Exchange City
Comments
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shelabela, hi there! I'm 2 weeks out and will be in sports bras for another month..I do switch to a Bali bra and night that is very soft but compressive and supportive. PS's are different. I was told no under wire anymore.
Ljm, I agree they do feel foreign! I'm a couple of weeks behind you. Seems like there are alot of shoulder issues. I had the same with mastectomy. A couple of PT visits did wonders. I was back to normal now starting over with this exchange. I have been cleared to do gentle stretching exercises and will start those today. I did have pocket work on the same side as my shoulder. Thankfully no drains this time. Hoping everyone gets better each day!
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Have any of you had fat grafting/lift done after the exchange? My PS recommended that we consider lift/fat grafting a few months after exchange because I had issues with tissue healing after the bmx. Also, I think he likes to let things settle before doing the aesthetic surgery. My main reason for delaying the graft/lift is that the recovery is longer and I just can't take off that much time from school. If I need it done, I'll do it at Thanksgiving/Christmas. The upside is that it will get me out of a lot of cooking/holiday prep, lol.
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I had fat grafting with exchange 10 days ago. My PS never mentioned doing it as two separate surgeries, though there’s always the chance I’ll need further fat grafting at a later date.
I also am to wear a sports bra for the next 6 weeks, absolutely no underwire. I need to find some bras that are comfortable for both day/night. DebAL, I’ll have to look into Bali. Right now, I’m still using the compression post- surgical bra from the exchange and the mastectomy bras because they are all front closure. I’m sure that in another few days, I won’t need front-closure specifically. Is there a certain style of Bali or Coobie that some of you can recommend?
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This thread is not very active but it has some GREAT recommendations about bras. I read through it when I needed advice. Bras 101
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...
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MinusTwo, thank you for the link.
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I like Wanayou Zip Front Sports Wireless available on Amazon.
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Maggie2 I had my exchange surgery on April 18th and I have absolutely lived in these inexpensive sports bras from Target
https://www.target.com/p/women-s-seamless-adjustab...
I really love them. My implants are Natrelle Inspira cohesive 650cc and I wear an XL in these sports bras. Not sure what my true bra size will be as I have not been fitted yet, I'm guessing a 34-36 DD. Just had my nipple reconstruction 2 weeks ago so again still living in my sports bras, which is so new to me as I was a EE prior to my surgeries so sports bras were not something in my wardrobe!
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Thank you all for your suggestions. I will have some shopping to do, as I'm more than ready to get into comfortable bras.
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hi maggie, bras 101 is a very helpful thread. I will make a bra fitting appt at nordstrom's in the next month or so. Hope you are healing quickly!
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My question is: do the high cohesive silicone implants drop and fluff also? Mine have dropped down into the pockets fully. Just wondering if there will be fluffing. Mine are round smooth.
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rascalsmom I have the natrelle cohesive like you and I’m not sure there is any fluffing with mine. I had my exchange on 4/18/18 with fat grafting and they pretty much look exactly the same as when I first had the surgery. A little dropping into the pockets but for the most part no change from day 1. Just had my nipple reconstruction so just one step from being finished, can’t wait!
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(sientra, cohesive) mine dropped and I think they look rounder/softer. I’m not sure if that what you mean by “fluff.”
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Mine are Sientra as well. Good to hear yours are softer. How long did it take?
I'm 7 weeks post exchange.
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It's my understanding that all round implants "drop & fluff", although the timing is different for everyone. Sometimes up to a couple of months. I don't believe anatomical implants go through this process. Probably since the pocket that is created for these implants has to be exact.
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I think it took about two months
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I have the inspira cohesive round and it took until 8 months before I felt the edges soften, not quishy but not solid either...having a breast MRI in two weeks...it will be interesting to "see" what's inside. TT
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Minustwo is right about the anatomical implants, they do not drop or fluff. As she said, the pocket is made exactly the right size for the actual size of the implant and the circumference. Your PS has to be very skilled to do this type of implant. They do become softer to the touch, but never move much. But there is no rippling and no fat grafting is necessary because they have a wonderful tear drop shape that gives you the upper pole and the natural looking drop on the bottom.
