Exchange City
Comments
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Dafne:
Before Exchange, I went back months on this forum and just read other's experiences. Not that you haven't done that -- but if not -- maybe try it. You will see that the gross majority of women say it's such an easier experience.
You have this!!!
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Dafne,
Glad you finally are getting to this point in your journey. I found this surgery MUCH easier than my mastectomy, in every way.
The implant is much better than the TE, but the implants get softer and better feeling over time. I am 4 months out from my surgery, and I really think that they look and feel great. I might have a minor revision, but that is not uncommon, especially with a unilateral mastectomy with a lift on the natural breast. I don't get any spasms, but I live in Houston where cold weather is not usual. I had some fat grafting, so I wore spanx-type compressionon the bottom for a month, as well as a compression bra for a month.
All will go well...Keep us posted!
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Dafne,
Glad you finally are getting to this point in your journey. I found this surgery MUCH easier than my mastectomy, in every way.
The implant is much better than the TE, but the implants get softer and better feeling over time. I am 4 months out from my surgery, and I really think that they look and feel great. I might have a minor revision, but that is not uncommon, especially with a unilateral mastectomy with a lift on the natural breast. I don't get any spasms, but I live in Houston where cold weather is not usual. I had some fat grafting, so I wore spanx-type compressionon the bottom for a month, as well as a compression bra for a month.
All will go well...Keep us posted!
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Jaymeb,
As I suggested to Dafne, your implant will soften over time. I am 4 months out and it really feels nice now...I didn't have itching, but perhaps those are nerves/scar tissue healing?
You just had surgery...not as major as the mastectomy, but soreness is normal. I found that mine dissipated rather quickly in comparison to the MX. As for the lifted breast, it looked quite nasty for about 1 week, but then the stiching healed really quickly and it started looking normal around the areola again.
To me, things looked pretty good after about 3 weeks, but even better as time moved on. The implant dropped into the pocket nicely, over 4 months. It sat too high at first, but that is normal too. I always looked fine in a regular bra, so that was nice.
I will get a 3D tattoo, as well, but only after I determine whether I need a revision. Things need to be well settled so that the nipples line up! 4 months sounds about right, based on my initial exchange surgery experience.
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Jaymeb,
As I suggested to Dafne, your implant will soften over time. I am 4 months out and it really feels nice now...I didn't have itching, but perhaps those are nerves/scar tissue healing?
You just had surgery...not as major as the mastectomy, but soreness is normal. I found that mine dissipated rather quickly in comparison to the MX. As for the lifted breast, it looked quite nasty for about 1 week, but then the stiching healed really quickly and it started looking normal around the areola again.
To me, things looked pretty good after about 3 weeks, but even better as time moved on. The implant dropped into the pocket nicely, over 4 months. It sat too high at first, but that is normal too. I always looked fine in a regular bra, so that was nice.
I will get a 3D tattoo, as well, but only after I determine whether I need a revision. Things need to be well settled so that the nipples line up! 4 months sounds about right, based on my initial exchange surgery experience.
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Dafne, I know you are now recovering from your exchange. I hope all went well and you are resting comfortably. I know you have been waiting a long time for this! As others mentioned, the recovery is so much easier and less painful than the msx. Just be very careful and don't do too much too soon because you feel good. You still need to take it easy and let your body heal, inside and out! I felt so good I planted 5 rosebushes 10 days post op. About 3/4 way through, I wished I hadn't done it. Also, if you are unhappy with your results, do give it several months before making your final judgement. There is a lot of swelling post-op. The implants also need to settle into the pockets, and will soften a bit depending on what type you get. If there is rippling after swelling subsides, you can get fat grafting which greatly helps hide the ripples and also makes the implants more comfortable so you don't feel the edges so much. I waited 7 months before my revision, although I knew I would need one for sure about 4 months post-op.
Jaymeb, I hope you are feeling better. Do keep an eye out for any signs of infection. A big clue is redness, heat, any excessive discharge, fever. As Scrafgal said, things will get better after a few weeks. The final results will become more evident after 2-3 months.
