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Exchange City

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Comments

  • sitti
    sitti Member Posts: 89
    edited December 2017

    T-Sue, are there specific brands that are recommended for wearing after MX/BMX? I've bought a couple pretty ones but they aren't comfy. I was sized & fitted at Nordstrom although I didn't specify that I wanted a MX fitting. I did tell the lady while she was fitting me though that I'd had a BMX and after she figured out my size she recommended a Wacoal bra, which is okay but not pretty, sort of comfy but Coobies are still my go to. Now I'm wondering if she was a regular fitter or BC fitter. And wondering if you were recommended bras that are specifically for those who've had BC or bras for general population that work well for those that have had Umx or Bmx.

  • T-Sue
    T-Sue Member Posts: 207
    edited December 2017

    Hi Sitti, No, Nordstrom's doesn't carry special post-BMX bras, but they can recommend ones for your needs. For example, my incisions are under my breasts which, so my bra choices have a softer base (Wacoal brand, which I love) or are bralette style. I don't know if all or only select fitters are "certified" to fit us post-BMX gals.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,398
    edited December 2017

    I agree with T-Sue. Nordstroms carries lots of bras but not "medical" post mastectomy bras. I did go to a specific medical bra store and try those on first. Eeek. At the Nordstroms near me, there was only one fitter certified to work with mastectomy women. They suggested I call ahead and make an appointment to be sure she was there. The nice thing - she was knowledgeable enough to bring in tons of bras for me to try that I would never have considered just hanging on a rack.

  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2017

    any other stores good on bra fitting? Nearest nordstroms is 500 miles away

  • veggal
    veggal Member Posts: 261
    edited December 2017

    I had my fitting at Dillards.

  • 2FUN
    2FUN Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2017

    Dillards is farther than nordies, any other ideas?

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,398
    edited December 2017

    2FUN, if you check that Bras 101 thread, there are a number of stores recommended. Most people decided not Victoria's Secret. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of people who said SOMA also had special BC bra fitters.

  • bringon2017
    bringon2017 Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2017

    Hi! Have followed silently on and off the last few weeks, but haven't had much time as was so busy settling work and home, before my surgery. And now, as the last Christmas present is wrapped, and my bag is packed, I can't believe it's the day! Slightly petrified and dying for it all to be over and done with! Wish me luck.

  • T-Sue
    T-Sue Member Posts: 207
    edited December 2017

    Bringon2017, sending you hugs and healing! I hope you find this surgery mild and a relief from the TEs. You'll be so glad to have this next benchmark behind you!

  • scrafgal
    scrafgal Member Posts: 413
    edited December 2017

    I agree with the Nordstrom recommendation. I never would have tried on certain bras had the fitter not brought them back for me to try. I also never would have guessed my correct size. I probably should have gotten a fitting before all this BC stuff started. I immediately told all of my friends to do it, after my Nordstrom experience.

    I had to start working about 4 weeks after surgery. I was somewhat concerned that I might change sizes, but I really couldn't wear that compression thing under my clothes....nothing cute about mine, Shoregirl! Anyhow, I really didn't change sizes noticeably, since then. I am at 7 week tomorrow, and I think that my size has remained stable. So, the significant swelling seems to have ended about one month out or so.

    The implant has softened nicely, as well. It is dropping a bit lower, which is good. (I had a unilateral MX) We will see where things land by the next PS appointment in March. My pecs were tight, so I don't know how much more they will drop. If I need a revision, it will be minor, I think. Slight lift/fat infusion on the left or pocket work on the right to allow the implant to drop more. Meanwhile, the existing asymmetry is minor and things look fine in my bras.


  • veggal
    veggal Member Posts: 261
    edited December 2017

    FreshPair.com has a detailed guide on how to fit yourself. The most important thing with implants is to make sure the ENTIRE implant is enclosed within the wire or cup and the band fits snugly below.

