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Exchange City

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Comments

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited June 2009

    My PS doesn't recommend compression bras either. He believes they can hide potential bleeding problems, etc.  I am confused about him only filling you to 325cc's but using implants that are more than twice that size - but the implant consultants (Deborah and Sandy) may have more information on that.

    Good luck!

    Denise

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

    Terri:  Whoa Nelly!  Denise nailed it! That sounds like a mighty big jump from 325 cc's in the expander to 700 cc's at the exchange.  A 700 cc implant would have YOU at around a "F" or "G" cup...Do you have a new career planned you have not told us about???? Eh???  I think you want to be a full "C" cup, am I correct?  I am thinking 450 to 475 is where you would want to be - perhaps even 500 cc's.  I was filled to 425 cc's and my implants are 550 cc's. 

    Each PS has a different take on compression vs. no compression after surgery. I personally think each has its merits, but I just followed my own surgeon's instructions.  So after my BLM I wore nothing.  My PS wanted me to "air them out" as much as possible [and I did whenever no one was around] but otherwise I just wore zip up hoodies or loose shirts. 

    .

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited June 2009

    Terri does your PS use mentor or Allergan TE.  I'm just curious which one he plans to use...

    I have a 29 inch rib cage... My PS used medium hight contour profile 6200 450cc volume

    which was 12.7 by 10.8 by 7.0.  I was filled to 430 and 1st implant got 450cc saline implant filled to max 2nd exchange implant I got 550cc.  I had 60cc put in at the time of surgery than 4 weeks later I started getting my fills.  It could have been sooner but it took me that long to get rid of my drains.

    Has he ever measured how wide your natural breast are to figure out which style TE he will want to use

    what he did say about the skin and muscle is true...everyone can be different...you'll just have to see how it goes.  It's fine to have a goal but just realize you may have to stop your fills if your skin gets too thin.  But don't hold back if you want more.  My PS didn't really want to give me my last 100cc in my TE but she gave in.  I really don't think she wanted me to have my healthy breast get a implant...

    I can see going about 100cc more but not double

    I liked wearing just a reg sports bra (got some that zipped in front) my TE didn't go out to the side as some gals have shared.  I'm not sure if that was what helped or if I just got lucky.

    Lets see what Deb thinks when she hops on...

    lol I just did preveiw and see she beat me lol...

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited June 2009

    Ladies,

    I hope you are healing well, learning much here, and living your life to the fullest ( we know SANDY is...:).... go SANDY!)

    I have been busy with my hubby's band ( local summer carnivals here  ..fun fun..) and work and then I got Food Poisoning. I went to doctor today, and he said I could still be sick today from food poisoning.. ( been throwing up for three days.. and THIS IS NOT LIKE ME.. I am not a puker.. actually.. I NEVER NEVER NEVER get sick)... anyway... I am still pretty week, but wanted to say him to my girls. I miss you and your stories.

    I am getting close to the day I was told.. " You have BC"... so it is really emotional around here.. ( again..... NOT ME)... but hubby and I are doing the tears together.. so I has me a boo hoo buddy...hehe.

    Really though, only you all know how I feel ... my sisters...

    I love you gals!

    Laura

    ps.. as I am not feeling well, I am going to copy this post and put in on all my threads... ( most of you are on them all anyway....hehe...)

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2009

    Has anyone heard how Warrior or Jan1 did today with their surgeries? 

    Jaimieh, Karen62, and Sam 1991, I'm praying for you as you have your surgery Wed. God Bless

    Georganne 

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2009

    wbuggie,

    Are you having surgery on the 18th or the 26th?  Take care, Georganne

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

    Terri:  Here is something else that Sandy said which reminds me that yes, my PS said she did not want me wearing anything after surgery.  However, as my fills brought me to 400 and 425 cc's, I WISH I had taken the reins and put on a sports bra.  Not only would it help keep the TE's from migrating towards the armpits, but in my case, my skin relaxed quite a bit and my expanders dropped.  I had to have some inframammary fold work because of this.  I also think that this is why I am not getting much upper pole fullness.  So follow your doctor's orders but once your incisions are healing - and you are at your last fill, ask him if you could wear a sports bra while you await the exchange surgery. 

    But as Sandy asked, did your PS tell you what mfr and style of TE he plans to use? 

    You are going to be armed with more information than most of us ever had prior to our mastectomies!  Armed and dangerous!

    P.S.  We are all looking forward to hearing from all of you Ta Ta sisters who have had surgery and have not reported in yet!!! 