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Dafne
I hope your exchange surgery went well. I'm so sorry I complained, and ranted about mine. I was having anxiety, and didn't feel well. Then I read you were having yours, um Thursday. You were nervous, and stressed as well. However, Scrafgal is tight, this is so much easier than a mascectomy. Each day, I'm feeling better. How are you feeling? Are you at home? Were you kept overnight? I would wear the surgical bra at all times. It helps a lot. For the last year, I've slept with my mascectomy bra on. To me, it supports the breasts, and helps sleep better. Are you having nipple reconstruction later? Hope you're getting plenty of rest. I would love to know how your experience was when you feel up to it.0 -
Scrafgal
Thanks for sharing your experience, and your positivity. It helped a lot. You're right, each day gets better, and I feel much better than I did a few days ago. I guess I want so bad for my breasts to look good now. Very unrealistic. Reconstruction was a no brainer for me. I want, and need my breasts. As we know, it's a huge part of our sexuality, and feminity. I'm still having the itching, now on the right lifted breast. I know the end result will be worth it. I see my PS next Wed. Wondering if she'll take the strips off my incisions. How long did you wait to wear a normal bra? Also, I was looking at your info. Did you have radiation? I did, hence that's why I had to wait so long for my exchange surgery. Now, another wait for the tattoo......0 -
Shoregirl
I've been taking an antibiotic four times a day. Got another week. I see you had fat grafting months after your implants. If you don't mind me asking, why? Are you glad you did? I really don't have a full understanding of what fat grafting, trans flap, or DIEP flap is? Also, are you, or did you have nipple reconstruction? You might have talked about your situation in previous posts. I apologize, my tamoxifen brain is hard to keep up.0 -
Jaymeb,
I didn't have radiation. It was not recommended, given the results of my mastectomy, tumor size and node negative status.
Reconstruction was a no-brainer for me too, for the same reasons. I know all about the new "go flat" movement, but I had to be honest with myself about my need for breasts. I knew from the beginning that I would have a reconstruction. Even knowing that I would be reconstructed, I still cried the night before my mastectomy. Just the thought of saying goodbye to my breast was traumatic for me!
At my 4 week post-op with my PS, he told me that I no longer had to wear the compression bra and that I could wear any bra that suited me. He felt that most of the swelling had gone down by then, so I didn't have to worry about too much of a sizing difference (in terms of cup size) after that point.
I took myself to Nordstrom for a fitting immediately--as in, I left my doctor's office and drove directly to Nordstrom! I couldn't wait to get a regular bra!! Also, it paid off to get a professional fitting because I never would have guessed my actual size. I knew that I was bigger but I never would have thought that I would be a DD. Well, that's what I am now. I would have thought that a DD was too big, but it really looks quite normal on me, given my frame and size. The Nordstrom fitter was great. She brought me different styles to try on, and I selected a few. I really felt quite wonderful wearing a new bra and looking quite normal again.
I also had some fat grafting done, during my final exchange. He added some fat to my natural breast that I got lifted, just to give it the same full shape as the implant side. He got that volume just right!
On Monday, I am 4 month out from the surgery, and we will discuss next steps. If I need a revision, I am certain that it will be minor...possibly including some fat grafting to add fat to the side (near underarm) on the implant side. I don't have a lot of body fat and that sometimes facilitates the ease of ripples showing through. So, I will keep everyone posted on how my PS meeting goes on Monday...
All in all, I feel great about how things turned out. I know that you'll feel the same way as the weeks and months pass!
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Jaymeb, its great to hear you are doing better! Don't feel bad for your "rant", I didn't even take it as such!! We all have gone through so much and are here to support one another and give each other grace. I had fg after downsizing my implants. I would have had it even had I kept the originals. I had a lot of rippling, I think it was more obvious due to implants placed over the muscle. Regardless, I am very happy I had it. It really made a great improvement!! Best wishes!!
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ok ladies I’m coming to you seeking advice... I had my exchange surgery last March (2017) 3 months after finishing radiation. My skin held up really well. In this last year my implants have gone from symmetrical, to assymetrical to back to symmetrical. Overall things look really good in April my new PS will be rebuilding my nipple and doing fat grafting on both sides. The radiated side his intent is to soften and improve the skin, on both sides he will also be filling in spots and do some plumping of other areas. I had FG with my initial exchange....not sure how recovery will differ. Anyone out there have recovery from FG as a revision surgery only??? Any advice you can offer up would be wonderful. #strengthinnumbers #noonefightsalone #imasurvivor
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Well,
I just met with my PS this morning, and I will have some additional fat grafting with my revsion. We are going to use the fat to cover some minor rippling on the implant side and, since he'll be in there getting fat already, will use fat with my natural breast, which is going to get a small implant (and minor re-lift) so that the top end fullness matches the implant size. I expected as much and am delighted that he advised me of the possibilities for a revision, early on. A unilateral MX has its challenges---mostly getting the implant an natural sides to line up and match in every possible way. I think that it was best to take a staged approach. I will get my 3D nipple tatoo done in the Fall...
