Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?
Share with us: What are your proudest moments of 2024 and personal goals for 2025?
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?

Exchange City

1…1112141617…1387

Comments

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited February 2009

    Hello darlings....thank you everyone for being so understanding about the facebook thing...I am such a dinosaur and rarely check it, but my daughter wanted me on it, so.....I did, and now I'm thinking, "hm, I never even get to it,".....I have a horror of things being leaked to her, as you say, laura "on my terms"...control freak, that's me.    So, the phones are off, and kind hubby went ahead and called the onc's office to ask them to call him with news.  He's the protective sort.  So tomorrow, I'm outta here early, and when I feel ready, will come home.  I'm going to the mall, in self defense and buy new makeup.  I always think a new mascara is a big pick me up.   

    Thank you guys so much for all the prayers....I hope so, I trust so, that god won't do me in just yet.  I can go buy me a new boob, but I can't get a prophy lung, so I'd be a bit screwed I guess.

    I want so badly to be able to help "pay it forward" for all my dear sisters otherwise, what did I learn from all I went thru?  I need to be healthy to do the work I want to do in this field, and help others thru it.  I'm hoping........

    Dejaboo, I second that you did the best you had with the info you had at the time.  If I had the outcome that you did and i was unhappy, I'd sure as hell speak up and get what I wanted.  hey, you're the one going thru it all, right?  I hope you have a great guy now, and it will all be AOK for you.  You've been thru alot......I had somewhat of the same thing, I had a lumpectomy before, and the skin broke down, I had necrosis, god, what a mess.  However, it eventually healed up.  But the foob is not what I'd call fixed, by a long shot yet.  Yvonne, hang in there, it will heal.

    This month is just a toughie for all on here, isn't it?  Let's declare March lucky for all of us, OK?  I'm inluding me in there also :).

    Laura, I hope work is OK for you.  Gee you look darling in that hairdo, you should keep it.

    Thanks for the PM, you are the sweetest thing ever.  Sandy, you're a darling, and I just love you.  thanks you guys from the bottom of my heart.  Lorraine, Jean, thanks to you guys also.  I apologize if I left anyone out, I don't leave you out of my heart, that's for sure.

    I just hope I can be as supportive to all of you after this.  I'll post when I get the (hopefully) good news.  I'm pretty freaked out, but refusing to give in, except for the phone thing.

    love you all be well

    annie in waiting

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Wow I have been really busy for the last few days and have not been able to post. WOW alot going on.

    Annie, please let us know how things went. I am sure that your scans were clean but please check in with us when you can. We all love you!

    Tracey

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Fairy49 thanks for sharing the changing room story.  It reminds me of a few weeks ago when I went to doc appointment and stayed at a BC friends house.  It was the 1st time we saw eachother since my exchange.  you can pix us sitting in her livingroom showing eachother what our final results are.  Who ever thought I would  be doing this...

    CristLC let us know if your able to get ahold of Timtam.  Since you have a lot of post I think she will let you in.  I don't know how many post you have to have but the more you have the better the chances are of getting in I think.

    Suzie I did wear a bra 24/7 but I forget for how long.  It might have been the 1st 2 weeks.

    Karen final fill wooohooo

    I'm feeling better tonight and I hope everyone is : - )

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    Jeanie~~I'll be looking for responses to your bra question--I assumed I'd be able to go back to my rather extensive collection of Victoria's Secret bras, with maybe a couple of new ones as a gift to myself.  My exchange was 2/9, also nips later, I guess in a couple of months.  I see my PS next Thursday, so I'll have lots of questions.  I don't expect to know how the implant will feel until I can wear a normal bra and normal clothes---right now I feel the tightness you mentioned.

    Enjoy those grandchildren in NC (We attended a wedding in Wilmington last June--loved the city!)--I'm priviledged to have my grandchildren here in Wisconsin with me!  Suzie

  • playmysti
    playmysti Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2009
    Geez....ladies....I really feel bad cause I'm the one that said "

    Thanks for all the advise on the implants, I just want mine to be big, point out and tilt up a bit...ha.  I'm thinking that they are too far apart though...do they move the boobs closer together when they do the final exchange?  I'm scheduled for 4/3.  These expanders seem so far apart..I wouldn't have any cleavage at all.  Any thoughts ladies? "

    Guess I brought up a touchy subject, I'm sorry.  But, now with all the comments I'm really nervous about even mentioning moving them closer...yikes.   

