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Exchange City

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Comments

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

    Jess... hang in there girl! You are doing and have done GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I will have my Exchange in a week. It will be 3.25 ish months post rads. It was going to be 6 months.. but I suppose my skin did really well... so PS says... I will post final pictures after exchange and you can see what it looks like after rads ... I go before you sister.... pray for me and know WE CAN look good and have good outcomes after rads. Here is praying!

  • jezzy234
    jezzy234 Member Posts: 127
    edited July 2009

    You are so right, sister.  I WILL pray for you.  Thank you for the encouragement.  You are wonderful.  I have appreciated your  advice.

  • ilovemykids
    ilovemykids Member Posts: 43
    edited July 2009

    Thanks you guys!  It makes me just cry knowing that women who don't even know me care about me and support me!  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I am looking forward to putting everything behind me once and for all!  Together we are very strong!

  • cil326
    cil326 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2009

    Hello ladies,

    Good luck to those who are having exchange this week, you will love your new boobies.  They are much softer and nicer to feel.

    I've just posted some of my pix, I'm 5 weeks out, and I love my new additions.  They are soft and full.  I'm wearing bra during the day and go bra-less at bedtime.

    Please give me feedback after seeing the pix, if there is room for improvement.  I'm holding off the nipple surgery until I'm done with Herceptin, so my PS can take out my port at the same time of surgery.

    cil.

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2009

    Thanks for the well wishes.  Good Luck to everyone having surgery this week. 

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

    Cil, I just looked at your pictures. You look fabulous. I hope to look as good as you do when I have my exchange in a few weeks.When you have implants placed that are larger than your expanders were, do they feel tight?

    I am feeling like many of you ladies. I am so excited to get rid of these expanders, but I am really nervous this time. I don't know why.

    Good luck to all of the ladies having surgery this week.

  • aoandrews43
    aoandrews43 Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2009

    Thanks to the well wishes from everyone. It seems weird that I have the exchange in the morning - it doesn't seem real.  I spent so much careful time making decsions about the initial reconstruction and chemotherapy, but to some extent I've left this last step up to my ps's judgment--so we'll see what I end up with tomorrow! I know they will be mentor silicon and I think contoured (I'm part of a clinical trial) and my ps did a great job with the first surgery (and I've worked with her professionally in the past, so she's really been great to me). I want to be the same size as my TEs or a bit smaller (and narrower, the TEs felt too wide) and I think that is what she is aiming for..... 

    Have a good week -- I'll check in once I'm up to it and let everyone know how it went.

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

    Laura - My consultation in San Diego with the fat graft expert is on August 6th I think.  I'm actually out of town and cannot check my calendar.  I am meeting Peggio for lunch though, which is pretty cool.  She has been AWOL from EC for awhile but she is doing okay....busy with her kids and on a family vacation now...

    aoandrews - Praying for a wonderful result tomorrow!

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited July 2009

    Laura,

    The stitches feel strange. I had steri-strips over them that they removed last Thursday (a week from my surgery) The stitches I can feel are from my nipple down in my healthy breast. I think that as I am healing they are getting tighter so the frozen peas help.

    I feel weird saying this online, but my aerola looks so huge since the surgery, I guess it's just the swelling from the incision all the way around. I am having DH take pictures every week so I can watch the changes as I move ahead. I think it will be good for me to see the progress.

     Jess,

    Hang in there. When I had my infection in December and had to have the TE removed, it seemed like it would be forever before I could start it all over again..and yet here I am!......over a week post exchange now. The journey of BC is a map that keeps giving us detours, but you know what...you will see the finish line ahead of you within your reach before you know it!

    Candi

  • SaraJane
    SaraJane Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2009

    Hello Ladies, 

       I don't use this board very often... but I'm eternally grateful for your sharing, wisdom & well wishes.  I can hardly believe that it's my turn to be on the 'this week' list!  I've just read through some of the recent posts here and can totally relate to those worried that their implants will be less acceptable than expanders.  I'm sure like most of you, I'd certainly rather have natural breasts than these expanders... but at least they are liveable (appearance wise)... though not the most comfortable I've ever been.  

