Exchange City
Comments
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Julie: 400 cc's sounds about right - Style 20 - as long as your ribcage is 30 inches or less in circumference and there are no other ribcage issues. The reason I mention the latter, is because occasionally the expanders will compress the ribcage and sink into the chest wall, and in this case, I would want to up the cc's with the implants. In answer to #2 - we would need to see photos to know how to answer this. You want average cleavage - 1-1.5 inches in the sternum between the breasts. Just make sure you tell him what you want...0
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Hi Whippetmom,
I did have IV antibiotics during surgery but did not have them after. I wonder if that could have prevented this??? I have not had a chance yet to discuss the details as to what this will mean long term. I assume I will have to start all over with the expander to exchange but will this affect the size? I also have noticed the other is beginning to shift so he will need to do a revision on that one as well. He did not mention a culture analysis on the implant but I will ask him. What would be the benefit of knowing this? Would this show signs of how it could have occured? I have heard of infections with the TEs but not certain I have heard of any with the implant!!
I am truly trying to not let this get me down but I must admit, I am pretty depressed about it. I was just a week away from my PS giving me the green light to return to a completely normal life. I am anxious to reclaim my life and have this all behind me!!!
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Geysermom,
We will have to inspire one another. Are you nervous? I really am this time, I guess it's because this is surgery #4 and he is cutting into the healthy breast this time too. Actually, I had my pre-op on Wednesday. I didn't see my PS, but my DH and I had talked with him a lot at an earlier appointment about wanting to be bigger than I was. Initially he thought he could make me the same size as he intended in December, but after the infection and with the strain my skin was under with the earlier expansion, he decided against it.
I was bummed, but I have a lot of faith in him that he knows what he is doing and is looking out for my health as well as my wishes. I guess it is kind of normal for women to go through all this BC stuff and hope for a few "perks" out of it!
Candi
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wbuggie...sorry you're going through this. I would assume there is nothing you could have done to prevent this.I agree with Deborah in that you should make sure they cultured it. Hospital acquired infections unfortunately are more common than we want to believe.
For the record...my PS gave me an antibiotic IV on my way to the OR, "washed the cavity out" prior to putting the implant in and then had me on oral antibiotics 4 times a day for 7 days. He did this with mx, exchange and nipple surgery.
Best, Kathie
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Hi Kathie
I will ask about the culture and hopefully get some answers. I was at an outpatient surgical facility for the exchange but at a hospital for the removal.
I think you and Deborah are absolutely right, I should have been put on antibiotics following the exchange and will discuss this with my PS.
Now I am worried about how this new turn of events will affect my job and if I have to look for a new one, if insurance will cover me!!!!!
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Well, I have researched the issue of post-operative prophylactic antibiotics and there are differing views. Some surgeons always prescribe ABX therapy post op - some do not. There have been random trials in this regard - nothing conclusive. There is a new clinical trial ongoing regarding this issue - results not in yet. I have taken a 10 day course of Keflex - 4 times a day - for my BLM and for the exchange, and I even took a four day course after the fat grafting. I also ask this question, as I would like to compile some information regarding implant infections as they occur in the ABX or non ABX category.
Implant infection occurs more with post mastectomy patients than it does with breast augmentation patients. I don't know....I just personally think prescribing antibiotics after a foreign body has been implanted seems reasonable. Don't get me wrong - a number of women develop infections while on post-op antibiotics. But we will never know if it would have made a difference in your case. But next time make sure he prescribes them. You are going to breeze through the next 4 to 6 months and it will be over before you know it. Just get a silicone gel prosthesis to use in the meantime to balance out in a bra. Your insurance should cover this....
I researched again and it appears that implant infections occur in approximately 5% of breast reconstruction - post mastectomy patients. There is approximately a 10% - 12% occurrence rate of infection in general - after mastectomy - not necessarily implants.
But having had this infection, if you have aggressive dental work....apart from regular cleaning - prophylactic antibiotics are a good idea. I'll find the link to that research and post it later.
Deborah
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Baxter and GeyserMom -- Good luck next week!
wbuggie - so sorry about the infection. MY PS also gave preop antibiotics, flushed the pocket with antibiotis, and pills for 7 days after each surgery. I have not had any infections.
Geena - Your work does sound like it would take a toll on you emotionally. Take care of yourself. When I have had a difficult situation, I listen to meditation/relaxation tapes, and they help calm me down. Have you tried mediation?