    When I had my fitting I was shocked to learn I was a 32 DDD after wearing 34 C or B my whole life! However, I found that the 32 band (loosest setting) rubbed painfully on my ribs, especially on the left so I went up to 34 DD (tightest setting) and find it perfect.

    I think FreshPair does free shipping and returns as well as macy's. I'm liking Wacoal bras to fit me very well.

    Hope this helps.

  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited December 2017

    Good luck today, BringOn2017! You will be so relieved to get rid of the TEs!!!!!!

  • scrafgal
    scrafgal Member Posts: 413
    edited December 2017

    VegGal...I was shocked too! That's what I meant about trying bras that I never would have tried. I was a 34B pre-cancer. Now: 34DD.

    I was shocked because, although I knew that I was fuller than before, I don't think that my breasts look particularly big for my frame. If my PS had told me that I would be a 34DD at the end, I would have said, "That's just too much." However, I really don't have a rack or anything. I am just fuller and a bit higher than before. I think that it looks natural for my frame.

    I think that you are correct...it's about the shape of the implant and getting the whole thing surrounded:) My PS did a great job at matching the volume of my other breast (with fat grafting) with the implant volume. We are just waiting to assess the symmetry of the level...

  • scrafgal
    scrafgal Member Posts: 413
    edited December 2017

    BringOn2017,

    I wish you well on the surgery!

  • sitti
    sitti Member Posts: 89
    edited December 2017

    Thank you T-Sue & Minus Two for your responses. My fitter seemed to know what she was doing although she didn't offer alot of options. I was only about 5 or 6 weeks post exchange so maybe that is why. I have remained the same size but she did say give time to heal before trying other types of bras.

    VegGal and Scrafgal, I was shocked too. I've lost weight since DX that would have put me back to my original 32 B and after exchange ended up 32 DD. If I had been told that I was going to be DD I would have panicked & objected but it really isn't out of proportion to my size, not at all what I would have imagined that size would look like. I agree, I think partly it's the way implants fit after BMX, they are a bit wider to fill in, makes things fuller but it isn't all projection.

    Bringon2017, wishing you the best with your surgery.

  • scrafgal
    scrafgal Member Posts: 413
    edited December 2017

    Yes, Sitti, I think that the trick is all about projection. My implant has "moderate" projection (SCM 445, Nattrelle Inspiria Cohesive Round). I think that if the projection were high, my 34DD size would be a bit much. I think that PSs know how to guage this type of thing. We never discussed cup size and now I am glad that we didn't. I would have restricted him too much with what he would choose. I trusted him because he took time to assess my frame, build etc. and knew that it was important for me to look natural and be able to work out without my chest getting in the way!

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited December 2017

    Scarfgal -- I am also a UMX and my implant and natural breast are about 2 inches apart in drop/droop, but am nearly a match in a bra -- go figure. What type of implant do you have and when was your exchange surgery? I'm still hoping for more drop, I am 3 months post op with TCX Inspiras. TT

  • Shoregirl
    Shoregirl Member Posts: 338
    edited December 2017

    Bringon2017, best wishes for easy speedy recovery and relief from those Tes!!

    I just emailed my PS to let her know I'm definitely going to need a stage 2 revision, boo! My left side but non-cancer side needs a slight lift and more fat grafting bilaterally. I'm really wanting to get all this done and nipples and tattoos at least by the end of the summer! I'm coming up on my one year anniversary of my BMX, ugh.

    Good info, all you ladies that chimed in about the bra fitting!

  • bringon2017
    bringon2017 Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2017

    Thank you all for your kind wishes! It's done. Sitting comfortably in armchair waiting for the hubbie to take me home. Not really in pain. And particularly on the left already relieved uo have got the TE out! Now just give myself time to heal and the FOOBs to soften and sink!

  • bikefam
    bikefam Member Posts: 98
    edited December 2017

    Does anyone know if Nordstrom Rack is the same as Nordstrom as far as bra fittings?