Robin
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Robinblessed- yes we are in the minority! And I’m even more of a rarity....diagnosised at 33 and no known genetic mutations! Thank my lucky stars my dr noticed the small spot that “felt funny” to her and made me go get checked I do not have a date set for exchange yet hopefully I’ll get in mid-end of October. However my ps hasn’t been out the past 2 weeks with a family emergency so hopefully there’s not many surgeries that need rescheduling!
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Well, *(%*#... I am five days away from exchange surgery and my left side has become infected again. I've started two antibiotics and PS said if it isn't completely cleared up by Tuesday, he will remove the expander, do a thorough antibiotic "wash" of the infected breast, put in a new expander and an antibiotic plate that he says is a "thin, circular, cement plate" that continuously "washes" the tissue. WTH?! He asked me to text him a pic to see what the infection looks like (I hate missing school for appts) and I went into a bathroom at school, took some pics, apologized for the crummy lighting, and had a 2 minute cry in the stall. I was at school when I got the call that my biopsy showed cancer and that feels like a lifetime ago, yet here I am still knee deep in the mire of recovery.
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Readyabout - Praying that infection clears up in full and exchange can go on as planned. Take the long weekend to rest and eat well.
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Readyabout -- I am so sorry you are dealing with this. When you had your first infection, how was it handled? The reason I ask is that I got an infection 6 weeks post mastectomy. My PS told me the only way to address it was admitting me to hospital and put on IV antibiotics, then surgically removing expander and leaving it out for 6 months I was kept in hospital for 5 days awaiting all labs to come back to find out what kind of infection is was so they would know what medicine would be effective. It turned out to be staph, however, when they told me I was also being tested for MRSA I was so scared. So I did have to wait those 6 months with only one expander on the other side (which was not inflated any further during this time). Also after that first infection I was given the specific antibiotic that treated it for each and every surgery I had after that . This was to try to prevent an infection once again. I know this is upsetting... No one expects this bump in the road too. I hope your PS is treating this conservatively and not rushing to put another expander in while you are not ridden of the infection. Keep us posted.
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Well I am back in exchange mode...had an MRI today, tomorrow is 1 year since EX, but it has been nearly 3 years since last mammogram or MRI of left breast/remaining left breast tissue.
Well after my disaster exchange -- too large, textured vs smooth, bruised for months and there is still a quarter sized bruised area my GYN calls an echymosis. The MRI found remaining fluid in the pocket, ugh. As it is a textured implant the concern for the lymphoma issue requires aspiration/investigation.
When I said to the Dr that I was already investigating an EX to a smooth round at the holidays...she said I could wait on the aspiration if I actually do proceed with the EX. So I guess my card has been played, off to revision city.
I called the new PS that several folks have suggested, now 1.5 hrs away...they will call back with their first available appointment later today or Monday. The receptionist actually said before she would take a consult appointment she would confer with the surgery scheduler...I was like, what - shouldn't I have a consult before scheduling surgery! I guess if they know they don't have space for months on their surgery calendar, they don't take investigation appointments??? Don't know, will report when I know more.
Ugh, the circle begins again.
Happy weekend. TT
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Hi Everyone, and Mods,
I should have found this forum earlier on so I can be more prepared.
My exchange is scheduled for Monday morning September 10th at 7 am. I gotta be there at 5:15 to check in and do some bloodwork they said. I don't know what to expect there really. I am hoping all goes well and I can get this traumatic experience behind me for a little while and feel human again. I am glad to have this group to talk to so I don't have to wear out my friends who haven't been down this road too much. My manager wants me to fly in about 8 weeks to Philadelphia and all I can do is think back to 8 weeks after BMX and how difficult that would be. I have this weekend to prepare myself/clean house/binge on Starbucks and dessert heck I don't know. Mani/Pedi/Hair I am hoping. Its still in the 90's here in Tennessee so no shower will be interesting and the drains again. I will turn the air down comfortably. Setup all the pillows and stuff again. Find the satiny slidey pajamas. I don't know what else would help? It's out patient thankfully and I get to come home.