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited June 2009

    Thanks Georganne :)  I got the go ahead for my blood counts today so i am supposed to have my surgery on Wednesday.  I will believe it once I wake up :) 

    Silly question what should I wear to my surgery ??  I have no idea I was thinking a zip up hoodie and just lounge pants.  Do you think I would be okay without a shirt on under my jacket ?? 

    BTW, up until today I have not been nervous and now I am really nervous and I'm not sure if it is the anesthesia, possible after pain or the fear that the expander discomfort isn't going to go away.  I am going to try and keep myself busy tomorrow but I am sure I am going to be nervous all day :(

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited June 2009

    Oh geesh Kew, sorry. 

  • warrior
    warrior Member Posts: 43
    edited June 2009

    Hi Everyone,  I am home from my exchange surgery.  Actually things didn't go too bad.  I woke up with just a bit of pain but nothing compared to the pain I had after the double mast. and the expander surgery.  I have not been able to take a peak yet but I will in a couple of days.  They seem a little smaller than I expected but we'll see what happens when I take the dressings off.  450cc HP was my final size.  Thank you all for thinking of me.  I need some rest, it is hard to keep my eyes open!!  I will update soon.

    Laughing

    Take Care!

  • Jazzygem
    Jazzygem Member Posts: 125
    edited June 2009

    {{{KEW}}}

  • Jazzygem
    Jazzygem Member Posts: 125
    edited June 2009

    {{{Warrior}}} You get to bed and REST!!  Heal quick!

    HUGS! JazzyJ

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited June 2009

    it's very normal to get nervous before the exchange surgery

    it's usually a easier surgery but for some reason several of us get nervous

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

    Karen:  Just catching up on some posts...saw yours about your puppy!!! Horrors!  You know how I feel about the furbabies!  Hope your pup is doing better.   BTW....was this co-worker a male or female, who asked that absurd question????

    Jaimieh:  What you proposed is what I wore to my exchange ceremony...ah...surgery.  You can go braless....you will likely come home in a surgical bra or compression garment.  Many, many of us had a certain apprehension about the exchange procedure, as we look at it as a sort of "unveiling" of all we have endured and waited for these many months with tissue expanders. You will be just fine.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers...

    Warrior:  The fresh implants can look pretty compressed in spandex and gauze after surgery.  Give it time and yes....rest, rest, and more rest.

    Deborah

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited June 2009

    Deborah--Easy, my puppy, seems to be doing better, a friend cared for her today and I don't have to work tomorrow, they realize they burned me out today.  I need to find out when they will take the staples out.  She is such a joy!

    The co-worker is a Female PhD. in Psychology a prof at UW.  I know it sounds stupid, but we've all had our thoughts and fears, and hopes about how we will look, and I felt like she diminished all I went through to get where I am, dents, low nipples, and upcoming revision, I still like how I look, especially when dressed.  I bit my tongue...she forgot she was dealing with a women recently put into surgical menopause...

    Jaimieh--I wear yoga pants and a hoody with slip on shoes---easy and comfortable. 

    To everyone asking about "fluffing" or changing I've noticed a huge change in the last week, I'm 6 weeks out today.  The bra I didn't fill out a few weeks ago, I now do, I look smaller to me, but I'm spilling out of the top of the bra and wonder if I need a DD?  Yep, have some ripples, and my step-down, which Deborah encourages me will go away after my lift in November.  The are softer, too.  Be patient.

    Someone was asking about support with TE's and I have to agree with Deborah, I think I have my step-down because I didn't support my TE's, even a light sports bra may have helped.

    I'm glad everyone is checking in and look forward to hearing from the rest of the gals this week

    Jazzy--back at ya!

    Laura--I hope you feel better!

    Hugs--Karen

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited June 2009

    Thank you ladies.  I am going to wear the yoga pants and a hoodie.  Deborah my surgeon said she is putting me in a compression bra afterwards and I haven't worn a bra since January :)  I actually do not currently have any that fit me.  My TE do not move a bit and look pretty decent.  Okay off to finish cleaning my house I am sure I will be at it most of the day....

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited June 2009

    Kew - Ugh - that sounds miserable about your co-worker.  My female landlord (herself quite endowed) saw me for the first time since my bilat mx and expander placement and said, "Well you've got little bumps!"  My male friend who heard and was picking me up to grocery shop was the one who pointed out what a stupid thing that was to say.....  Geesh.

    And a pickup on something someone else wrote a few days ago - some of you women could absolutely go into business consulting on this process.  There is a need.  We know the 15 minutes with the doc is not enough.

