Exchange City
Comments
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PNWCHgirl - good to know others have received the same instruction for what sounds a somewhat similar situation. I do plan to take part of tomorrow to track down a well-fitting bra. I actually tried on one of my teen daughter's bras. She was bigger than me prior to this but we both have smaller rib cages so I thought maybe..... Well, the band was probably good but not the rest. Shoot, I'll still have to try multiple ones... Glad to hear you are doing well at 2 weeks out! Thanks for sharing.
SFKitty, I think my implants look good and fairly natural (way better than my TEs). My PS and I discussed the options several times and she would have done either but given my build, and choosing to go above the muscle, she was quite confident the anatomical was my best hope at looking natural. She believes the edges of the anatomical are thinner than the rounds and so she would have a little less work to blend/hide them underneath my skin. I'm pretty slight - 28" around, and my ribs were visible under my skin. She padded around the edges so well that currently my ribs really aren't even visible. It's so nice and why I'll be sweet-talking this fat to please stay put. I'll feel confident wearing a bikini top when it's beach time again
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JesseJakes it is all part of the process. But I am sure the whole thought of bra shopping while recovering sounds exhausting. I know it did to me , but this time I was lucky enough to have some in my closet that would work since I had known my new size. I just reconstructed my right side last summer I had a lift and a reduction done on this side in November they found DCIS so we headed back into surgery for 2nd MX the PS said I am pretty confident I can get a good match to the one we just finished. So I have one side tram -flap other side implant
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Jessie, I have the Allergan 410 annatomicals. 475cc in each. Yes, the edges are less noticeable, mine are virtually non-existing. Mine are under muscle though. I am 16 months post EX. No fat grafting. I am very happy with my results. It took at least a year before they felt a part of me. If you want I can PM you a picture.
Robin
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sanfrankitty - AB blood types also receive type A, B and type O, so even though AB is such a rare type, it is often the units that sit on the shelf and ends up expiring because there are no ABs that need blood. Aside from plasma, no other blood type can receive AB units, so often they go unused.
I am also currently in an underwire to help form a better IMF on my left side, and my PS is not one who puts all of her patients in an underwire. This is a specific circumstance.
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Ahh, so not unheard of it sounds for the underwire. I am off to shop this morning.
Hoping to get something kinda cute at least.....
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My Dad is O-, the universal donor. Mom worked at the local hospital in the lab, and often my Dad was called in to donate if they were running low. He donated 28 or 29 pints, which over 3 gallons of blood, until his medications prevented him from donating.
I agree that the people who receive transfusions, are often in fragile health, so we want to make sure that the donated blood doesn't compromise them. I had a neighbor, probably early 60's at that time, who had MBC and would receive transfusions. She usually felt better after a transfusion, but occasionally would joke that she received "tired blood" after a transfusion.
I had an MRI before my PBMX. There was a suspicious area. Ultrasound was inconclusive. I was scheduled to donate at a local blood drive, so I asked my BS's office if I could donate. No. Not until we received the pathology from the biopsy would I be cleared to donate.
Now that I'm recovered from my PBMX and EX surgery, I'm cleared to donate again. I'm going to schedule a donation soon.
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Interesting. Well I guess if I need blood there will be plenty since no one is using it!
I've been wanting to go bra shopping myself. I think it is best to try things on rather than order online. I'm sort of waiting a till I've reached a month post op to go to Nordstrom and poke around. I ordered a bra on amazon that I thought would fit me based on measurments. It was a 32C, but was a tiny bit tight in cup. I'm not sure how I got to such a large size with just 360 and 370cc. Maybe swelling, or added fat? I think you need to try multiple brands to find your perfect fit.
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JesseJake good luck and enjoy hopeyou find something cute and fun. Went bra shopping with my SIL one day and told her when you can find something cute and fun at this stage of the game it makes your whole attitude change, makes you feel good.
