be sure your incision is completely healed. A few years ago I used these on a scar that I thought was healed. Wound up developing a small abscess that required draining and antibiotics. I have heard good things about BioCorneum but I've not had personal experience with it. The plastic surgery site, realself.com, has loads of info on scarring and their search mechanism is pretty on point. You might want to read more on the various scar treatment options there and certainly also get your PS's opinion.

    I'm struck by how many PSs will do fat grafting at the same time as exchange. Mine wouldn't and felt it was best to do after the implant had settled. I suspect this is a good way to align final results of implant placement with need for/distribution of additional fat. That being said, sure would be nice to get it all done at once.

    MSMath, I just went through a similar situation post-exchange. I lost my implant and had two days of IV antibiotics in the hospital. My PS said that implants must be removed if there is infection. I had hoped to just have antibiotics but I guess he erred on the side of caution. I hope you can avoid explantation because it's frankly upsetting being flat on one side and then knowing you'll have to start with expanders all over again (in 3+ months). Good luck!!

  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2015

    MsMath, I missed your update. Happy for you!!

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited October 2015


    Englishmumm, You are going to be fine! I was apprehensive too, but all went well. I was not told to shower with an antibiotic soap like I was with BMX either, and wondered about that. However, they tave me antibiotic wipes to use when I was changing into the gown. It was much easier than BMX and my recovery has gone well. I will be thinking about you

  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    Ahhh, thanks Sunshine. Do you mind my asking if you had your surgery done in a hospital or a surgery centre? I am glad your recovery has gone so well. I am sure I shall be fine just my 'amygdala' doesn't yet agree! Sorry, we did the brain this week in school :)

    Happy MsMath got in to see the Dr. Wishing you well and quickly! 

    Thanks for the silicone tip, MarketingMama. I was told nothing on them 'til the strips were off. I have been using Almond oil or Rosehip seed oil and massage on the ones I have now and my PS kept checking the date of my surgery as he could not believe how good they looked...


     

  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015


    ooooh, major bright spot....my son is 'practicing' hoovering! Just incase Mummy can't do it next week!!!

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

    Lkscolo. . .maybe two weeks until I stopped really noticing the implants. I have nerve issues with pectoral muscles but don't feel the implants except on the bottom sometimes.

    MSMath. . .update when you can. Prayers

    Scottie

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    My PS did not tell me to use hibicleanse this time but I did it anyway, thinking why not? I already had it. Interestingly the nurse in pre-op asked if I had used it. (for whatever that means). Will definitely get the Biocomeum!

    I'm day after exchange and been on 2 fairly long walks, off the Oxycodone and just taking tylenol. I hate opiods, but will keep one by the bed in case in pain in the middle of the night

    Msmath been thinking of you, last I heard you were heading into PS for possible infection. Hope you're ok.....

  • Bobkat303
    Bobkat303 Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2015

    ENGLISHMUMMY.   you will be fine and so happy when it is over.  HANG IN THERE!

  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 289
    edited October 2015

    That's a great question. How long does it take to not be highly aware and think about these implants constantly? I know everyone is tired of me talking about them, but they are at the very forefront of my life. I've had these things for 7 months. Love them in a bra and clothes, but very very sad looking naked:(

  • Bobkat303
    Bobkat303 Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2015

    How long till your swelling went down after exchange?   I had exchange Tues so only 2 days     


  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2015

    Ladies, you have to give them at least 3 months up to 6 months for the swelling and drop to happen. they are a foreign body, and you will have to get used to the "new normal". I am 7 months post EX. I have the Allergan 410 gummies FF 475 CC. I was always aware of something there for at least the first 5 months. Just lately I don't seem to notice them as much. They have a wonderful tear drop/natural shape with a nice upper pole and drop off. I know it is hard and we all have to get through it as best we can. Be sure you keep in touch with your PS if you have concerns. They won't do any revision until you are out a few months and swelling is gone. Keep smiling and taking care of yourself. I have a lot of support groups here. The one at my church is a wonderful group of women that support and help you because they are the only one that can relate. Just like the ladies on these boards. Take care and God bless.

    Robin

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited October 2015


    Englishmumm, Both my BMX and exchange were done at the outpatient center! Yep, 5 1/2 BMX! I was shocked when it was scheduled there. Surgery at 7 am and went home (with help of two people) at 4 pm. It actually worked out well, once I got home. I had my sister, who was wonderful, to help for 3 weeks! Anyway, my exchange was at the same place. 1 1/2 hour surgery and and 1 1/2 hour recovery, and home. I was a lot more "with it" after exchange. Slept for the afternoon and could walk around then house....slowly. Pretty quick recovery. Just rest as much as you can and don't lift. You will be fine!

  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 289
    edited October 2015

    Robin, I love your positive spirit! I feel guilty for wallowing in self pity. I am alive and that's amazing to me;) Breast cancer has made me a more empathetic nurse. It has showed me that more people care about me than I ever realized. I recall how much breast pain I was in before my bmx and remember that these implants aren't too horrible. I wish I could just forget that they are there, but I can't. They feel so annoying, and I try not to project that in my everyday life, but it just comes out. How does anyone get used to these implants? Maybe it's the daily physicality of my job, but it's been over 6 months already, and they feel so darn uncomfortable. I know they look a lot better than no reconstruction. I liked my pre cancer self, and miss it very much. Thanks and I really am grateful for all the blessings God has put in my life. Love u Robin!