    Two questions:  Where can I find pics of reconstructed breasts to  get a sense of what I would like to be?  I know it isn't like taking a pic of a hairdo to a hairdresser, but I want my doc to start getting an idea as to what I want.  

    I'm learning a lot listening to you ladies and wish everyone continued healing and strength.  You all totally ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Geena

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited June 2009

    Geena,

    PM Timtam and ask her for access to the picture forum.  She controls access.
    All the pics are there of reconstructed breasts.  Good luck with your exchange.  JUDY

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

    Karen:  I have been doing some research re: the step-off defect.  Quoting from "Reoperative Plastic Surgery of the Breast", it seems to most often present itself "when the muscle along the laternal sternal area is released.  Releasing the muscle in this area can produce an abnormal contour, often leading to a step-off along the lateral sternum that is difficult to correct."   This is to state that it does not always lead to this defect, which is why in my case, it occurred on one side only - my cancer side.  That breast was likely more widely dissected and perhaps this has some bearing.  

    That being said, the fat grafts, while not exactly addressing the ripples, did a very good job of concealing the step-off.  I think that the lift will do this for you. 

    There have been so many kind comments and compliments regarding the information Sandy and I provide regarding breast reconstruction.  I know I am speaking for her also when I say it is a joy and pleasure to help in any way we can!

    Deborah

  • PATTY50
    PATTY50 Member Posts: 20
    edited June 2009

    Hi Deborah,

    I have been reading some of the information that you  have been providing and want to thank you.  I read a post where you mentioned the book "Reoperative Plastic Surgery of the Breast" in which you kindly provided a link.  I read parts of the book and found it very helpful. 

    I have had two failed exchanges and am hoping you can help me.  I am a size 36D. I had a mastecomy 7/07 on my left side and an expander put in and radation.  My expander was put in a bit high (an inch). My imframammory fold did not line up with my good side. I didn't realize this would be a problem (wish I knew about this site back then) having faith in my PS. 

     At my exchange in early 2008 I had a McGhan 68  450cc put in and my PS thought that a lift with an incision only around my nipple would be enought for symmetry.  My PS also lowered the imframmory fold on my implant side to match my good side.  At first I had good symmetry but within a few weeks the implant side lifted higher and my good side drooped again. I had no ptosis on my implant side and a lot of rippling.  (My PS had left the skin loose because he did't know if my radiated skin would contract which luckily it didn't).  Needless to say I was not happy with the results and started looking into the gummy bear implant which would fill out the upper pole and have less ripples. 

    I found a PS in Massachusetts who is in the trial for gummy bears.  Again I trusted this PS regarding size of new implant and to redo lift on my right side.  On May 6, 2009  he put in the Inamed 410FF 475g. In order to give me ptosis he made the inframammory fold about an inch higher than my good side (he never told me he was going to do this)  and he lifted my good breast with an incision at the crease area.  The symmetry is even worse then before and now my implant is also about a cup small then my good side. The only good thing is that the rippling is gone. But because the implant is sitting higher, I have too much fullness on the top.

    I am worried that this can't be fixed because the imframmory fold was incorrectly placed during my expansion.  My current PS (the one that put in the gummy bear) says that if he kept the fold lower I would not have ptosis, and he doesn't feel that my skin is stretched out enough for a bigger implant.  As far a the good side, he wants to put aloderm in it as a sling to keep it from drooping.  I have never heard of this being done.

     Am I doomed to have unsymmetrical breasts because of the botched expansion? Do you know of any good PS's in Massachusetts.  Any advice you can give me would be truly apprectiated.  I feel very depressed about this and don't want to seek another PS blindly.

    Thank you,

    Patty

  • LynnVA
    LynnVA Member Posts: 44
    edited June 2009


    Geena,

     The picture forum was such a blessing to me before my surgery.  I really needed to see pictures of real women who have went through this process.  Go check it out!

    Lisa

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

    PATTY:  I cannot tell you how it saddens me to hear of your travails with breast reconstruction.  I am sure all of the other women on this thread are reading this with hearts going out to you.  I am going to see what I can do to help you.  Before we go there, could we start from the beginning of reconstruction with your expander placement?  We need the mfr and style number of your expander and # of cc's and your total fill prior to the exchange.  The TE is a medical device and data must be retained by the M.D. [actually, it is supposed to be given to you ALSO]. 

    Secondly, with your expander/implant placement:  Was this a partial under - partial pectoral/chest muscle with lower 1/3 not covered by anything but the dermis....or was it a complete under, where the lower 1/3 of the implant is behind the fascia/connective tissue/upper rectus abdominus muscle? 

