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Comments

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited July 2009

    Dawn - I just added your date. Sorry it took so long, I am in Pa on business this week.

    Lots of activity on this site as always.

    Laura - Not to worry (easy for me to say, right?) but you will be SOFT and beautiful!!!!! I just know it!

    Linda - A nip surgery date is just so cool!! Congratulations!

    Best wishes to all the other surgery sisters this week!

  • oncRN
    oncRN Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2009

    Jan and Deen (hey...wasn't that some 50s singing duo?) thanks for the well wishes. The rash doesn't bother me, except I know I scare the crap out of some of my chemo patients...here I am telling them they have a struggling immune system and I look like I have the plague..oh well...this too shall pass! Well wishes to everyone here in this wonderful Exchange City!

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

    I sure wish I could join you gals on the walk... I am so far away... Missouri. I am going to Vegas to meet so many.. but the week before.. I just have to work...LOL... I own the place and if I am gone too much more.. my stylist will disown me...

    Thanks for the support Jean.. Love you and WISH WISH WISH I was meeting you in Vegas..:(

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited July 2009

    Kathie--That IS awesome.  I hope more women in the area can join us as well!

    Deborah---Smile

    Jan--I know it sound like I'm doing a lot of exercising, but it doesn't FEEL like it

    Laura--We wish you could come, too, but hey Vegas will be great, I wish I could go there, but $$$$, we all know how it is!  You are going to be so happy with your exchange and eyes! 

    Hugs,

    Karen

    http://rfcp.convio.net/goto/thetatasisterhood

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited July 2009

    Mykidsmom,

    Thanks so much for adding my name - so excited to be on there.  Hope your trip goes well.

    HUGS, Dawn

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

    Ladies... I am kinda of emotional right now.. ( not normal).. so bear with me,,,

    I named us the Ta Ta Sisterhood.. about six months ago is all. This term was never used until one night.. I started thinking and put a name to us... "US" meaning ALL of us with BC.

    I went to Karens Susan G Komens walk site she listed for us.... and THERE IT WAS...

    Ta Ta Sisterhood.... OMG.. I started crying.

    When Tracey asked me to use the name Ta Ta Sisterhood here for Vegas.. I cried...

    I am SO SO moved this little name stuck!

    I am such a wimp about this..hehe...

    Whether we have Reconstruction or not.. we ALL had BC... or could have gotten it due to our genes.. we are ALL part of a "sisterhood"...

    I will come and go.. but I hope... my .. " Ta Ta Sisterhood" will go on. forever... UNTIL A END TO BREAST CANCER! Amen

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2009

    Amen Laura!!!!

    May we all live long and strong

    xxoo 

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited July 2009

    ((Laura))  Wow, what a tribute to a very unique club of women, mind you a club that nobody would voluntarily join.  You have been such an inspiration to me, especially when I see your picture with those beautiful children.  Thanks for being you!  No wonder you got to go home with the drummer!

    Best wishes to ((Jrgolomb and Lisa810 tomorrow))  You both will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that you log on and tell us all how it went.  You deserve a great set of Ta ta's.  

    ((Dawn)) I am glad that you are set for your exchange date, you are only 30 days out, and this is a great day.

    ((OncRn))  When I had the rash, the splotchy started on my hip with the herald patch and spread over many weeks.  The Dr. that saw me thought it was "ringworm" and treated me with an oral antifungal medication.  I was not around any strange animals, and I know my dogs were clean.  I googled my symptoms and pityraisis roscea fit the picture better was confirmed by my regular physician after the medication didn't work. Thankfully it all went away.  My rash was on my trunk and legs, so easily covered.  Jan 

  • Jazzygem
    Jazzygem Member Posts: 125
    edited July 2009

    Oh My Goodness Laura!!!  When I was reading your post I really started to sweat...I was thinking you were upset that we are using the name TaTa Sisterhood for our team....WHEW!  Laughing

    It's because of the name why I am on this site!  I thought I was the only one that had the tata connection and was beyond thrilled to find the tata sisterhood thread!  Vegas is our rainbow!!

    WE ARE THE TA TA SISTERHOOD!

    {{{Laura}}}

    HUGS! JazzyJ

  • tg33
    tg33 Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2009

     I got the exchange June 22 and am doing well...I have a question for all that have already gone through this...What is fluffing and when does it happen?

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies just hopping on here on my break...

    I have about 3 pages to read and can maybe catch up tonight since I don't think we have anything planned

    Last night I took my almost 12 year old riding on the bike trails with me ( I got him a new bike from a friend's son that out grew his) and we had so much fun.  Tonight we might just go around town so it's not such a crazy night.