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firstmate,
I'm an avid meditation practitioner! Yes! It is amazing. I make tapes for my clients because quite frankly, just being able to be in the here and now, is key. But what a challenge. This breast cancer since 2006 - three times! - has really tested me. The anxiety about the "what ifs" is particularly bad. Have you heard - "if you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you're pissing on the present" - love it - and don't want to do that about the breast stuff. I read about our dear wbuggie and should be so grateful that right now, no matter how "iffy" it looks, things are OK with my expander. Yes, being in the here and now - and meditation - are both goals and GOLD for the spirit. Thanks for mentioning the practice, firstmate!
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Hi, Whippetmom and all,
Just a word to those who may have the same issues I did: During my bilateral mastectomy last Sept., I had IV Keflex and then 10 days of Keflex treatment by mouth. By the fourteenth day after surgery, I was feeling really awful and we couldn't figure out what it was. My internist started testing and found that I had elevated liver enzymes--hepatitis. She tested for every kind of hepatitis it could possibly be and nothing fit except "drug-induced hepatitis," because of the Keflex (down very far on the drug info sheet it has this as a possible adverse side effect, apparently). I was pretty sick for a month, but gradually got better. I doubt anybody else would have this problem, but now I have to remember to tell any surgeon about it.
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A lot has happened since I last checked my mail here. ((Geena)) Social work is a very hard job and you are in the toughest field of it. Make sure you take care of yourself. I did LTC/Hospice work for many years. I moved on to an easier job, after doing 25 years in that field.
((Wanda)) I cannot begin to imagine the disappointment that this infection has had on you. I think I would want to know what type of infection was present in the cavity, it may have been resistent to the Keflex and possible may need a different type of antibiotic. That is why having a culture and sensitivity could be of a benefit for you, they most likely did culture the area, did you ask your Dr? Just for the record; I had Keflex IV pre-op and 5 days of Keflex 500mg, 3xdaily post op for the exchange and after the MX the post op Keflex was for 7 days. ((Northstar)), good information about the odd side effect of antibiotic tx, I hadn't heard of that one, and that is a big side effect.
((Jean)) Thanks for the nipple info, this kind of sound like what he said he would do last December when he discussed the overall procedure. He said he would make a nipple by twisting tissue, then have the arreola tattoo'd. Then he made a comment about rethinking the nipple surgery but didn't have time to elaborate, so it will have to wait until next month.
I am at my sisters house, went shopping with my 3 sisters and a cousin and bought some bra's and had lunch and it felt good. I needed some good estrogen bonding. Later. . . JAN
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Wbuggie.....I lost my right implant twice from infection.....just got my new right foob on 6/25.....hope this time no complications. Last time I had already been on oral abx when I went to see PS to show him how red my foob was.....well that was 5/6 at 4:30 pm and I walked over to hospital and was in surgery at 7pm. So I have now had 5 surgeries since 12/30 BMX, 3/4 expanders to implants, 4/1 right imlant opened in the inframammary fold and got seroma.....so PS washed out pocket and put new implant........everything was doing pretty good until finished the 10 day abx....then the right foob tried to become a red headlight......my PS cultured everytime and nothing grew out......I am so hoping this time it takes.....I have promised myself at least 2 weeks off from work.....no matter how often my boss calls and tells me she needs me.......I love my job but love myself even more.... ope that doesn't sound too conceited...LOL Home now trying to take it easy. I have lots of soreness and swelling this time......even more than with BMX.
Trying to keep my SO from inviting everyone over for meals and get togethers....we both love to entertain......but I just want to rest for awhile.
Thank you all for being my cyber support sisters. What a lovely group of ladies....Elaine
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Wbuggie.....I lost my right implant twice from infection.....just got my new right foob on 6/25.....hope this time no complications. Last time I had already been on oral abx when I went to see PS to show him how red my foob was.....well that was 5/6 at 4:30 pm and I walked over to hospital and was in surgery at 7pm. So I have now had 5 surgeries since 12/30 BMX, 3/4 expanders to implants, 4/1 right imlant opened in the inframammary fold and got seroma.....so PS washed out pocket and put new implant........everything was doing pretty good until finished the 10 day abx....then the right foob tried to become a red headlight......my PS cultured everytime and nothing grew out......I am so hoping this time it takes.....I have promised myself at least 2 weeks off from work.....no matter how often my boss calls and tells me she needs me.......I love my job but love myself even more.... ope that doesn't sound too conceited...LOL Home now trying to take it easy. I have lots of soreness and swelling this time......even more than with BMX.