    I personally think with all that has gone on with your reconstruction, you ought to get a copy of your medical records from both physicians, including the operative reports from the hospital/out-patient facility,in the event the plastic surgeon's do not keep the operative reports in their files.  You can always fax them to me and I can interpret them for you. I'll PM you my fax number.

    Deborah

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited June 2009

    Denise: I know, 700cc's sounds awfully big to me!Maybe I heard wrong and he said 600cc's but then again I know I heard very well when he said he would fill the TE's to 325???so really, something is off - 325 sounds too little and 700 sounds like too much!!

    Deborah: Don't know about the new career..it would be a way to make some extra money lol. Do you think I should call him and ask him to explain once again about the sizes or should I wait until I see him the day of the surgery. That's when he's going to take the measurements and mark me up.I will take your advice though and wear a sports bra when my fills are about done...sounds like great advice.

    Sandy: My PS uses Mentor and as I mentioned, my ribcage is 31 so if you are filled to 550cc's and Deborah is filled to 550cc's, then I should maybe be at 550 -600cc's? He hasn't taken any ribcage or breast measurements yet (they took pics though), he said he does that the day of surgery. I'm hoping my skin will stretch OK, but I guess that's what we all wish for. It's good to know though that if need be, I can maybe squeeze in another fill when the PS would otherwise stop.

    Terri

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

    Cheri:  Could you ask his nurse to find out which Mentor expander he will be using?  He must have documented this in the chart.  My PS showed me the style of expander she would be using for my surgery....We can wait on the implant size....plenty of time there.

    Deborah

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

    Breast Reconstruction Handbook

    I have researched and found this book for those who are newly diagnosed and embarking upon the reconstruction journey.  A nice gift for anyone you know who has been recently diagnosed.  This website - breastcancer.org - is mentioned as a resource in this book. 

    http://www.amazon.com/Breast-Reconstruction-Guidebook-Second/dp/0966979974

  • PATTY50
    PATTY50 Member Posts: 20
    edited June 2009

    Deborah,

    Thanks for your support.   Unfortunatley I don't have any information regarding the mfr or size of the expander.  I wasn't given the information and now reallize I have been very naive during this whole process. Regarding the placement, it was partially under.  I will get my medical records as soon as I can. 

    Patty

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited June 2009

    Patty50

    I'll PM you my PS from MA.

    Good luck and I'm sorry you're having to go through this.

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

    RE: MEDICAL RECORDS:

    Everyone should have copies of certain medical records for their files.  Ten years down the road, you might not have such easy access.  Operative reports and pathology reports are most important.  It is simple to obtain them.

    Patty: This link describes your rights under Massachusetts law to obtain copies of your medical records.  Call your doctors' offices and tell them you would like to obtain copies of your medical records.  If they have a form you need to fill out you can have it faxed or mailed to you or you can go in personally to fill it out.  If asked why you want them, "my own personal use" should suffice.  They typically have 30 days to comply with the request - generally it is much sooner if the chart is not voluminous.  At the hospital [where you are more likely to be charged for copies], ask for the patient records or medical records dept. If you have multiple admissions at a hospital for other reasons, make sure you specify you only want records between certain dates - dates of your breast surgeries - you do not want to pay for more than what you need.

    http://ihcrp.georgetown.edu/privacy/stateguides/ma/ma.pdf

    Deborah

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited June 2009

    Deb said it well

    I so enjoy helping you ladies

    I wished I didn't have to work and could be here more often like I was when I wasn't working around the time of my surgeries.

    Karen I think you just proved just because someone has a PhD doesn't mean they are smart.  Sometimes people just have to think before they speak...

    Patty I read your comment on the pix forum and hope you can find some help here...

    if you would want to be post some of your own pix that might help us help u

    is your PS saying he wants to use AlloDerm on your healthy breast.  I had it used on my cancer side when I got my TE and when I got my 2nd exchange lol now that I think about it I even got it with my nipple.  Keep the faith that you can get what you deserve.  Patty don't feel bad...a lot of us didn't get a copy of our records but later found out it was a good idea   (((HUG)))

    Ladies if you know of any excellent PS in Massachusetts please share their names with Patty.

    Terri do call and find out which TE your PS plans to use.  As Deb said the implant can wait but I think we'll want to make sure your TE is at least as wide as mine was...

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited June 2009

    whooo hooo Pattty Sam1991 came through for you : - )

    I have to say I've seen her pix and as you can see from her profile she's hot ; - )

    I wish you the best on your nipple surgery tomorrow Sam1991

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