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Readyabout, I just saw your post from 8/30 about the infection. So sorry to hear! Did you get cleared for surgery? I too had a setback and am trying to find a new surgeon. I hope you are on the mend!!
TrmTab, also sorry to hear you are heading to revision city!! I remember hearing how you woke with textured when you had asked for smooth...unbelievable!! Do keep us posted and keep your head up. It is so frustrating, I know!!
Jt3, it sounds like you are well prepared for your exchange. I would say from my experience you will be fine to fly 8 weeks out from exch. Sometimes, the PS says there will be drains and women wake up from exch without them. I did have them, but was able to shower as ps had put a waterproof dressing over the drain site. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
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Crummy PS has been replaced. I am having my exchange this next week (September 13). There will be quite a bit of revision (thanks ex PS). I look forward to being one step closer to getting on with my life. I'm going to probably have drains in for a week. Will I be up for work four weeks after surgery? I don't know how it will be in comparison to my mastectomies pain wise. Any insites?
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Didn’t get exchange- had TE removed on Tues. Found a new PS on Thurs. Back at work today. Will stay flat for two months to let tissue settle and then put new expander in. Then wait 2-3 more months for exchange. I’m so bummed that this school year will be affected by my recovery. Spring semester was very hard to get through and now I’m facing two more surgeries this school year. This has been a tough setback
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Readyabout, my heart goes out to you! I totally understand your discouragement. It is hard enough for the retired when we have our hopes up for the final step and then an unforeseen bump in the road sets us back, but extra difficult for those who must juggle work schedules etc. I am so sorry! I am impressed with your quick replacement of the ps!! I have been waiting since July 5 when I had my consult with new ps for a phone call after she discussed my case with the old ps. I have called 5 times after the 5th week and have not gotten a single response to my calls. Back to the search I go!
Rachelcarter35, the pain from exchange is MUCH more tolerable than the msx!! Depending on the type of work you do, you should be fine with 4 weeks off. Heavy lifting, pushing, arms over the head type of work may have some limitations. I was out Christmas shopping with my drains in 3 days post-op and planting rosebushes 2 weeks post op (that may have been a little much!!). Best wishes!!
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Rachelcarter, I am 3 weeks post exchange with fat grafting. I did not have drains. The donor sites for the fat grafting, along the sides going towards my back, are still quite swollen. PS said it takes 4-6 weeks for healing. I still get very tired by mid-afternoon, though I had the exchange surgery not quite 7 weeks post final chemo. Maybe that is contributing to the tiredness? What does your new PS say about the timeline for returning to work?
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I think he said I could go back to work after 4 weeks. The drains are supposed to be out after one week. I expect after 5 months off of work for double mastectomies, chemo and exchange surgery I'm going to be tired from work. I've let my sweetheart know that for the first few months work will probably be all I can handle. I'm trying to get the house and garden as buttoned up this next week.
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Hi,
I have a revision question and wanted to ask if anyone has had to get their nipple removed after implant reconstruction to remove excess skin and lift the breast?
I had cancer on the left side and had a lumpectomy. Margins were not clear so this was followed by a bilateral mastectomy.
The left nipple was removed with a skin sparing mastectomy. On the right side I had a prophylactic nipple sparing mastectomy.
However, due to the initial lumpectomy and nipple removal on my left breast, the skin envelope was smaller than on my right.
Initially, I had teardrop implants put in under the muscle but they were too small and there was a lot of extra skin and muscle distortion.
They were replaced with larger round implants over the muscle. This fixed the muscle distortion and filled the skin envelope better but the right breast skin envelope is still bigger and the implant hangs lower on that side.
My right breast needs to be lifted to match my left breast and they will do it by tightening the right pocket to sit the breast higher/closer to chest and then remove the excess skin.
However, it was suggested that I would need to have the nipple removed along with the excess skin using a diagonal incision to match the original mastectomy incision on the left.
I understand that you can't just remove the excess skin from the IMF area, where my current right side scar is, because the nipple will be pulled down too low. I just wasn't expecting to loose the good nipple or have mastectomy scars on my good breast as well.
Has anyone been in this situation? Does anyone know if I have any options to have a lift & remove excess skin and not loose the nipple?
Many Thanks
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