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I went to nordstroms, known for their bra fittings and large selection of sizes and goid customer service. Stupid me; I tried to explain what I needed and was dumbly open about what was going on. She went off to bring out a selection of options in the not so common size I thought I'd need. Next thing I know she's walking out with a mastectomy bra and some compression tops. She said her manager told her I couldn't try anything on because I must still have "open wounds". WTF? Do I look that dumb? I planned to wear a thin soft bra from home over my dry bandaged incisions while I tried on Bras. I felt like a pariah and like an idiot for sharing with the expectation I'd get some professional help.
I ended up wandering the mall looking for any store that carries 30s. That would be basically no one else - not VS; not the specialized intimates store. Ended up trying on various 32s at Macy's. I just don't want to jeopardize my healing by picking the wrong fitting bra.
I ended up with 32d in a Calvin Klein which tells me they must run small at least in cup size! But the underwire doesn't seem to be sitting on my implants at all so I think this is right for now. Smaller cup sizes would cause the side of the underwire to sit on the side of my implants.
I went to target and got a girls size bralette to wear underneath as protection on the incision (lol - little girl bras!).
Totally agree SFKitty, they all fit so differently! Unless you already know it fits, online ordering seems like a lesson in frustration! Although, I may make Zappos earn their dues by ordering a slew of 30s and returning what doesn't work.
I feel I have a good amount near my underarm - swelling or implant or both?
Not a very fun shopping day....,maybe I'm simply being too sensitive.
Ugh.....
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In my opinion, the Nordstrom's folks were being insensitive! They seem to be in need of a little education. Their assumptions of you made them look like jerks! Did they also think that you had no inability to answer questions about your own incisions? Ugh! So sorry you went through that.
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Thank you Carla!
But, I have a concern now that I'm home with my new bra. I ran my hands over my implants and I've got a ridge/ripple/wrinkle that runs about 1/2 way across my right implant from near the outside to just past the half way point. It feels to me somewhat like what a fold or ripple in my TE felt like - a little firm and bumpy, but in a line. It isn't visible to the naked eye but very noticeable to touch. It's above the IMF about an inch or two and below my nipple. Is this normal? What on earth could it be?
I have to admit I don't think I've touched this area since surgery and my neither did my PS yesterday at my appointment. I have no idea if it's been like this the entire time or is new.
I have a call in, but maybe someone here has a thought?
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Wow. They are supposed to be known for their knowledge of bra fitting. They need to be educated, or at least be ready to ask people questions before making assumptions.
Smart about purchasing liners to go between you and the underwires.
,ETA: About the bumpy area it could be fat or maybe uneven swelling? Scar tissue? A ripple?
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Since your implant is on top of the muscle maybe you are feeling the alloderm?
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I really don't know. Whatever it is is new to me and not at all on the left side.
I'm hoping I'll get a call back today but it's getting a little late.
I've been feeling myself up quite a bit in the last hour.....
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It sounds like it may be an area where the Alloderm or Strattice meets the muscle. I have a couple of spots like that which were quite prominent a few weeks ago but now are less so. My PS explained what they were. It could also be a ripple that is temporary, as the tissue stretches and drops into place. In any case, don't panic and send an email to your PS if you don't want to wait until your next appt.
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JessieJake,I remembering reading one post where a woman exclaimed that she couldn't keep her hands off of herself! LOL. I think that's all of us after exchange, and beyond.
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I am 16 months post EX and still touch them and look at them!! It's normal! LOL
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Me too! Just over three weeks post op, and still checking mine out all the time.
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Jessiejake, my ps had me in an underwire when I had tissue expanders to help from the shape...but could only tolerate it part of the time. The body by Victoria full coverage worked well because of the softness. Now I just take out about 90% of my underwires and it works just as great.
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I had terrible luck at Nordstrom. I went with my friend, and they must have brought out the ugliest mastectomy bras they could find. No thanks:/
That line sounds like maybe sutures or scar?