    I hope everyone is doing well

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    LAURA JUST READ YOUR POST AND TEARS STARTED AS I'M SITTING HERE AT WORK

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

    Posting for future search reference: Study published May, 2009: RE:  Placing tissue expanders with Alloderm grafts prior to radiation:

    "Immediate Breast Tissue Expander-Implant Reconstruction With Inferolateral AlloDerm Hammock and Postoperative Radiation: A Preliminary Report"

    "In this report, we describe 5 patients who underwent immediate implant or tissue expander/implant reconstruction with an AlloDerm hammock followed by radiation therapy. No patient lost her implant or developed capsular contracture. This preliminary observation has served as the impetus for a larger institutional review board (IRB)-approved study currently underway."

    Link to entire article:

    http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2683576

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

    Deborah.. THAT makes me feel sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better..! I know it was only 5 gals... but 100% did not loose their implant.. wahooooooo

    Thanks for posting that!

    Sandy... remember back then.. six months ago seems like two years.... WOW....

    TA TA SISTERHOOD!

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

    Hey Deborah.. could you post this link on the Picture forum... The  rads area. I just read all this and it would be a good read for any woman doing this and having so much fear. I cannot tell you how much anxiety I went through last year over this...

    Thank you!

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

    Laura - Done!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited July 2009

    Deborah, wow, again you came through for this site, you are an amazing resource.

    Thankfully every story that has a concern or issue may help someone else at a later date, reading the needs and wants and struggles and joys of the sisterhood.  The candid responses from everyone on this site about their experiences is such a blessing when trying to figure out what is to be expected on the BC adventure.  Jan

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Hope you're all doing well today!  Thinking of you all!

    Jan - Thanks for your comments, I never really looked at my exchange date in terms of how many days until... WOW thanks so much for pointing that out to me, that makes me feel so good!

    I want to echo Jan's thank you to everyone for all their input and sharing of experiences.  You have all helped me so much.  I never realized how much was involved in the reconstruction decision and even when I started with bc I didn't even know there was recon possible.  I can say without a doubt you have all been lifesavers to me in helping me know that I will be able to get back to a somewhat normal state.  From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!  HUGS, Dawn

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited July 2009

    Trudy, fluffing is when the new implants and muscles become softer, more relaxed and fully dropped into place.  It's like the implants are able to expand out to their full size.  It's a gradual process.  Something you won't notice from day to day but all of the sudden, there you are.  Fluffed.  I posted pictures from the day after my exchange and 10 weeks later.  You can see a difference. My PS uses implants smaller than the expanders.  I would imagine if the PS uses implants larger than the expanders, it might take a little longer to fluff.  You're only about 2 weeks out.  Give it some more time.

  • ilovehorses2
    ilovehorses2 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    Hi all,

      Hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy the summer. I have been doing some horseback riding, but have had a little set back. My family Doctor put me on some Antibotics. She said she was a little concerned about a rash I had on my chest. Right over the TE fill ports. On both side of my chest. She said it looked like a skin infection. The PS wasn't worried at all when I showed him and he told me to just get some Jock Itch stuff and put on it. HUH! I have been on the antibottics since July 1 and they are disapearing. I hope it doesn't come back. Talked to my PS and he wants to use Allergen 410Fx for my exchange some time in Sept. I think we are using the 560 weight. I go back and see him in two weeks to talk more about everything. Hubby wants to go on a little trip after my surgery and just relax some place. How soon after surgerg can some one get in a pool or water? A little vacation sounds good right now! Ha!!! Thanks again for all your support and help, I just can't get over how knowlegeable everyone is. Di

  • suegmomof3
    suegmomof3 Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2009

    Hi Trudi, Congrats on being done with your exchange!  How did it go?  Did the PS end up doing the nips at the same time?  I go in Tuesday ... only 6 more days ... I'm nervous about it, and am looking forward to putting it behind me.  Happy fluffing!  I hope your healing goes smoothly.  sue

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited July 2009

    Hello dears, thank you all for all the great howdies...and Laura, yes, it's my darling dotter who is hoggin this thing.  I don't mind a bit, except for missing all of you!

    I can't do Vegas, I have to go back to get our girl into her (single!!) room in her nice housing on campus.  She's quite excited!  But of course I shall be there in boobie spirit my dears.  Wear the boob hats for me :).  Traci has the recipe.

    I'm sorry, Linda, I don't know  details on Jordan, but I am praying anyway.  I have a very good feeling about it, whatever shape he is in now.  Prayers will continue!

    Good vibes and love to all having surgeries, appts., nipples, revisions....hey, girls, they are OUR boobs and we'll get them right in the end.  Just stay stubborn and strong. I am seeing my sweet and kind PS on Friday to talk updates.  Thank you for the tips on keeping nipple, I have a hubby who is obsessed with them, so gotta keep one I guess.  The other can be done to match her when I heal I guess.  I will see what he says.  He always ends up being right, that's for sure.  I had original exchange in Oct. last year, and oh my, does this thing ever look natural.  It does need some tweaking, but to have such a mess of a rads skin breakdown, and to have my boob back like nothing ever happened (well, missing the nipple) is truly amazing.

