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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited June 2009

    Hood (Joyce)  so sorry you had the problem with the anesthesia.....hope you are feeling better today and will have a great weekend....hope you are pleased with your boobie.....

    take care

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited June 2009

    Hood--sorry about the anesthesia.  I hope you feel much better today and love the new girl!

    Yvonne--That is so great to not be thinking so much about the girls.  Yesterday I was backing my car up and realized that I had range of motion and nothing hurt.  When I tried to back up with TEs, I was about as unsafe as can be, because I couldn't turn without feeling like my chest was going to explode.  I've also noticed days passing where I don't think about bc...perhaps the new normal is creeping up on us.

    Oh, Sandy, very cool bike!

    Karen

  • cil326
    cil326 Member Posts: 27
    edited June 2009

    Does anyone know if they put you under for nipple surgery?  Thanks!

    Cil

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2009

    Jax - so glad you are feeling better.  You will get the recon done in time.  It is better to be healthy.  I left a PM for you about Vegas.

    Hood- so sorry about the anesthesia.  It is always the unexpected events that seem to bring us down.  You will be feeling better soon.

    I finally felt strong enough to start Yoga again (10 weeks after revision surgery.  It felt so nice! 

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited June 2009

    Cil,   I just got a call from a lady I met at my PS office last year after my MX and she was having the same recon that I had done so we have kept in touch....She just had her nipples/areolas done and she was in a panic because the nipples are so big....I started laughing because I know from reading on this site that they are big at first but will shrink....I assured her that they will get smaller and she was so relieved.....I asked her lots of questions because we do have the same PS.....The skin for the areolas was taken from the top of her LD scar on her back so she was put to sleep.  She said that it took about 2 hours.....she is so pleased (except for the size they are now)......She had it done on a Weds and went back to work on Monday but said she could have worked on Friday but chose not to......I am looking forward to having mine done the first part of August....I do not have a date set yet.....    So to answer your question, I have heard of doctors just doing a local for doing just the nipple but I would think if they are cutting skin from somewhere else for the areola then you would need to have a general......

    I am getting excited  to get all this finished.......

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited June 2009

    Cil I was put under for my nipple surgery

    Hood I sure hope you have great results

    about 30 minutes of work left and than I have to get ready for my long ride

    106 miles on Sat and about 98 on Sun.  They say mid 70's so should be a great weekend for a ride

    Have a good one everyone : - )

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited June 2009

    Sandy--have fun and be safe!

    Karen

  • cookymkr
    cookymkr Member Posts: 28
    edited June 2009

    Hi everyone, I'm home from my exchange surgery and it went fairly well. My pain waking up in recovery was 8 out of 10 this time. After the mx, it was a 12! For real!  Since my surgery was 2.5 hrs long and it didn't start until 2:30 pm, and then I was in recovery for another hour, I chose to spend the nite and make sure my pain was under control before being dismissed. They put me on a morphine pump to help take the edge off and it ran out at midnite. Then they put me on oral pain meds, and they seem to be working well. I didn't get much sleep tho, and am really tired today. My O2 sats kept dropping when I'd start to fall asleep thus setting off the alarm. PS used the Allergan Natrelle silicone implants, size 800 ml / cc's. Said it was the largest that he had. I know that they sat me up during surgery to see how they looked. Right now, I'm not very impressed, but know that it'll take a few weeks for things to drop / fluff or settle into place. PS did quite a bit of lipo on my sides. I'm a bigger gal [wear an 18/20 clothing] so I wanted bigger boobs. You wouldn't put Volkswagon hubcaps on a Mack truck would you? I do have quite a bit of bruising on the sides in the back from the lipo. The implants are already more comfortable than the TE's were. I always felt such pressure where the TE's were. I am to wear the surgical sports bra 24/7 for the next 10 days and keep the bra filled with gauze where most of the swellling is. No lifting over 10 lbs. for the next two weeks. No vaccuuming or stretching/reaching either.Said your body will tell you what you can and can't do. My Left TE ruptured before the exchange surgery thus having to move my exchange date ahead 2 weeks. I'm hoping that I don't have any problem with the implants like I did w/my TE's.