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I had strictly FG'ing done in December. It worked out great because trace amounts were still there from September's revision and that gave the new grafts something on which to cling. All the ripples went away and are still gone.
Recovery was easy, other than the donor areas. I had extensive bruising as she had to go hunting in a lot of places to find fat and leave me with good looking donor areas. Still, that was all good within 2 weeks.
Congratulations and good luck!
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VegGal,
I looked like someone had mugged and beaten me along my thighs after my initial fat grafting/exchange. I am not looking forward to that, but the tenderness went away after a few days. The purplish color faded a lot during the first week and then was gone by week two or three...
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My exchange surgery is March 21. Things have gone well with my TE. I had a unilateral mastectomy, end of Nov.
I'll scroll up now and read others' posts.
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Two years ago today my world was turned upside down and I was officially diagnosed. Exactly 1 year later I swapped out the awful TEs and got my squishes. I was sooo excited and then 30 days after my surgery I was disappointed, I had a PS who I once believed in dismiss me telling me I looked fine. They were 2 different sizes and my right side was higher...the projection just wasn't there. Everyone was extremely supportive and they said take a step back from the mirror, easier said then done. I immediately reached out to all of you looking for advice...the research for a new PS began. I read, I interviewed, I asked questions and I'm happy to say I found a new surgeon. The crazy thing is a year later my foobs have evened themselves out & the size difference is so subtle it's hardly noticeable. And they look like breasts (minus the nipple) ( I apologize for all of the evil things I said about my original PS) In April, I am having FG to plump up a few areas and fill in a few gaps and hopefully get my nipples rebuilt. But I can tell you this, my implants have continued to soften, (even my radiated side), I even have cleavage in the right bra, my scars are flat and fading with time. Everything in the BC journey has a set amount of time for us to countdown...mastectomy/ lumpectomy recovery, # of chemo treatments, # of radiation treatments, wait time to have exchange surgery the list goes on. The one thing that doesn't have a set time is the final results of reconstruction. Everyone is different, and there are so many variables which makes it nearly impossible to give it a specific amount of time. In terms of reconstruction you have to remember this is the longest part of your breast cancer marathon, you may not be the fastest, and there may be times you have to slow down....but you will reach the finish line. Instead of focusing on the ' whens' of reconstruction go and enjoy life check out a sunset, open the window and listen to the birds sing, take the long way home or call someone and tell em how much you love them. Thank you for reading my post, know that I pray for each of my warrior sisters and I am so thankful for all of the wonderful support I have received from BCO. Sharing my reconstruction experience is one way I could celebrate being a survivor.Cyber hugs! Michelle
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Michelle:
What a great post for future Exchangers to read! Everything you said is so true. I'm about 7 months out from Exchange and things just get better and better.
Patience is key with reconstruction.
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Today is my 6 month anniversary...totally agree with the general sentiments, but for me my surprise TCX implant is still too big and too hard. I have lost 15 lbs since exchange and plan to lose another 10 before downsizing and moving to a softer implant. Had expected SRX but hope to get the SSX...the one this is midway between RX and CX...CX is too hard and too full in the upper pole for a UMX competing with a normal, but 56 year old R breast!
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Eastcoast- That’s wonderful news... I have followed your posts along the way, I’m glad things are doing well. I really like the whole reconstruction thing needed to be said, by no means is it a magical experience. I really wanted our fellow sisters to understand the incredibly looooong process of reconstruction.
TrmTab I have also followed your journey and am so excited to hear about your weight loss. This is also something people do not realize about the reconstruction process and how it affects the results. I have also lost some weight since my initial exchange ( No reason to switch implants) unfortunately with a UNI you will have that issue when it comes to losing weight. I remember before BC my boobs were the first to deflate, now I don’t have that issue which leaves me kind of meh. I will continue to follow your journey and hope the revision goes well. Hugs to you both!
