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Exchange City

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Comments

  • golfingb
    golfingb Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    Hello ladies,

    I'm just checking in after my exchange. NOT  SO GOOD FOR ME . Maybe I haven't given enough time yet. I was filled to 800 cc's with TE's and exchanged for Mentor CPG 323 with 675 cc's. I wanted larger implants for more projection but doctor only uses Mentor. As a result they look AWFUL. Flat as a pancake, droopy with extra skin and he placed the nipples he made with alloderm nearly pointing at my feet. I ask about the nipples and his reply was, " I put them back where they originally were. He knew I wanted perky, firm breast when exchange was completed. I am so disappointed but do not know what to do. I AM GLAD that I am CANCER FREE, but this was the one ray of sunshine I was looking forward to. Does insurance pay for revisions by another PS?  I would hope to find one that carries a brand like Silimed that comes in 1000cc's. Any suggestions?

    Thanks,

    Kathy

  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2009

    Deborah or Sandy,

    I am hoping you can help me. I don't know if I have enough information for you. I am 5'5'' and weigh 140.( 10 lbs more than before my diagnosis...urgh!!) My ribcage is 33.5.I have mentor expanders maximum capacity 450cc. My PS has said that he would like to use menter silicone implants. I like the profile of my expanders as well as the width. What would you recommend for an implant to acheive approximately the same look. I have two weeks before I sit down with my ps to talk this over.

    Also, I have heard you mention that most ps's put implants larger than expanders in. I think that my ps said he does the opposite. I wouldn't mind being slightly bigger. What are your feelings on thi? I want to make an informed decision.

    As many have said, we all appreciate the time that you take to help us. We would be loat without you!

    Denise

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

    Georganne: I cannot remember - did you have complete submuscular expanders/implants placement or just partial?  If so, I know this placement can bring about some pectoral discomfort for awhile.  But at the level of discomfort you have - where you are taking a narcotic analgesic - I would let the doctor know and just ask if this is "normal" in his estimation.  Could be just the healing of muscles and nerves.

    golfingb:  Well, as you can well imagine, I am thoroughly ticked off about your post!!!  RUN, RUN, RUN to another PS.  What a BUFFOON!  Put the nipples back where they were?  He used a contoured profile implant, which with what I have learned, really takes creating the right size of pocket for this profile of implant.  So he created this large pocket and then put in implants 125 cc's smaller.  This is a pretty high projection implant - about 6.0 or more cm's in projection - but it just is like putting a square peg into a round hole.  Yes, insurance should pay for your consultation and subsequent revision with another PS.  You have every reason to be happy with your outcome.  There are plenty of Texas gals on these forums who can give you some recommendations for other plastic surgeons.  PM me if you need help.

    4greatkids:  Could you call your PS and get the name of the mfr and style number of your implants?  You might have been given a little card with this info at the time of surgery.  Your PS must maintain this information in his files - it is a medical device.  Let us know what you find out and we can help you with implant sizing. 

    Deborah

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited July 2009

    Kathy- I believe it is nationwide but in Va. we can have as many surgeries as we need to until our breasts are right!!!!  And yes- you can switch doctors!  (my insurance- blue cross) I went on many interviews to find the right doc after I decided to switch from my original PS and all those interviews were also covered!!!  Call your insurance company to be sure but I think you are OK!

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Deborah,(You are a dear!!!!!)

    I do have implants completely under the pecs. I have neglected to take the vicodin,(DUM BLONDE)  but last night, this morning, and this afternoon - bring it on!!!!!  I do suspect that maybe it is nerve regeneration;nevertheless, I will call the PS tomorrow to ask about this since I don't have my exchange post op check up till next Thurs. 7/9.

    As always, ladies, you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Georganne

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2009

    gallerygirl

    I haven't had my exchange yet but I don't think it is uncommon to pick up a staph infection.  I am sorry that you are going through this.  Keep being your own advocate and listen to your body.   

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

    Georganne:  (((((((HUGS))))))) It is a good thing...having complete submusculars....so just hang in there....