    My question now is how long will it take for my new Foobs to drop / fluff. I'm anxious to see the results, but they said it could take several weeks. :(

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited June 2009

    Cookymkr....congrats and glad you're home safe and pain controlled. My implants took 3 months to settle. At 2 months I was not as thrilled as I was initially. Now....they look very natural albeit big!!! 

    Listen to your body and please take it easy....the lipo is painful but walking helps I think.

    Good luck and take care. 

  • Red91RU
    Red91RU Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2009

    Ladies, I could use some of your expertise and advice.  After 10 fills I finally finished..or at least I think I am.  I'm very confused.  I was under the impression that my second to last fill would be about the size I would end up in the exchange.  I was very surprised at my last visit when my doctor said I would be smaller than my second to last fill. Not only that, but they wouldn't be the same either.  Right now, one appears much smaller than the other because it is much, much higher than the other one.  I'm concerned the skin/muscle on this smaller size hasn't stretched enough.

    I want to be a overflowing B low C cup and right now after my "final" fill I'm barely a C.  So I don't see how, if I'll be smaller than what I was 1 fill ago, I'll reach this size post exchange. My PS assures me I'll be a big B low C, but I just don't see how that is possible.  I'm at 530ccs fully expanded.  I don't know any of the details of the TE dimensions, nor what she has ordered for me, except that she plans on using Mentor High Profile Smooth.  I'm 5'6, 137lbs with a 32" rib cage.

    Am I over worrying about this?  I'm tempted to have at least one more fill or so.

    I'd love to see the pictures to get an idea of what to expect post exchange, but can't find how to access.  I'm afraid after this last appointment that my expectations are high and I'm going to be disappointed.  Would someone kindly post who the contact is?

     Thanks!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited June 2009
    Write a note to Timtam asking for access.  She is in charge of who accesses the board.  JUDY
  • Red91RU
    Red91RU Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2009

    Thanks Judy!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited June 2009

    ((Cookymkr)), Thanks for sharing your experience, it is very helpful.  I hope everything fluffs and ends up fitting you.  I agree with you that you need breasts that fit your body, one size does not fit all. I found out Thursday that they changed my surgery time from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm.  Thanks for telling us that they kept you overnight, I want to go home the same day, but was warned that I might be kept overnight too.

    ((Sam1991))  Thanks for the reminder not to judge the immediate post surgery look with what it will look like 12 weeks down the road.  I am concerned that I will have the TE, turtle look in my chest after the exchange, but on both sides, not just the one that I have now.  

    ((Red91RU))  Wow,  I have the same concerns that you have,  I don't want to have anything smaller than my TE's and my PS wouldn't commit to size, but did say he would have a natural looking slope with a natural fullness and that he would make my remaining breast match as closely as possible.  I hope he is right!  Karen, get information, ask the big questions.  I am so grateful that I live in this time, my grandmother didn't have the option of reconstruction, I consider myself very fortunate.  Jan

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2009

    Hi Karen~~My diagnosis was the same as yours, but I don't remember if you had uni- or bilateral mast.  Anyway, I think we tend to overanalyze what our cup size will be, and so much of it is a wait-and-see situation, different for everyone.  I got my left-side implant in February, then fat grafting in May, as my sides didn't match at all--the implant being smaller. 

    I'm finally happy with my results and I noticed a few days ago that I no longer have an empty spot at the point of my bra cup!  My implant side is now slightly larger, but my PS said last week that it would reduce a little.  I have my cleavage back, which was my #1 concern.  I'm now a small C, as I was before all this.

    Just wanted to assure you that your own body will decide the final result, and that adjustments can be made to correct imperfections.  I still have some tenderness with pressure (don't hug me too hard!) but to the outside world, all is normal.  To us, it's another story,. but that's another story.

    Best wishes to you with the whole unfortunate process, and may we all be grateful that we now have more choices than our mothers and grandmothers had.