    Msmath and everyone struggling with infections, please take care of yourselves. So glad you went to see your ps today to have that drained. Is it a seroma?

  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2015

    Kingster, I understand and send you my best. None of this is easy, and every day I miss my old breasts as well. Doesn't help that I lost an implant. Scared

    One of the real challenges in my view is that once the surgeries are all done, we might be disappointed that we don't look as we might have hoped or expected. It's also tough to adjust to losing sensation. I don't think you're wallowing in self pity. I think you're doing your very best to adjust to a life changing situation. Be patient with yourself.

  • bbwithbc45
    bbwithbc45 Member Posts: 367
    edited October 2015

    Today is 9 days after my exchange. I saw my PS's NP this morning and she thinks I'm more swollen than I should be by now and that I may have a hematoma. I'm supposed to go back on Monday morning to see the PS who will then make a decision if we can wait and see if I absorb the hematoma, or if I need another surgery. Bummer. Sad

  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    So, I hang my head in shame for being such a baby yesterday!! I compulsively cooked and folded/ironed yesterday. Woke up about a dozen times last night, finally got up at 4am. Today I know it was such a waste of energy to stress so. My surgery was at 7am, done by 8, walked out of there at 8.30....The nurse told me she didn't want to let me go but had no reason to keep me as everything was great - she even told my hubby no housework for 6-8 months ...ha,ha! So far I have taken 2 Tylenol and been on a short walk. As you all predicted and reassured, it was an easy surgery. I want to thank everyone for their support -in a frantic moment/hour/day, these boards are such a comfort. The support is uplifting and I definitely appreciate it.

    Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 78
    edited October 2015

    Englishmummy, that is awesome news! Welcome to the squishy side.

    BB, I hope your swelling goes down. Take it very easy.

    Have a lovely weekend ladies and keep on keepin on.


  • Lkscolo
    Lkscolo Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2015

    english mummy - wow that is great news! Thanks for the update. Hope you are happy with results. Hope you took a nap! These boards are such a blessing. What did ladies do years ago?!?

  • Nocalmom
    Nocalmom Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2015

    Rebecca54: I have bought so many bras throughout this process. Get a soft bra with thin straps, remove the cups and step into it. The most comfortable for me is made by Yummie. It's thin and stretchy but supportive enough (for me) with thin, adjustable straps--very easy to step into. Every other soft bra I bought was too snug. Hanes and Warners make decent ones too, and there are lots of them at Target. I got mine at Nordstrom. I'm sure you can order online too. Good luck!

  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 289
    edited October 2015

    Thanks Marketingmama;) Is your infection clearing after implant removal? So sorry about hearing that, but glad you are ok. Infections are scary stuff.

    Englishmummy, you got out in world record time! Congrats. Now just take it easy for a while, since you did all your housework already, lol.

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited October 2015


    Englishmum, Yea! Glad all went well, but take it easy and let your hubby take care of you!

    BB....Hope the swelling goes away and the hematoma is absorbed! I will pray for that! Let's hope!

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    Thanks Nocal, I'm heading to the Nordstrom site right now.

    Msmath so glad you went to Dr, hoping weekend is smooth and healing.

    Englishmummy, welcome to the squishy side! Ahhhh!

    And yes I agree with you all, this discussion board is incredible! xoxoxo

  • kgirard411
    kgirard411 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2015

    I am allergic to adhesives too. My PS asked me to get Mepitak Tape and I have been using it without any problem. While it is an expensive scar tape, I even used it to tape the gauze when I was seeping a lot over my lipo spots.

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    Question for the group. I used the post mastectomy bra they gave me post exchange. This morning when I took it off to shower it left a huge dent in my right breast. Do we think that's just swelling? EKE. Heading over to Nordstorm to get some new bras.

  • kgirard411
    kgirard411 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2015

    I had a couple of large dents which they filled with fat grafting. Looks much better.

  • kgirard411
    kgirard411 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2015

    I am really unhappy with the size and shape of my new breasts. I am 5'6" and 187 lbs (I gained about 20 lbs while on chemo). I am about 34.5" under my chest, 36 waist, 44 hips. Trying to lose that weight I gained, but have always been curvy hourglass and was happy at 165 lbs - the PS used Mentor smooth round moderate plus profile gel 450 cc. (I was Double F before BC) now can't fill a B - stuffing the ends of the bra so they don't dent - is this normal? (they are flat like pancake - no protrusion). She only showed me round ones - I knew nothing about teardrop or gummies. I trusted her. I have spoken with her a couple of times about how I feel. She initially said "I've given reductions to lots of women and they are happy with them"... well I never asked for a reduction - I felt my larger breasts at least kept me balanced - more hourglass.

    Question: If I lose weight, will I be happier with the size of these, or should I be trying to get a second opinion on sizing. She said that was the largest she could put in, but everyone else's I have seen are much larger, and have a much nicer shape.

    Does anyone know what sizing would be normally requested for my size?

    I look in the mirror every day and tell myself I will get used to it, that they look "fine", try to push them up to get more cleavage, but I still don't like them. Does anyone else feel this way? So sad and frustrated. I should be happy - I am alive and NED.

  • rebecca54
    rebecca54 Member Posts: 67
    edited October 2015

    kgirard, check out the discussion board "breast implant sizing 101". Lots of info on sizing on a great woman who knows her implants!

    I believe the Mentor smooths are gummy bears. Gummy bear just another name for silicone I think??? So sorry you're frustrated!

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