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    Mary--at least you have more information now and can voice your concerns to your PS.  I don't have much cleavage, but just assumed my underwire bra would take care of that.  Maybe not?

    Suzie

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

    Lovely ladies! I had my 1 day back to work... or rather... evening..... It was good.!

    Annie... you go Girl!!!

    I am just going to saw welcome to anyone new..!!!!!! WELCOME!

    I hope everyone feels safe here... and comfortable... When I left Sandy felt so sad and misunderstood.. and Pam was venting and felt lonely and sad.. and very left out... not know where she belonged... I pray that has been worked out... because Sandy Rocks.. and Pam is BIGTIME Welcome!.....

    It felt so good to be at work. I talked to much and too fast.. but thus is me... I NEED to mellow....

    I could take the 10mg of Valium with the 50mg of Demerol with fills... and ws just fine to do about anything... I swear... I wonder if I will ever mellow... LOL.. I thought the cancer would have chilled me out... NOPE.... :)

    My dh HAS to be happy I am working again... so I can talk all day.. to other people...hehe  hehe...

    Ladies... I love ya and hope all is well!!!!

    Laura

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Laura thanks for making me giggle before heading up for the night

    wash all done so time for rest

    wish me luck this weeekend I hope I survive

    that is if the snow doesn't stop me to getting to the snowgaines race...

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

    off to bed... LUCK ((( Sandy))))!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Patricia - I am so sorry about your family member. My heart goes out to all of you!

    Annie - Your dh sounds like a love, what a kind man he is! Please know I am thinking of you today!

    Laura - I am so glad that you enjoyed your first evening back to work. My daughter is testing (cutting hair) for a cosmotology job today. Wish her luck! And, if you speak like you right, I would love being in your shop. You are a doll!

    Sandy - I take it you are doing a marathon of something of that nature this weekend. Something in the snow?

    So... I go to see my PS today for a possible addition fill. I hope she doesn't think I am crazy. I will have to tell her about my friends on this site. Thanks ladies!

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

    Everyone.... I hope all is well and I hope we hear from Southportsoon... EEKKK...

    Jean, I did not know your daughter was a stylist... yeah! Luck to her!

    Our shop is fun... not to fancy.. just... 6 of us stylists... a few receptionist... and of course.. when women are together for a long time... :).... I have to step in and lay that law down a few times a year....lol...but for the most part.. we have fun and love eachother... Luck to the daughter!

    Oh... and I think if you feel one more fill might be nice.. you should do it I think. You want to make sure that you are happy in the end. If yu are even entertaining the thought.. I would do it.

    40Something... so sorry and just not right ! I hate this disease!

    Tracey's back !! Hey girl!

    Annie and Diana.... you kept me up last night praying and thinking about this disease. How many it effects. Yesterday, at work I was asked if this has changed me... and ,.. I really had no answer... I am not sure yet... give me a year to be a little freer of it in my mind. The only thing that popped into my head and out of my mouth, is I wanted to be nicer. Just a nicer person, ya know.

    Ladies... I hope you have fantastic days... your boobies are settling in well, your expanders are not driving you nuts and your scan are clear, you feel ok about your new dx or old, you feel no anger or sadness... and if fear enters your soul today, the dear Lord send someone to comfort you!!

    Gods Love,

    Laura

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    It snowed last night and the world looks so much prettier!  : )   I always think of how much different the same landscape looks under a blanket of snow and realize my perspective in life is much like snow.  Good or bad, it changes the landscape of my world.

    I'm home today (I only work 4 days a week) and because I felt my "inner underwire bra" a little more than usual last night, it made me think of checking posts - wow this one has filled up the past couple of days!  Anybody know how Southport did on her exchange?

    Keep the faith, girls.  Let it snow.

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Well... I am off for a possible additional fill. My PS will think I am nuts when I express by foob greed. Actually, she will most likely laugh. This is the lady that told me that my little band aids were as close as I was going to get to nipples for a while. I love her. Anyhow, I have been so comfortable lately (at least compared to what I was), that I think I must be nuts to be going in for another fill. But then... possibly I am nuts.