    Love to all, Suzie

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2009

    Wow, just read Jan's post and noticed we said essentially the same thing!  Hey, we must be right!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited June 2009

    Deborah, I am a long way from my exchange, but I worry that you won't be there when I'm ready.   So..

    My chest is 33 1/2 Band underneath the implants) and I want to be a 'C' cup size.  I am short, from the notch to where the nipple should be...JUDY

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited June 2009

    Red:  It would be very helpful to know the mfr, style number and size of your expanders.  Expanders are medical devices and as such, physicians are required to keep this data in their files.  Actually, you should have been given a little card at the time of surgery with this data.  But 530 cc's fill sounds pretty good if you want to be a "C" cup.  I frankly think that a Mentor or Allergan high profile implant of 550 ccs should get you where you want to be.  I do not know what your PS' theory is on implant sizing.  Some [fewer and fewer these days] overexpand and use a smaller size implant in order to get modest droop.  So if he plans on using a smaller implant, you might want some additional fills.  Also, please let us know the circumference of your ribcage - measuring around the ribs under the bra line.  Your expander info is key.  Call your doctor's office to get it Monday and then we can accurately size out some implants for you.  Insist on getting symmetry.  That issue with your smaller expander - ask to have it filled to match the other.  The placement [sitting too high] is not an issue.  He can adjust that with the exchange.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited June 2009

    Judy:  Where am I going?  Do you know something I don't know?  Get me the details on your expanders.  Call your PS if you do not have your tissue expander card.  I will be happy to help you.  If you have a shorter SN to N distance, you could be happy with the moderate plus size implants, but we still need to see where you are in width and projection with your expanders. 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited June 2009

    Well, I figured by the time NEXT APRIL came around, you be pretty tired fo answering the same questions over and over...

    My expanders are SFV-12  fill up to 600cc,  dim are  12  by 9.  yes that's not a typo,
     It really is 9.  The type of expander is VERSAFIL by Allergan.

      I am currently filled to 340cc on the right (the left one had to stay out of the way of radiation)  the 340cc seems to need another 150 -200 of fills to make me the size I would like...

    Thanks Deborah..I really appreciate it.  JUDY.

  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited June 2009

    Great news.....still continue to heal....finally!!!! So my PS has scheduled me for new implant on 6/25......I am so looking forward to having 2 foobs again.

    Good vibes and fast healing to all those who underwent procedures and surgeries this week.....hope your pain is little.. 

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 109
    edited June 2009

    Bukki, that's wonderful news!  My prayers are with you.

    Deen

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited June 2009

    Big week coming up: congrats to all getting ready for surgery and good luck, we're all thinking of you and wishing you the best:

    6/15 - warrior - Exchange surgery

    6/15 - Jan1 - Exchange surgery

    6/17 - Jaimieh - Exchange to 600 cc Mentor implants 

    6/17 - Karen62 - Fipply surgery

    6/17 - sam1991 - nipple surgery

    6/18 - Kimmy1 - Exchange surgery

    6/18 - Wbuggie - Exchange surgery

    6/19 - Northstar - Exchange to silicone gel implants

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2009

    Ladies,

    I have perhaps silly but honest questions for anyone who may have some ideas:

    1. Does anyone recall having more not less muscular tenderness as they ended their time with the TE's?  I've had mine for a little over 3 months and am waiting for my exchange 6/26, bit I have much more upper chest muscular discomfort now. Is this perhaps my nerves regenerating?  

    2. Has anyone gone tanning while covering their surgical sites thoroughly?  Is this safe / ok?  Georganne

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited June 2009

    Bukki....I wish I were sharing my 17th date with you but I'm glad you have one. My...you've been through so much. You have been so upbeat and I wish you ALL the best/

    xxoo Kathie 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited June 2009

    Judy:  Since there are no silicone implants which match a 9.0 cm projection, I can only surmise that your PS uses this expander's projection capabilities to give you modest droop with whatever implant he has in mind. He must have a specific implant in mind.  I doubt it is to minimize the width, because you can handle an implant width of up to 16.0 cm quite nicely.  Have you asked him what style implant he intends to use?  I am always interested to know what they have planned....it might be worth asking, as this is a unique expander.  It does have distinct features - rapid filling capabilities at the time of surgery...able to fill more at the time of surgery.