Trying to keep my SO from inviting everyone over for meals and get togethers....we both love to entertain......but I just want to rest for awhile.
Thank you all for being my cyber support sisters. What a lovely group of ladies....Elaine
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Sorry hit the submit button twice....must be related to the pain meds...LOL
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Ladies,
I am just checking in after my exhange on Fri 6/26. So far, everything is going fine. I got Allergan style 15 implants with a capacity of 616cc. I'm still wearing the surgical bra that my PS said I need to wear with gauze + no showers until Monday.I have peeked, and I think I am basically the same size as I was with my TE's. I did have a short duration of clindamycin for 24hrs with this exhange surgery. ( I had clindamycin for 10 days after my BLM, and 10 days for the minor infection in the stitches during the expansion phase. With this exchange, I've had very little pain., but have used vicodin to sleep.I don't have to follow up with my PS for 2 weeks. Basically, I feel very blessed.
NV diane,
I have exceptionally sensitive skin and I tend to develop rashes when I've been asked to wear the 100% nylon / synthetic surgical bras for too long. I don't know if this is what is causing your rash, but maybe. During the earlier part of my tissue expander process while I was told to wear this surgical bra, I was told to put a 100% cotton ladies tee shirt against my skin for a while and then put the bra over the top. (What a lovely fashion statement.LOL!!!! This helped a lot though. In addition, I was told to let myself "air out" when I was at home sitting to eliminate the rash. I also ended up taking benadryl to help too.
Wbuggie, I am praying for everything to work out and the infection to heal quickly!!!!!Hugs and healing prayers to you!!!!
I remain so thankful for each of you ladies. All of you remain in my daily thoughts and prayers!!!! God Bless, Georganne
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Hi Ladies!
I have been lurking as stepping back into to work was like falling into the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, without dreary details, so many of the things I left to be done were undone, and there is chaos with a camp teacher for both of the camps. I come home and I'm asleep by 7PM. My weekends are filled with cleaning, laundry, errands. Gee, I guess things have gone back to normal, but I have a very different attitude about things, my responses are much more relaxed, and I make sure I get up and walk multiple times during the day. I love you ladies and feel cut off!
So, I've just over 8 weeks out and every day the new girls look better, I look forward to seeing the subtle changes each day. I'm also amazed at how quickly all three scars are resolving. I had pretty angry looking scars during the time I had the TE's in because of all the pulling, not this time, they look better each day. I'm glad I'm waiting until November for my revision, things should really be settled by then.
I forget who posted the massage video, I loved it, thank you for doing that!
Tuesday night, assuming I can stay awake, life will be feeling more normal as I will be attending an outdoor concert to see Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Buddy Miller. I'm going with some close friends and we love to hit the outdoor shows in the summer.
I get to take off the actigraph that I have been wearing for a week for the clinical trial I'm in. It looks to see if yoga helps those being treated for cancer sleep better when they do yoga. I was randomized out of doing yoga, although I will get 5 weeks after the study. I've had 68 pages of forms to fill out so far and have to fill out forms for the next 5 weeks!
NVDiane--My skin reacts to everything during normal times. After each surgery it became even more reactive, I would get welts if I crossed my legs! I hope that is all that is going on with you.
Wanda--So many have said it all, but I want to say I'm sorry you are going through this, and I hope you get more information soon.
Jan--I hope you had fun with the sisters and shopping!
Elaine--Rest, and let your body heal. Did you fill out an FMLA at the beginning of the year? Your boss should not be contacting you, FMLA protects your job and insurance for 12 weeks a year, if she is bugging you ask her not to, or contact your HR rep. My job never gives us a break, email on Christmas Day from Director about work, ahhh...but he restrained himself and the rest of the Center really well when I was out.
Geena--Good luck with returning to work, I hope you can find a way to set yourself up for physical and emotional success. From all of your posts, I have a feeling you will transition beautifully. I posted somewhere that I put a fish tank in my office, brought my yoga mat and ball, lots of plants, and a small fridge with good snacks. Also, I get to take my dog to work, which should be allowed everywhere, it makes such a difference to those of us who bring our dogs, and those that don't come pet and walk our dogs during the day to relieve their stress. I'm lucky I have an office with a door, so I can do this. I agree with you about meditation, and I also get a lot from guided imagery. I use CDs each night as I fall asleep, right now, I'm focused on healthy immune responses. I get them from healthjourneys.com
Jazzy--How are you doing? I sent you my phone number, give me a call when you have a chance.
Deen--How are you feeling are things going well back at work?