    Enjoy the snow Psalmist. We just have blowing snow flakes, nothing pretty here.

    Take care all. - Jean

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    Fill 'er up, Jean!  My PS's assistant really encouraged me to go bigger because SO many women are disappointed later.  So, I'm going for it.  I love the furtive glances toward my chest from those who remember me as a very small busted person.  : )  They don't say anything, but I know they want to.  My permanent implants will be a size smaller than my expanders - and I'll miss the fun of watching people grapple with their questions about my chest. 

    I'm naughty. LOL!

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2009

    Well, I just got back from the unveiling of the girls.  (they have been all bandaged up since the exchange) After all you go thru I thought there should have been a "drum roll" or something.  I am not overly impress.  I guess I have to wait for the to "settle & fluff"  whatever that is.  I'll post pictures to see if this is what to be expected.

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2009

    Where is Southport???

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2009

    Psalmist, we aren't naughty if we get "foob greed"; after all we've been through, we deserve it, LOL!  Jean, go for the gusto! My PS said if I wanted to go up from 800cc to 1000cc, he'd make me "bodacious", and I couldn't resist a blandishment like that! Sealed So, next week, I guess I'll find out what he means!  I'm ready for bodaciousness, LOL!

    Diane

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    Mary- Im sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad.  A great way for me to join this thread- Not.

     I would talk to your ps a lot & get him to repeat what  you are saying so you are both clear on your expectations.

     I would love to have my implants about 1" apart...I think without a bra it will be enough cleavage for me (although I am just guessing)  And If I want more cleavage I do think a bra will accomplish that.  (right now if I wear a push up bra- which I dont but have tried on- It does push my implants towards the center more.)  

    Cristl- I sure do remember you!  Nice to see you again- Love your Avatar with you & your dh?  or bf? I hope your SE improve soon.  Im glad my pm helped you way back last Aug.

    Laura- glad you are back to work -Will be nice to do Normal Everyday things. When I read your post "It felt so good to be at work. I talked to much and too fast.. but thus is me... I NEED to mellow.... I could take the 10mg of Valium with the 50mg of Demerol with fills..."

    It made me laugh cause I thought you were saying you could have taken Valium to slow down your talking at work yesterday....

    Sandy- I hope you are still feeling ok.  Im doing better today.

    I need to get to your pm still

    Pam

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    Cathee,

      Im sorry to hear you are not impressed after your unveiling.

    One thing I can say...Is my Implants have settled in the 5 months since my Exchange.  If only they werent in the wrong spot...Id keep them.

    They have changed shape & Look nice.   Hopefully yours will to & You will be happier in the coming months.

    Pam

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    Oh- and if someone isnt on the picture forum & would like to see my Reconstruction.  I have a webpage with it - Not sure if I am ready to post the link here.

    But pm me & I will give it to you.

    I just looked at it- Needs updating as I look worse then the pictures taken a month ago.

    Pam

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2009

    Cathee,

    I'm already telling myself that I have to wait for mine to drop and fluff too. That's not fair, is it? we've waited long enough already!  I hope yours will look wonderful, and that you will be very happy with them.

    I've been thinking about Southport too....

    Diane

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

    Pam:  OOPS... Just wanted to suggest that you NOT post the link.  The pictures forum is 100% private and the only way someone can view is to be sent the link to join by Timtam.  Wink

    I did look at your photos, and you know, your Photo #2 looks nearly exactly the way my expanders look right now.  You had 400 cc's in that photo and I have 425cc's.  But after looking at before and after photos of breadloafing and reading up on this - especially b/c my friend has this going on [but it does not bother her enough to do anything about it....] there is a doctor here in San Diego who specializes in surgical correction of things like this and so with what I have read on his website, I have no reason but to believe you are eventually, with your new PS, going to get a great cosmetic result.  I personally think you have a clear professional malpractice claim which is viable against your former PS - [if your current PS is telling you he would have had to intentionally put the implants so close together] but the energy and anxiety which goes into pursuing this is often just not worth it. So hang in there!!!!  We will all be praying for you!!!