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I had UMX in May. I’m booked March 26 for exchange and adjustment to left breast. I’m looking forward to having the TE out, as most say that the permanent ones are more comfortable. Still not sure if I’m going with rounds or teardrops. Trying to match up with a small augment in the left. Any afvice
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Landri:
Can say that implant(s) are SO much more comfortable than TEs. And I had an okay TE experience. Not horrible but implants a dream in comparison.
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Hi Landri
I had my unilateral mascectomy on my left breast in March of 2017. I had my tissue expander for awhile. Rads delayed my exchange surgery. I just had my exchange Feb 26th, so almost two weeks. It is so true, the implant feels sooo much better. Couldn't wait to get it out. I also had my right breast lifted, with some tissue taken out to match my reconstructed breast. I was given the choice of round, or teardrops, like you. I asked my PS to choose which would be the best match. Ended up with the teardrop, which looked more natural in my case. Has your PS given an opinion for your situation?0 -
Ladies
As I mentioned, I'm almost two weeks out from my reconstruction, and implant. Do the scars fade pretty fast? How long does it take for the breast to look good, and natural? Did anyone do fat grafting to add to the implant? Overall, you ladies who have had their new breasts for awhile, are you happy with the end result? Can someone tell me if they had their nipple 3D tattooed, and what that was like? Sorry for the endless questions. I do see it slowly gets better day by day. Thanks.0 -
I'm so thankful for your posts about being patient with the reconstruction process. My exchange surgery is April 24, so it's coming up although it feels far away and I'd like to get it over with already!
I was also glad to hear from women who felt upset with their new (smaller) size. My PS warned me that I would be smaller than before and I cried for 3 days. I think it was my mastectomy mourning period, I just had to get it out of my system. Nobody understood, all said things like, "You should be glad not to have cáncer anymore" and "I don't like my large size, anyway, it's not all it's cracked up to be." But I know you people understand, even if you haven't gone through the exact same thing. There's a special kind of empathy in this thread that I really love.
So I just wanted to get my surgery over with and see how I looked, but from what I can tell from your posts, that'll be a process of waiting and staying away from the mirror in moments of anxiety. My TE already looks small to me so I'm dreading being smaller than that. I'm overweight right now but had balanced curves before my unilateral masttectomy. Now I try to console myself with the fact that eventually I can go back to pushup bras with padding if I feel I need an extra something, although I don't really know if I can, to tell the truth!
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Thank you so much for your reply! Yes, I asked my expert! Haha. She also said tear drop, so I think I’ll go with that. I’m very happy with my PS, so I’ll trust she knows what she’s doing! I’m also getting a lift, and a small implant in ‘good ‘side. I see most posts are BMX here. How was the recovery for your nonMX side
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I hear ya Sweet Pea! I can’t wait to get this step behind me! I’m T-16 days! Haha.
Ladies, in regards to recovery, how soon did you get back to any exercise? I’m usually fairly active, and it’s also a stress coping thing for me, so I’m eager, yet don’t want to wreck incisions etc
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Landri:
Anything I tell you may be on the slow side because I had lots of pocket work. But I waited about 8 weeks to get back to lifting weights or yoga. I was really trying to preserve the pocket.
Ask your PS because you should be on some limitations at the start. Be careful. You'll feel great, so the threat is doing too much. Just go very easy the first couple of weeks (month) on lifting anything heavy. Even if you feel you can. Protect the internal sutures and that pocket.
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Wisdom from earlier in this thread:
"Just Because you Can doesn't mean you Should" Be sure to get your doc's approval before starting ANY exercise program. I wasn't even allowed to raise my arms above my shoulders for 3 weeks.
And secondly - "step away from the mirror". As several of you have recently mentioned, the final "LOOK" may take a long time. No point in trying to guess the outcome for several months.
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Thanks for the warnings of doing too much too soon. I’d be in that camp! I’ve 1 more appointment with PS this Monday. Hoping to inject another 10-30 ccs just to give her a bit more room for surgery. Trying to figure out last minute questions for her. I’ve been hearing a LOT about ‘pocket work’ and I have no idea what that is! I k ow what the pocket is, what increases the ‘work’?Anyone?
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