       I am trying not to expect too much or get my hopes up too high for what the outcome of the exchange is.  I have no idea what my level of discomfort will be... but I'm trying not to think it will be much different... and hope it's not any worse.  I have all kinds of weird sensations going on on my breast area (skin).  I'm assuming it's nerve regenaration?  If I touch the inside of my breast I feel it in my underarm... tingling... not pain... just plain weird!  I don't expect it to go away with the exchange... nor do I assume I'll gain any more 'normal' feeling... I just really hope it's not any worse... in appearance or feeling than it  is now.  

      Until my pre - op meeting with my PS last week, I hadn't even really thought about the 'reality' of the surgery.  Then she started handing me prescriptions for pain and anitibiotics... telling me I'd wear a compression bra 24/7 for a month... I guess I was just so excited about getting to the next phase... getting the turtles replaced with something more humanlike... that I forgot to think about what I have to go through to get there.  Sometimes reality is a b**ch.  

      All in all... I'm seeing the whole picture of being grateful of my DCIS/ALH being found when it was... and not having the time to become anything worse.  I meet with a group of women here in Seattle twice monthy, the Young Survival Coalition.... and I have been humbled beyond understanding how truly lucky I am.  

      Thank you for your thoughts and well wishes.  I'm sending out Great Healing and No More Cancer Vibes to you all...

      Lisa :) 

  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I have a couple of questions.  Has anyone here had Mentor MemoryGel silicone implants?  I am 170ish pounds, 5'5" and Im torn between high profile and moderate plus.  I was filled to 700 ccs and my doc isn't comfortable doing 700 implants, if I do high profiles they come in 600 and 650 but moderate plus is only 600 or right up to 700.  Im afraid 600 might not make me a full C.  But then again Im concerned that a high profile implant will look odd, as I have heard that they are generally used on small women.  I have to honestly say I like my expanders, I love the way they look in clothes and in a bathing suit, I love my clevage and I never wear a bra and they look awesome, I get lots of compliments lol.  Im worried that I wont get good projection and I will be disappointed.  Did any of you feel this way? 

    If these things didn't hurt so much at night, I would just keep them lol.  Odd I know.

    Teresa

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited July 2009

    Teresa,

    I had Mentor gel implants placed on 7/2. I'm afraid I won't be much help though because I'm not in your "league" (and a bit jealous I might add!) I am 5' 7 1/2" and about 135. My implants were much smaller than yours. I had hoped they would go bigger. I had an infection in December with my first attempt at exchange so my PS didn't want to overfill me as much this time in case it had anything to do with the infection.

    I had a high profile gel placed in the mastectomy side and a smaller moderate mentor profile placed in the healthy breast. The implant in the mast. side is much higher and fuller (which I kind of like.) I think it would have given me a better chance at having cleavage. My healthy side is lower and not as full.

    I know that isn't much help, but I just wanted to reply. I will say that I think the Mentor implants are soft and feel natural. 

    If she doesn't post anything, I would ask Whipettmom (Deborah) what she thinks. She is a wealth of knowledge. 

    Good Luck!

    Candi

  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Candi,

    I really want good cleavage.  Hopefully more post will follow.

    Teresa

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I feel a bit like a lurker here. Each of you remain in my daily prayers,(HUGS to all of you facing surgery). I've been reading and not posting for about a week and a half. 

    I have a few  questions for any experts out there:

    How long after the exchange do should you get fitted for a bra? I'm wearing front closing sports bras and my surgical bras now. I am only 2 weeks past exchange. I have complete submuscular implants.  I measured myself  with DH help and got 33.5 band and 39 at the fullest part of my breasts, ...

    Following exchange as you healed, has anyone noticed a slight (tiny) bubbling or maybe a thin spot in your breast skin at the edge of your implant on the inside near your under arm?  Is this "thin spot"something I need to be concerned about????