    Deborah

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Oh ladies, I did it. I went for another 50 cc. I know my total is not all that much (370 cc), but on me it looks quite large. My PS did smile, but she said it was fine. She thinks the implant will be 400 cc or so. Silicone, but not gummy bears (or what ever they call them). The gummies are not readily available in this country, and she likes the ones she uses now. She says they are softer and feel more like normal breasts. She did tell me that my exchange may be delayed a week, she may not be back from her vacation by the 9th. And I am okay w/ that. My BM got delayed by a week and I almost went crazy, but this go around a week here or there is okay w/ me.

    All of you are the greatest. You are my heros! You all deal w/ everything with such grace. I am SO GLAD that I found every one of you. Take care and stay warm - the wind is howling here tonight. - Jean

    Should we mark Southport as completed? I hope her recovery is going okay.

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited February 2009

    Hi all: Just a quick note; I do not have the "official word", but the unofficial word from someone in the radiology office is that all is "stable" and they said recheck in one year.

    I still have no official word,  my onc is on vacation, and we spent all day waiting for a phone call, but ...........I think this is good news, so cautiously, qualitatively, I think it's OK>....I will post when i know more!

    ...and as we all know way too well, the bad news travels like lightning.  so hoping.........

  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2009

    Good to hear Cathee has completed her exchange.....as well as al the rest of you ladies.Mine is getting closer and I am getting more and more worried.....about the way they will look and well EVERYTHING.....these expanders have been miserable....I haven't had any fills as my ps put 600 cc in immediately after my surgery......if that is true...let me just say I still haven't found a bra that fits...a C cup looks like "duck " bill of fabric, I has been too hard to find a B cup in my chest size 46......so soft tank tops and camis are all I've needed....I am just tired.....work has been really busy.....my co-worker nurses keep telling me to slow down......that is hard to learn after being the type A for so long.....I do so much love reading what all you girls have to say......you just make my day....Elaine

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    Anniealso - we'll take the unofficial word as good news!  Cathee, thanks for your honesty.  I'm fully expecting to be underwhelmed after my exchange and from everything I've read I'll have to wait for a few months before passing judgment.  I do wish there were a drumroll after the exchange, though.  It's been a long wait.

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2009

    Hi all

    First post here...usually on the TE pain thread but Lorraine "outed" me...LOL. It was so funny to be in the dressing room after seeing each other face to face for 10 mins with our shirts up around our necks admiring each others foobs. I can only imagine what the 20 something sales clerks thought when they heard the giggling coming from the dressing room.

    So glad to finally be here. I will find out when my exchange is at my PS appt on 2/24. Woo hoo so excited to get a date. Probably end of March or beginning of April. Hope it's not the April date because he does his surgeries on Wednesdays and that will be April Fool's Day...ha ha. I have been very uncomfortable throughout the entire expansion but I'm happy with how my expanders look...with clothes on more than off....I have 660cc right now and will have 700cc implants. Not sure what kind...will find that out as well at my appt.

    xxoo Kathie 

  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2009

    Ladies--you deserve to be foob greedy!  I was so concerned (and consumed) by the final outcome--that I rescheduled my exchange 4 days before surgery and had one more fill of 100 ccs.  My PS was so wonderful about it and his only concern at that point was that I was happy with outcome.  I would share with all---go a tad bit bigger...the implants have a very different look & feel from those dreadful expanders.  Good luck to all--Erin   

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Annie they always say no news is good news, we'll keep you in our thoughts until you get the official word

    Jean way to go for the boob greed ; )

    Pam glad to see you here thanks for sharing your info with the ladies

    Jean tomorrow I will looked dressed like you minus the snow shoes.  I'll just have on some waterproof northface shoes with gaitors.  It's a 6 hour orenteeering race in a really nice park.  It where we have to use a topo map to find flags hanging in the park.

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

    Yes, Annie - I think it sounds like very good news.  That "see you next year".....is what everyone wants to hear...and I am so glad you got this even unofficial word, with the weekend coming up.  I tell you, I am going to remember that when it comes time for my body scans, I am going to schedule them on a Monday or Tuesday! 

    Psalmist, I am so comfortable in my expanders, I have to agree with you about being underwhelmed with the exchange.  I so like the way I look in clothes with the expanders [have not worn a bra since surgery Wink and happy about it I might add] and I have thought....what if I do not look as good once I get the implants?  I want to avoid wearing a bra as much as possible for the rest of my life.  Maybe when I am 90 I'll put on a bra every now and then, just to be proper. 

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.