    Hey, re: the cleavage!  It is common, (the rib thing) I heard, and it is fixable to get you some somethin-somethin.  Barring that, I've got some big old hooters and they do not have cleavage without a bra but stick these babies in even a sport bra and I look like I work at Hooters, altho lopsided.  Nice at 53, huh. :).  I really need evening up, but honestly, at the moment, I can't face it and am happy to stuff a cookie in there and leave it like that. When i get my nerve back up, the prophy will come along, I am hoping for a nice one step job. 

    Congrats to all that are done with rads, and good luck on any upcoming developments.  Feels like we should all have training bras on or something, doesn't it?  I just love this group and the love and support and sisterhood here.

    love to all of my girls

    xoxo

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

    Annie.. so good to see your smiling face and words... miss you in Vegas... but glad to see you in print here again!

  • tg33
    tg33 Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2009

    sue it is almost there..I was afraid too..Oh my goodness the exchange is so much better...I don't hurt 1/2 as bad. i can move again ...my arms are moveable ..I can move them all around and not say ouch ouch...I am so excited for all who is about to have the exchange..I am thankful that the expanders are out ...those mean mean things are in bio somewhere ...thank goodness. The scar looks like a scar but in no time it will be faint and hidden.. the PS said I must have miss understood him about the nips...so sometime in Aug will be the nips...

    sue I would like to get together again..call me.

    I again thank everyone here everytime I have a question you all help...I think my ps is upset about this site because when I am in doubt I say on the web site they say.... and he rolls his eyes alittle..It is kind of funny..I am thankful that you all are so knowledgable and here...

    I love you all and wish that all is well to each and everyone... 

  • DV8Q
    DV8Q Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    I went to my pre-op on July 1st and my PS said he only does salin because the only shape for silcone is round. I pretty much said whatever becuase I am stressed (from a breakup)  and want this over with. Anyone with saline and happy with thier choice? I hear they are harder than the silicone however how are they in comparison to the TE? Exchange on Friday and I feel like chickening out. 

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

    What's up with these PS' who only do saline?  You are the second person this week....Would you call your PS tomorrow and ask him which saline implants and WHY do they have to be contoured implants?  Make sure they are NOT textured. 

    I know you are feeling stressed and I am so sorry for this emotional roller coaster you have to go through in the midst of dealing with reconstruction.   It kind of irks me he did not mention he "only does saline" much earlier - so that you could have a chance to research further and now you get this bombshell just before surgery.  I know you want to get this over with, but we want you to be happy.  We do not know anything about your skin integrity....implant rippling is more likely with saline implants - especially with thin skin.  Ask him these questions.  Sorry to throw a monkey wrench into the works two days before surgery....PM me with any questions.  PM Sandy - rockwellgirl also - she had saline implants prior to getting silicone implants. 

  • DV8Q
    DV8Q Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2009

    The things I  know for sure is that they are not textured and they are mentor, mid profile. He says the shape of the silicon will show up on me like fakies because my skin is taught, and I do want to avoid that. They will overfill 500cc so that there is no rippling, however I hear when you overfill it makes them harder. Uhg delimma. Luckily I have not had any rads and my skin is not thin. Only one more day to go, they assured me that they can change them later if there is a problem. I hope I am a lucky one.  

  • ilovehorses2
    ilovehorses2 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    mykidsmom, Thanks for adding me to the list.

    I will find out soon what day in Sept. I'm excited but scared to death to do the exchange too!!!  Especially now with this infection going on. Three years ago I was on a couple different antibotics before a simple colonoscopy and I got a really really bad staff infection and was very very sick. I was almost hospitalized for it. But instead they had me come in every day for intravenous antiboctics. The internal Med doc I saw then said my natural bug system was all mess up when I had the Colonoscopy. I will talk to PS and family doctor before we do the exchange.  I've been praying alot about this and hope God will give me the strength to do this. Thanks for listening Di

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited July 2009

    God bless you Deborah and Sandy too, for giving us the information and moxie to be our own advocates regarding our reconstructions.  I know there are PS's all over the country rolling their eyes and cursing this site.  But we would be lost without your guidance and expertise.  Thank you for the incredible amount of time and energy you put into helping everyone.

  • geysermom
    geysermom Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2009

    DV8Q,

    More info on saline vs. silicone.  I worked for a PS who did augmentations (and almost nothing else).  He recommended silicone implants to any woman who was thin because the potential of rippling being obvious on their armpit side whenever they leaned forward with saline.

    My PS does almost nothing but breast reconstruction and uses almost exclusively silicone because of the lack of breast tissue to cover the implant and less that optimal outcome with saline due to rippling (sounds familiar huh?).

    My PS also likes to add that saline implants still contain silicone because that is what the "bag" is made from.

    Julie

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