    AGAIN, I can't thank you ladies enough!!!! Love + Prayers, Georganne

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I feel a bit like a lurker here. Each of you remain in my daily prayers,(HUGS to all of you facing surgery). I've been reading and not posting for about a week and a half. 

    I have a few  questions for any experts out there:

    How long after the exchange do should you get fitted for a bra? I'm wearing front closing sports bras and my surgical bras now. I am only 2 weeks past exchange. I have complete submuscular implants.  I measured myself  with DH help and got 33.5 band and 39 at the fullest part of my breasts, ...

    Following exchange as you healed, has anyone noticed a slight (tiny) bubbling or maybe a thin spot in your breast skin at the edge of your implant on the inside near your under arm?  Is this "thin spot"something I need to be concerned about????

    AGAIN, I can't thank you ladies enough!!!! Love + Prayers, Georganne

  • oncRN
    oncRN Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2009
    Jean, thanks for the well wishes...I got good news today, as my rash is GONE...too late to get back on the schedule for 7/14, but my new date is 7/30....better than 8/5!  Sealed And yes, I am an oncology nurse..... I work for a private oncology practice giving chemo.  Thanks for your kind words...I truly love my patients....the nicest people I have ever met have been cancer patients, and I love what I do.  Good luck to all the exchanges this week! 
  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited July 2009

    Maybe I'm out of line with my PS office.  Please let me know.  I was in to see him two weeks ago and he told me he wanted to do the revision on the right side.  His assistant said she would call me with a date.  I haven't heard from her yet for a surgery date.  I called last week, one week after my appt and left a message for her.  Nothing.  Called again today and left a message.  No call back.  Is it an overly complicated task to schedule a surgery?  I know they don't do any pre-authorization with insurance.  Why would it take more than two weeks to get me on the schedule?  I don't even care when it is.  I just want to know. 

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2009

    Teresa,

    I have the Natrelle silicone filled Allergan implants.  They are #15 which is filled to 752cc.  My bra band measures 36 and breast are 41 inches. I am 5'6" and 183 pounds. I don't know if you can compare the two.  The projection is 5.2.  Hope this is of some use.  Also great cleavage. My bras are a full "C"

    Cathee

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

    (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((CATHEE))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

    OMGOSH... WELCOME back sister.... Oh I hope to see you post more often.. it is great to see your pretty face!

    How is the grandchild???

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2009

    Thank you, Laura.  It's great to be remembered.  You've always been so kind.  Johnny is the cutess ever!!! (and I am not partial) I am still here visiting in Texas.  Just enjoying life.  How are you.  I love your new pic with your grandchildren. (?) Life is good.

    Cathee

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

    Teresa:  In order to really know the dimensions of your expanded pockets, we would need to know the style number of the tissue expanders.  We know they are Mentor and that they have a maximum fill of 700 cc's, correct?  Also, please measure the circumference of your ribcage, measuring just under the bra line - under the expanders.  I personally think your PS wants to place smaller implants [less than 700 cc's] b/c your TE's are sitting up pretty high and he wants the implants to drop down into the inframammary fold - give you natural droop.  But if you are happy with the size and projection of your expanders, your best bet is to tell him you want an exchange to implants which have THE SAME WIDTH AND AS CLOSE AS HE CAN GET TO THE SAME PROJECTION OF YOUR EXPANDERS.  If you can get the information above, we can give you some implant options.

    Georganne -You are NOT a lurker!  You are an encouragement to many on this forum!!!  I went bra shopping about 10 days after the exchange surgery I think....to Victoria's Secret - but I also still had the steri strips on my incisions to protect them.  As long as you don't irritate the incision site, I think you could go anytime.  You will likely fluff more with your subs, but if you need to get at least one or two bras for now - you can at least know what style best works for you.  Look at the wireless bras...  When you say "bubbling"...I do not know if you mean like a little fluid bump or is it more like dimpling?  Is it moveable?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2009
    Hey Firni:  Call your PS' office and leave a message that you would like to get copies of all of your medical records.  You will receive a call and a date muy, muy pronto!   I don't know if you need to go to this extreme, but certainly that is a frustration many have encountered.  My sister had so many problems with her surgeon's office assistant/nurse, who NEVER returned phone calls and never relayed messages to the doctor.  So my sister brought this to the surgeon's attention.  She never had a problem thereafter.  
  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2009

    oncrn

    I'm sorry you won't be joining us tomorrow for surgery but am so happy that you have a new date!