    RE: FAT GRAFTING:

    I have some exciting news.  I just secured a consultation with Gregory Scott, M.D., who last year headed up a study of fat grafting techniques in breast reconstruction patients.  He happens to be a Kaiser doctor and I am a Kaiser patient.  Typically, one must have a referral, but I spoke with his office and gushed about reading his medical treatises and wanting to do this rather surrepticiously, not wanting to offend my PS, and the nurse emailed him and he agreed to see me without a referral.  He is in San Diego - another network - but just a two and a half hour drive.  I am beginning to believe strongly that TECHNIQUE holds a major role in the success of fat grafting.  So I will report back to you all next month regarding my findings.  Here is the article re: his study:

    http://tiny.cc/M8mN6

    OOPS:  Had to find a new link. 

  • golfingb
    golfingb Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    Thanks to ALL of you sweet educated ladies. I feel so much better now. I was just hoping this would all be over and done with.

    Whippetmom, I look EXACTLY LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE DESCRIBED. Putting a square peg in a round pocket!!!! There has been so many reg flags along the way I guess I should have expected this, but my husband wanted me to think positive. Well, I tried and it has gotten me no where.  I'm hoping to find someone in the Dallas area that uses the Silimed implants you had told me about earlier. I think 1000cc's would look great on me if done correctly.

    Cheri2,

    Thanks for your advise. I also have Blue Cross so that really helps ease my mind. I will start on the next leg of this journey Monday morning. 

    Hugs to each of you and hope all is going well,

    Have a great weekend!!!

    Kathy

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited July 2009

    Geena,

    I had the cording on both sides, but mostly on my cancer side where 9 nodes were taken, it is related to lymph nodes/channels.  I was sent to PT and taught how to stretch them.  It is the lymph channels that have shortened or withered because of the surgery.  I had it from my left wrist under my arm, looked like violin strings and across my rib cage along the lymph route.  I still get bothered by it sometimes, see if you can work with a PT who is really familiar with bc patients.  I've heard some women say theirs just "snapped" and never bothered them again.

    So, much to write, but exhausted from work.  Glad to see how everyone is doing.

    Love,

    Karen

  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2009

    Deborah, Do you mean that you need my expander syle#? I will call and find out as I did not get a card. He only told me repeatedly that they were mentor with a maximum fill capacity of 450cc.

    Thanks again!

    Georganne, I hope that your pec pain subsides soon. I still have my expanders in and I get a lot of pec. pain especially if I overdue it during the day. Yesterday, when I was at the drugstore I saw these pain patches.They were near the sore muscle rubs. I wore one today and it made a world of difference. I smelled of menthol a little, but it was worth it to be comfortable. One word of warning though. They really stick on. I had to wet them with a washcloth to get it off.

    Good luck,

    Denise

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

    4greatkids - It is one of these three styles and they all have different dimensions...

    http://www.mentorcorp.com/breastsurgery/reconstruction/tissue-expanders.htm

    golfingb:  Here is the link to the Sientra website with the Silimed silicone implant line.  You can scroll down to the bottom and find Sientra's contact info.  They are in California.  Call them and ask for names of Dallas area plastic surgeon's who have access to their products.

    http://www.sientra.com/datasheets/silicone%20gel%201%201.pdf

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

    KATHY:

    This kind of thing is what just boils my blood too.... YES to what everyone else is saying.. GET ANOTHER PS... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

    I have no advice, as I am not as educated as Deb or Sandy.. but I wanna just give you a hug and say I AM SORRY... If you lived by me, I would LOVE to have a talk with your PS for you...lol.. , THAT I am good at... Girl.... YOU WILL get what you deserve... do not hold back! ((HUGS))

    Deborah... I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to see what you have to tell us after your consult... Fat grafting has never been a real plus with BC ladies. As you know, my PS  is not for the old way.. ( the way it is done now)... he say 90% of the time.. the body absorbs it... so I CANNOT WAIT to see this new way.. I am going to check out the web site soon.. thanks for the link! This would be a huge success in the reconstruction of breasts. Lord I hope it works!

    Ladies... have a Blessed 4th!