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Thanks you guys. I didn't realize how many of us actually have to do the underwire. The one I bought isn't perfect, but hopefully doing the job for now.
Yes, I'm guessing it's just a scar line or something. Everything looks ok so not too worried in the moment. I'll be curious to see what they say when I talk to the nurse.
Kingster, do you mean you actually take the wire out of the bra?
I've got some cotton stuck under the middle front closure as it's uncomfortable.
Thanks for tips
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Hi ladies, I've just been lurking on this thread for a while. My exchange isn't until early Dec, but I'm learning in the meantime. Just to clarify, when you are talking about wearing a bra, are you talking for a specific time period after exchange, or indefinitely? I know I'll need to wear one for 3 weeks after exchange, but I'm under the impression that after that time period, a bra is optional.
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JesseJake doesn't sound like a fun shopping trip at all . Definitely not great customer service at all and have never experienced such a thing at our Nordstroms. Knowing how they pride themselves on customer service I would send an email to the store manager and let them know how you felt. They pride themselves on helping breast cancer patients ithink they would want to know.
The Natori Pure luxe underwire is very comfortable and soft if you can figure out your size might be worth a try. I also not sure if they have that small band size . Also heard the "third love " bra is supposed to be great and comfortable and they are online and give you time to try before you pay ( like a free trial) .
Best of luck and hope you find some solutions
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Hang in there SanFranKitty - symmetry or near symmetry is possible with the skills of a good surgeon and sufficient patience. I'm hoping you achieve yours soon!
I agree with you kingster. I used to travel for my company, have been inoculated for all the forms of Hep, so I test positive for the antigens...This has not limited my ability to donate. I will be asking my Dr about the tatoos and donating though. When done by a medical professional, we should expect and receive sterile conditions. I suspect we are clear to donate afterwards, but will verify before donating in the future.
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Hi Wildtulip the answer to your bra question varies depending on your circumstances, procedures, how your body heals, your PS and of course what works and is comfortable for you ultimately.
As for me I ended up with some extra work being done and will be wearing one 24/7 for awhile. Plus I don't have two implants I have one made from flap and one implant so I'll always wear a bra just like pre- MX . I am well balanced but with having natural tissue on one side I want to keep it that way.
I am sure there are others here who can give you other situations as well and share their experience
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wildtulip, my PS said wear a supportive bra for 6 weeks post exchange, then I'm free to go "free" for the rest of my life if I wish! (I've had BMX, with a plan for complete recon with anatomical silicon implants).
So I guess the recommendation depends on your surgeon and the techniques he/she uses.
BTW, I love my implants! They are comfortable, sit up perky, and look and feel darned natural. I'm looking forward to being bra-free for the remainder of my life! Hate those restrictive bands around my chest!
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Thanks LRGO
. I don't like the tight bands either.WildTulip, I think each situation is different. When I went in for my two week appointment, the PA told me that the PS had said "she's going to need to wear a supportive bra like forever". I was like what do you mean "forever"! Then she said well at least for a few months. I have been wearing sports bras 24/7.
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PS, wildtulip and Sanfran, my PS has two PA's working for him. They each gave me opposite answers about bras... one said forever, 24/7. The other said 2 months, 24/7 except when taking a shower. So I Asked My surgeon, He Said 6 weeks 24/7. Then FREEDOM! I like his answer the best. But the variance in my team's individual recommendations is food for thought.
Do they really know if it makes a difference?
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Okay that is weird LRGO. Maybe they are giving you a standard answer that they give everyone? If so that's not very good individual care. But I think I'd go with what the surgeon said. He did the surgery after all.
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agreed Sanfran.
I've chosen his answer, he is the lead Dr In this team and a local top-notch board certified surgeon. Both PA'S have opinions but are not as trained or accredited to the same level as the PS. So I'm going with his answer. I intentionally asked each Dr this question independently to see how much their answers would vary. More than I expected!
In the end, I will listen to my surgeon, over his assistants!
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