    So, even though your dimensions would make you a candidate for an ultra high profile style implant, it would be far too tall for your frame, based on your shorter sternal notch to nipple distance.  Quoting Allergan implants since your PS used Allergan TE's.] Here are some implants which would work:

    Style 20

    600 cc's - 13.8  cm diameter by 5.7 cm projection

    650 cc's - 14.2 cm diameter by 5.7 cm projection

    The Style 15's have diminished projection but they have their benefits.  A number of women like the Style 15's because the breasts look very lush and natural, completely fill out a bra and give very good cleavage. 

    Style 15 - Moderate Plus

    575 cc's - 14.8 cm diameter by 4.8 cm projection

    616 cc's - 15.2 cm diameter by 4.9 cm projection

    659 cc's - 15.4 cm diameter by 5.0 cm projection

    But please do ask your PS which style implants he has in mind....

    Deborah

    P.S.  Lord willing, I plan on being around these forums for a long, long time. 

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2009

    Hey Georgianne~~I do remember having more muscle discomfort as my exchange surgery got closer.  someone told me it was to be expected, as the muscle had been cut, but my PS said they don't actually cut through your chest muscle, but the "threads" beneath the muscle.

    Thankfully, that pain is now gone and my memory of it is pretty foggy.  But add your question (not silly at all) to your list for your PS.

    Suzie

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 109
    edited June 2009

    Georgianne, I had pain in my upper poles at the last of fills because the solution was finally filling the top of the expanders, and stretching what had not been stretched before.  Also, my PS said that I might get my feeling back, but probably only on the tops of my breasts, so maybe it is the nerves regenerating, hopefully.

      As for tanning, I did tan and I used a towel over the whole breast area, to be on the safe side.  PS said they don't like to work on radiated breasts, so I figured none is better for a successful surgery.  I have to tan for a deficiency in Vit A/D, which makes my skin have terrible bumps all over.  Plus I look better tan!Tongue out

    Good luck on your upcoming exchange!  You'll love it!

    Deen

  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 43
    edited June 2009

    kmmd, thanks for the well wishes!  I'm SUPER nervous about tomorrow but excited at the same time...I'm not eating very well because my stomach is in knots!!  Soon it will be over, I just hope when I look down at the girls that I'll be happy.

    Wink  Good luck to everyone!

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited June 2009

    Kmmd~ Thanks for the well wishes :)  I find out tomorrow if my surgery is a go.  Leave it to me to have low RBC last Monday and have to get a transfusion on Wednesday.  Then if that isn't enough 2 weeks ago after my sons softball game I found a tick on me so I removed it and thought nothing more of it.  Well this week I developed a rash where the tick had bitten me so I am now being treated for a possibly having lymes disease.  They don't think it is BUT it is better to treat then not to since my immune system isn't completely back to normal. 

    So I hope and pray I will be in the OR on Wednesday which it sounds funny hoping for that.  At least all of you understand wanting to get the TE out. 

    I hope everyone scheduled for the OR this week recovers quickly. 

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited June 2009

    Just checking in with you all.  Hi.  It's been 2.5 weeks since my bilat mast and expander placement and I think I'm turning a corner.  I think.  The pain is better and I'm getting some movement back.  Trying to do exercises after taking walks which is uncomfortable (burning sensations where nodes taken, expanders making disconcerting squeaking sounds as I lift and lower my arm, ribs very tight and tender).  My hematoma seems to be getting a TAD better.  The skin on my radiated side is still struggling to heal, but I'm hanging with it.  While I can't drive yet (too much pain turning wheel or shifting auto transmission stick) I need to be able to drive soon, to get to work, so hoping that will become better.

    Can I tell you right now if a number of you hadn't written to tell me it gets better with time, I wouldn't have made it this far.  One day in particular, just crying in pain despite meds.  Today, it's manageable.  Thank you for the perspective, strong ones!!!!!!!!

    Peace,

    Geena in Providence

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