    My dh is playing ( drummer) at a pool party tomorrow night and that will be quite fun... wish you all could come!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited July 2009

    ((Kathy))  I am glad that you checked in, I was wondering about you,  I am so sorry that you got a PS that did what he felt was best for you instead of doing what YOU wanted.  This sucks!  I hope you find a PS that will listen to what you want. Isn't Deborah great? I think she is the real "mentor" here, and pretty high profile too!

    ((Georgeanne)),  I had nerve pain that went down my arm, it went away after a week.

    ((Deborah)) GREAT NEWS!  I am so happy that you were persistent in getting the best Dr. to address your needs.  I hope that he can solve the concerns that you have and is a good listener.

    ((Karen)) Glad to know you are surviving work.  I am beat, started back on Monday, on Wednesday the big boss came in and laid off 4 of the 6 employees.  I was spared along with another guy, but with California in the hole, I am surprised that I have a job at all. 

    Anyone hear from Geysermom or Baxter?  I hope their surgeries went well today.  Jan

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    Laura come Sept we will join you for a pool party : )

    yes insurance will pay for a 2nd exchange

    hang in there ladies

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited July 2009

    Hey Guys,

    Just checking in from my surgery yesterday. Things went well, but they couldn't put in the size implant we were hoping for. Can't really tell what's going on under the sugical bra, but I feel small. Shouldn't complain, I know...I am cancer free. I would love to be called voluptuous instead of cute just once in my life! Hey I have a great man and he loves me, so what more could a girl ask for? 

    On my first visit last fall to my PS, the office music was playing "You're Still the One" by Orleans. My DH teared up and said that was going to be our song throught this. From that day on he used it as his ring tone, and he whispered it to me when I came out of surgery. 

    I'll fill you gals in whan I have my unveiling! Thanks for the support! (pun intended!)

    Candi

    Julie and Deborah...I PM'd you

  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 89
    edited July 2009

    Baxter,

    Hang on to that man. He sounds like a gem. Best wishes for good results after your "unveiling"!!

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

    Candi! Wonderful... kiss hubby twice...:)

    I hope they look great .. why did your PS have to go smaller?

    Heal well sister!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited July 2009

    ((Candi))  That story is the stuff that makes my heart sing.  What a great guy, then again look at the beauty he was blessed with. I like your attitude and hope that the breasts that were created are the perfect custom fit for you.  If not, hey I learned from this forum that a second exchange can be done.

    Happy 4th weekend to everyone.  ((Laura)) have a great time at the party, you are the lucky one, you get to go home with the drummer!    

    Jan

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited July 2009

    Thank you all you beautiful women for the feedback on the odd "cording" or "mondors cords" or "violin strings" I posted about the other day.  I created a thread on this too and got lots of good feedback.  It does seem to be mondors cords - but my doc doesn't use that label.  She said it is when she stitched the alloderm in it picked up the fascia that runs along the rectus abdominus.  She said this will resolve in 3-6 months.  As I try to get full ROM back (I'm a big stretcher), I've started to do some slow myofascial massage over my ribs to lengthen the fascia and it hurts, but it is helping.  Again, thank you for all the feedback.

    My work week is over - I work very intensively Monday-Thursday and I'm in a bit of a fugue state, will sleep this afternoon.  I'm sore (5 weeks out from bi lat mx and expanders) but OK. 

    I want to read more of what you've written later so I can catch up. I will say - ((Bukki)) - I'm really glad to hear your news and ((Deborah)) I'm betting this new fat graft specialist is going to learn a lot from YOU!

    Geena

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited July 2009

    Elaine - Great news. I am so happy for you!

    Gallerygirl - Oh my goodness, I am so sorry for you. I know others have had infections as well. Though I have no idea why some of us do and others of us do not. Hugs my dear!

    Jackie Tiger - Congratulations!! Welcome to your new girls. I like mine as well!

    Cil - I guess what Deborah and Sandy keep telling us is true. You and I have the same size implants, but we are now wearing different size bras. Interesting how that happens. Best wishes!!

    Kathy - I am so sorry you are disappointed. You have been through too much to not be happy w/ the results. Hugs my dear!

    Baxter - Cute is good too! And your dh sounds like a doll!!

    Geena - I had the cording on one side. It hurt for a while and annoyed me for a while as well, but it resolved itself and dissolved after a while. Hope yours does too!