All--8 days before my BLM my left breast developed a hard red area and it was warm. It was right over the site of my core biopsy. The BS put me on Keflex, which I took up until surgery, then my PS put me on Keflex for 10 days after surgery. For my exchange/hyster they gave me IV some other kind of cephalsporin (same family as Keflex) that works well with germs found below the belly button. Apparently, I was on a very high dose in preop and during surgery, when I asked about antibiotics after surgery the gyn/onc said they saturated my system with the antibiotics during surgery so they didn't order more.
Lorraine--Your son is so handsome. Mine is heading to LA to live with his father and follow his acting dream as well. Thankfully, his dad has been supporting himself as an actor for 40 years, and is a well known acting coach. Lindsey has been going to LA for years and working with different coaches, including his dad. We never got him an agent, and wouldn't until he was 18. Apparently, his dad has a commercial agent lined up for him, but is leaving it to Lindsey to get a theatrical agent on his own. His dad and I both were not comfortable with kids acting--his dad being an actor had seen some horrible stuff, as I did when I worked on sit-coms as a writer's assistant, and for awhile (when I was pregnant with Lindsey) I worked for the casting directors Jane Jenkins and Janet Hirschenson. The younger kids always seemed stressed out by their parents, lots of tears from the kids, and snarky pushy parents. Lindsey should be down there by the end of July, maybe the boys can meet. They have a lot in common, well acting and moms who had bc.
Ladies of the week:
6/29 - golfingb - Exchange surgery
7/2 - Baxter - Exchange surgery
7/2 - geysermom - Exchange surgery to style 20
Big hugs, you are almost there! Big hugs and wishes for quick healing and happiness with the result.
I think of all you every day. Hugs and prayers to the most amazing women! Sorry this was so long!
Love,
Karen
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wbuggie, I'm so sorry this happened to you! Please try to keep your spirits up. My prayers are with you in fast healing.
Elaine, This is the one! Please take care of yourself first! Don't worry about others, you're not concieted at all!
Georgeanne, I got a rash from the tape they had on me, and I rubbed Benadryl cream on it, and it helped, too. Fast healing to you.
I was on IV antibiotics during my hospital stay at BMX, and exchange/nip/oopher, plus Keflex after BMX, but a different one after exchange for 7 days, I don't remember what it was. So far, I have had no problems.
Big hugs to everyone,
Deen
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Best wishes to you guys doing surgery this week, we're all pulling for you that you have an uneventful and quick recovery and are ecstatic with your results:
6/29 - golfingb - Exchange surgery
7/2 - Baxter - Exchange surgery
7/2 - geysermom - Exchange surgery to style 20
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KEW..... thanks for the reminder about FMLA....yes I am very familiar with it....but my boss always tells me things go smoother with less complaints from the patients and doctors when I am working.....sounds very flattering? Welll I just don't put up with rudeness in any form from doctors or nurses when it comes to our patients. We are supposed to have JACHO visit very soon....and my boss just wants me there if possible.....they were slotted to come before my surgery but went to another OKC hospital.
hope all you ladies are having a good week end.......my sister was supposed to be here to drive me to church services.....I think she forgot......But I have a direct line to the "big guy " and call talk with him anytime....and believe me I do. Thank the Lord for allowing me to find this site and all your support......I love coming here ....I can honestly feel the love when I read your posts....what a sisterhood.......Love ya all nap is calling....Ealine
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Elaine: Your comment that you have a "direct line to the big guy" reminds me of this Nicole Mullen song...at the end she states...."I spoke with Him this morning."....I love this song and I love the message...
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=83e335755e5e914c16da
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Hi Bukki,
Sounds like we may have had a similar experience. I just have to wonder if antibiotics were give before and after, if I would be sitting in this position. I can't change it at this point but pray I can prevent it from happening again. Could you tell me if you had to do the whole TE, fills etc again and then onto the exchange? I have so many questions for my PS on Monday but was just too sick and sore to even think straight on Friday.
Thanks so much for all the support. I have shed so many tears this weekend and need to stop it and just prepare for the next step. Not helping me any to feel sorry for myself.
Good luck to all with exchanges this week!!
Wanda
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Wanda: Don't spend another minute with the "what ifs" of the antibiotic issue. I wish I had never made those comments. I just was feeling so badly about your setback....it just crushes me when this happens. As if cancer was not insult enough, it is like being told we have to play a trecherous board game...on the road to recovery. And then when something like this happens, a prize earned is taken away and the player is sent back to the starting gate. I really apologize for inferring that things might have been different. I have no idea of they would be...as Northstar states, she got an infection despite ABX treatment. All I can say is that I want you to not stress yourself out about this too much....six months is a mere blip of time....just look at your avatar, with your chin up in the air...and so keep it there honey....I am so very sorry for how you are feeling. Get right back on that boardgame and keep playing...stay in the game...