    I used to work for an insurance company in disability claims.  I know what you mean about loving the cancer patients.  The women with breast cancer were the most amazing people (as we see here). 

    The people with psychiatric issues, not so much! 

  • georganne
    georganne Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2009

    Deborah,

    Thank you AGAIN for your help. My little spot seems bubble like and does pop back in easily. It is at the very end of my stitch line nearest to my left under arm.  It's almost like I don't have as much breast skin or fat there, but I did not have radiation or anything.

    (I had this surgery at the advice of my breast surgeon for  "hyperplasias" + a "pathaloma in the milk duct" + due to  BRCA  1 + 2 positive genes and the fact that I am the only woman left on my maternal side. )

    It does not hurt, but when touched is slightly uncomfortable. I am still covered by my steri strips as you described.  Basically so far, all I wear is the surgical bra, a front closing sports bra, or my carefully applied tankini top in order to get a bit of sun.  I want to be sure to be wearing the right thing for my new submuscular implants. 

    Thank you for the  personal words of encouragement. I as others here feel a "sisterly connection" to you and the others. Certainly we didn't choose BC or bad genetics, but God has graciously given us one another via this discussion board and through prayer.  It all seems to demonstrate God's faithfulness through all of our lives and his way of teaching us to "dance in the rain" as a witness to others and to help each other when we see needs. HUGS to you Deb, and the rest of my sisters. Georganne

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited July 2009

    After another visit to the PS today, he has definitely ruled out a leaking TE. Sooooo - I now have my exchange date - September 15th  (only 64 days to go)... yea!!!

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

    WAHOOOOOOO Denise... Wow.. no leaking TE .. THAT is awesome! Sept. is just around the corner.. if you need any help.. let me know... I could always bring your family some food...:)

    Cathee.. I am doing well and get my exchange in a WEEK! They are not making me wait until November.. I suppose I did well with the rads I HATED...LOL... Yes, those are my grandkiddos... so much fun huh?

  • jezzy234
    jezzy234 Member Posts: 127
    edited July 2009

    No way Estepp....you have grandkids?  Can't be.  I mean it!

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Laura - my DH will be here for a month. I am super excited for two reasons - new foobs and I get to spend a whole month with my husband (maybe he will be able to find a job in KC while he is here). I am also so excited for you - less than a week to go. If there is anything I can do for you, please do NOT hesitate to ask. 

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

    Smile... Yes Jess... we have two grandkiddos... 2 and 1 yrs old.... :)

    We started young and our oldest son started young... :) I am only 41...hehe... but hey.... I love those babies and love my d-i-l...... :)

    Denise.. so awesome Dh will be here a month! Wahooo for you all... I will pray he finds a job here .. I will! I should be fine here.. but I will PM you if I need something.. Thanks !!!!!

  • ilovehorses2
    ilovehorses2 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    I"M SO BUMMED!!!! I had a chest xray and I may have fluid, infection or a collapsed lower lobe in my left lung. I had a Cat Scan today and I hope the Doctor will call tomorrow with the results. I now have to see a Pummonary Doctor but the soonest I could get in was the end of this month. I have been crying off and on all day, Guess I know why I have been feeling worse and worse and more and more tired. If I did anything It would just wipe me out. PS was saying it was just from the surgery. My family doctor was a little more concerned since I have had a cough since my surgery. The pain I was having I guess wasn't from my TE's it was from the lung. I have no fever so that is one good thing. My family doc wants to get to the bottom of this soon. I see my PS on Thursday, it is my appt to plan my exchange in Sept. I'm six weeks from my final fill. I hope he won't push this back. I'm just getting over taking antibotics for a skin infection on my chest and now this. Di

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