    Happy July 4 ladies! Perhaps it will stop raining for 12 hours. We could use a little breather from this damp weather!

  • golfingb
    golfingb Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Jan1 for your thoughtfulness. You are right these girls, especially Deborah, are great. They should be counselors for BC patients. They could make a good living at it!!! I know they do it out of the kindness of their heart and that means more than money can ever buy.

    Several have mentioned surgical bras. I was wrapped in tape and do not have one single bra that fits.. What should I use? Do I need a sports bra or a form fitting bra with cups? Again my surgeon is walking out the door as you are trying to ask questions.

    Thanks again to all, you ladies are great. Hugs and healing powers to all of you,

    Kathy

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

    Kathy:  My PS actually told me, one week out of the exchange surgery, to wear a wireless push up bra. I bought one at Victoria's Secret.  I also bought a Marena surgical bra to wear at night and I alternate between this and a couple of sports bras to sleep in.  But don't invest too much money in bras...until you know where you are going with future revisions/exchanges.  Here is where I bought the Marena bra:

    http://marenagroup.com/store/entity/tabid/198/c-3-breast-support.aspx

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

    Jan.. funny funny...

     I have been told my entire adult life that I was the lucky one going home with the drummer...:) I suppose the drummers are the hot guys.. :)

    Have a Blessed and Safe Holiday!

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

    Candi:  I scrolled up just now and wondered what Jan and others were talking about.  I read what Ross said to you....tears came to my eyes...happy tears.  He is a keeper!!! 

    Laura:  Well, the fat grafting is the same....but by technique, I mean the manner by which the fat is applied to the areas of defect.  I am fully prepared for him to tell me that it might not be successful the second time either...and that perhaps a different style or size implant would be the answer.  As I stated before, my current PS feels that the Allergan 410 would probably be great for me, but I just do not think I could handle anything firmer than what I already have.  The quest continues...

  • geysermom
    geysermom Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2009

    Hello All,

    I'm not as quick as Baxter/Candi checking in after surgery.  My surgery went well and we had the same experience, 400ml was the plan and I ended up with 375ml.  My PS said the 400ml didn't fit well so he went with 375ml.  I am petite so I'm not surprised.  My DH has said over and over he doesn't care about my breasts, just about me so I'm a really lucky lady as well.

    Like Baxter, I'm really eager to look at the results.  My PS doesn't want me to remove the surgical bra until 48 hours after my surgery.  I guess I will celebrate 4th of July by checking out my new foobs!

    Julie

  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2009

    glad everyone checked in after their surgeries this week.....prayers for rapid healing....(((((HUGS))))) to all..

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited July 2009

    Much care and support to all of you.  It is beautiful here in New England today, and I hope you all have a restful weekend.

    FYI - I changed my screen ID (used to be my business name) and Avatar for a bit more confidentiality.  I hope you all still recognize me!

    Geena (yes, I know saying my name isn't confidential, but I want the dots to connect for you dear ones....)

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited July 2009

    Congrats  and good luck to those of you having surgery next week:

    7/8 - jrgolomb - Exchange surgery

    7/8 - Lisa810 - Exchange to silicone implants

    7/10 - snoopygirls - Exchange surgery

    7/10 - DV8Q - Exchange surgery

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited July 2009

    Hello Ladies! I am new to this site. When I posted on the April Reconstructioneers I was told my a sweet lady to try my question with this group since you are the knowledgeable ones. I had bi-lat TE's placed in April 09 after waiting a year from bi-lat mastectomy. My left side sits noticeable lower through clothing. The PS says he needs to do scar revision to get my right side to drop lower at exchange time. But I like the height of the right - it looks a lot better. I was told they can't modify the left to bring it up since the pocket is already formed and alloderm is sewn in. My PS never drew all over me to place the TE's and I am beginning to think that should have been done.

    Help... Is that true? Pockets can't be raised during exhange to silicone implants?

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited July 2009

    Julie, I have the style 20.  one side is 375cc and the other 350cc.  and I am petite 29 inch rib cage....I am a C cup and I am very happy.....I did not want to look top heavy....

    Hope you are celebrating the 4th because you are happy with your new girls...

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