Hugs, Deborah
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Oh Deborah,
Please do not be sorry for mentioning the antibiotics as I should have done just that!! I now hope this experience will help all go well the next time around. I must admit, I chuckled about your game analogy as I had just commented to a friend that I felt like I had just played a nightmarish game of "shutes and ladders" and lost :-( I will know to demand antibiotics and am more than a little surprised at myself I had not asked. Not really in my character to not have pushed on this but really thought the worst was over and did not really think about how different the approach was from the initial TE with my BS until the morning of the exchange. ...ie, I did not have the wash like the initial, no prior antibiotics and none after. I blame myself for being so slack on this last step. Was just so elated to be at the end that I guess I "lost my mind" :-) I know it is not the end of the world, it has just created some extra complications.
Truly thank you for all your advice and support. It is much appreciated. My daughter is only 15 and it is just the two of us.... so need to hold as much of this in as possible.
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WBuggie, I am sorry for this set back. I know we are all so anxious to move forward that it must be upsetting to have to deal with this too. You will be in my thoughts that you heal well and are able to move forward as soon as possible.
Wabiarts, having breast cancer three times since 2008 must be a heavy burden to bear. I am glad that meditation helps you. I know when things are at there worst, I tend to disconnect. Eventually it hits me but I can't get my mind to stop long enough to meditate.
Georganne, I am glad to hear things are going well.
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(((wbuggie))) I am so sorry for all you have had to go through.
Geysermom - You and I are about the same size, though I weight a bit more than you. I have 400 cc style 20 implants and I am a solid C.
Bukki - I am so so sorry you are in so much pain. Lay low my dear! Take care of you!!
KEW - What a lovely, long posting. Sounds like things are going pretty well. I work many days from home and my dog is always at my side. I love it!!
Best wishes to our week's surgery sisters!!! Healing thoughts are going your way! - Jean
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Sorry all if my post was too long!
Karen
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Karen.. LOL.. that is funny.. IMHO no post is too long...
... I am Longgggggggggggggggggg winded though and LOVE LOVE LOVE to read all the post too!All having exchange this week or other surgeries... GOOD LUCK!! (((HUGE HUGS)))
DEBORAH... your doggie is a cutie.. I do miss your face though...:)
Ladies.. big hugs for you all!
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PS Annie... where in the heck are you lady???? Is your daughter hogging the PC again....
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I just wanted to send my prayers to all of you wonderful women who are going through setbacks with your expanders or implants due to infection. I can't even imagine the heartache you must feel. I am counting down to my exchange in 5 weeks and don't know how I would deal with a setback. My sister, who also has bc, is having a hard time with an infection as well. She had chemo, and was half way through radiation when she lost her te due to infection. She had been dealing with the infection since mx last October. Now her ps wants to do a lat flap surgery rather than another expander.
Stay strong ladies. I will be praying do you all.
Denise
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Wanda- If it helps at all- I will now insist on getting antibiotics so maybe you saved a bunch of us from the same heartache by posting it!
I am so sorry that happened to you, however. Big hugs to you. 6 months is a blip like Deb said but it is still hard, nontheless!
A friend of mine who is also going through reconstruction and I joke that we are just science experiments to our docs! (that is how it feels sometimes when things go wrong!) Just hang in there!
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Hello to all! Life is busy but good though some days I feel like I'm a hamster running in a ball....I have had time to lurk here but not much time to join in. Feeling kind of guilty
I had my first post dx mammo on old Saggy Aggy this week. That is a scary experience to say the least. I have 3 small calcification spots that haven't changed in the last three years(califications gone bad was the problem with my other breast) . The radiologist doesn't think it is cause for concern but says we (that must be the royal we) will have to be very vigilant with screening to make sure they don't change. I really wanted to hear that the old girl was clean, clean, clean but I do know that micro calcifications are very common and that often they don't turn into anything evil.
I am on the fipple parade for August too! I am kind of scared to mess with things at this point and part of me just wants to leave well enough alone but I think I'll go through with the procedure anyway. I've got the harvested piece of rib cartilage chilling in my groin area anyway so I assume if I don't get a fip I'll have to have it removed...so if he's cutting into me, he may as well give me another high beam!
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