  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited December 2017

    You can call them, but I think Nordstrom Rack will NOT have the fitters and same service for post-mastectomy. I say this only as a shopper of both. SillyHeart

  • bringon2017
    bringon2017 Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2017

    Hi girls! Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Christmas. Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories and having been companions in this journey. Today I feel I've come full circle. I did my first and only mammogram a year ago today. Since then, there's been the MRI, the biopsy, bilateral mx and TEs and finally the exchange, which I'm recovering from nicely. I don't think the nipple reconstructiom is going to happen. And through all this there have been the highs and the lows. But I can't count the times I've come to these boards and found encouragement and hope. I haven't found much time to be active, particularly since I went back to full time work in June. But thank you again for all of you for being sources of hopes and beacons of light at times when the tunnel is lonely and dark. At one point I had almost decided to keep the awful turtle shells even though I hated them as I just couldn't face another surgery and the disruption of my life again. And it was reading your stories that pushed me to going back to my surgeon for a date! So Happy Christmas and thank you all, bc sisters across the globe.

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited December 2017

    Merry Christmas to all of you wonderful ladies! I hope everyone is healing well and feeling good. God bless you all as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Blessings, Robin

  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited December 2017

    MERRY Christmas!!!

  • JameeCook
    JameeCook Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2017

    @shoregirl Unfortunately, the current numbers show that Allergan has the highest incidence of cases with Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. That may change as more research comes in. The current theory is that this lymphoma develops with several factors - bacterial contamination, chronic inflammation, genetic predisposition, and textured implants. Flushing the pocket with betadine might reduce bacterial contamination but it isn't going to change the other three factors. Using the 14-point plan to reduce contamination is a good idea for any surgeon and should be standard practice. The hope is that this process will also aide in reducing the risk of capsular contracture. BIA-ALCL has a lot of unknowns right now. The incidence is rising. We believe this is because of more media, public awareness, and symptomatic women insisting on accurate testing. As more women are diagnosed, the researchers will learn more. It's evolved quite a bit over the past year and a half. A recent study of Allergan 410 implants actually put the risk around 1:3,000 to 1:4,000 for that specific brand. While still rare, every woman needs to be properly informed of the risk and make an educated decision. Good luck. 

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited December 2017

    I have the Allergan 410 and nothing was mentioned about this possibility. But I have had no trouble and almost 3 years have passed.

    I guess as with any medical device, there is risk. They are a foreign substance and your body goes into a defense mode. The best defense is to be proactive and tell your MO ir PS if you notice any changes.

    Robin


  • veggal
    veggal Member Posts: 261
    edited December 2017

    Robin, the ALCL news just started to really trickle down around mid-2016, right after I had gotten my 410's. Having been the "recipent" of other rare medical issues, I cut my losses and had both implants and capsules removed and replaced with smooth rounds during a revision surgery. For me it was "killing 2 birds with one stone" and if I didn't need the revision anyway, I'm not sure what I would be doing.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,398
    edited December 2017

    Like Robin - I have the Allergan 410s. I got them in 2011, so going on 7 years. They were only available in a trial program at the time through select plastic surgeons, so I had lots of follow up. And like Robin, I have had no trouble. I do read the ongoing news, but remain very pleased. As she said, with anything that is foreign your body, there is a risk. Talk to your docs if you are concerned or see a problem.

  • 3bears
    3bears Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2017

    Well, it’s time for me to join this group. My exchange surgery has been scheduled for February 8th . I just hope I come out of surgery with big enough breasts to balance my weight. I like the way I look in my expanders but one side needs a lift and just looks smaller and flatter because of that. I’m filled to 700ccs right now. My PS will decide on 750 or 800 cc implants in surgery. I’m getting Natrelle Inspira smooth round extra high profile. Any advice I need going forward

  • veggal
    veggal Member Posts: 261
    edited December 2017

    You will probably love those implants. I would recommend going as big as you can if you are worried about them being large enough. I'm tall, but thin and my Inspiras are over 600 cc's and don't look outrageous. I also needed a lift on one side and it turned out great.

    Good luck! Feb 8 is just around the corner.

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