Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Take our poll: Caregivers, what do you find most difficult about caregiving?
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?

Exchange City

1…1213151718…1387

Comments

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

    Erin:  Would you mind elaborating further on that "different look and feel" of the implants vs. the expanders?  I did just what you suggested actually - went for an additional 25 cc's to give me just the volume and projection I was hoping for.  Did you get implants which were the same size as your expanders - width and projection?  Or did you loose projection any?

    Thanks for joining us to share your experiences!

    Deborah

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited February 2009

    oh Annie!! everyone has been praying for you!! Your post made me cry, I know you need the official word, but I everything sounds good!! enjoy your relief, its such a special feeling.

    Lorrain ox

  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2009

    Hi Deborah--the implants are definitely a different look & feel--but for the better.  My expanders were hard, high, and tight--closely resembling bocci balls.  The implants started like hamburger buns--wide, round, and flat but within 6 weeks--filled the breast pocket and developed a natural soft droop.  The implant is a bit smaller and softer than the expander and most loose a little projection. Typically, over-expanding will help to ensure the desired size, projection, and natural droop & jiggle.  Good luck!  Erin

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited February 2009

    Annie- I like that Unofficial word- Lets keep it that way!  

    Cathee- this is for you- A Little Late....

    Drum Roll Please....

    Pam

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2009

    Pam,

    Thanks...it made me chuckle. 

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

    OMGOSH Girlfriends... I leave for 8 hours and come back to WONDERFULNESS!

    Pam is in our group.. wahooo.. everyone made nice.. wahooooo... ( you are all to awesome not to be friends !)

    Annie's pre-news sounds like PRAYERS ANSWERED to me.. WAHOOOOOOOO

    Cathee got her drum roll.... but will be waiting for the drop and fluff that WILL happen!...

    Sandy is keeping her job...

    Where the heck is Linda ???

    We can see Deborahs face and WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW she is a hot g.ma.. .. maybe she is lying about her age....

    Erin popped in to share her love... wahooooo

    JEAN got the boob greed... ROFLOL !!! WTG Jean.... ( I understand sista... I am at 420 and feel ginormus!....)... hehe.. I am picturing Jean looking in the mirror with a tight turtle neck on...:).. such fun...

    Kathie showed up to play.....

    OMG.. I know I missed something.... oh yeah.. Pam loved the idea of me getting high on Valium at work to shut myself up... LOL... I just might think about it Pam...

    I know I am forgetting something..and I will be reading back to what or who I missed.. BUT.... I leave for 1 darn day... and all the love comes... I am hating going back to work now... all the fun starts here... eeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

    Off to check on Moodys Olivia and our DianaT...

    Ladies.. keep sharing the fun... but now that I have to WORK... save SOME fun for the impish...Wink

    Peace and Blessings!

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

    Ohhh.. the ladies worrying about the upcoming exchanges.... it will be ok... :)

    Psalmist:..Thinking I remember you saying you were a minsters wife.. and here you are talking about showing of the sisters and getting a giggle out of it.... LOL... my dear friends dh was a minister.. and I always said the dear Lord kept a little ornery in her to keep him honest.....

    Love ladies!.. I work tomorrow... so ... ... enjoy your Saturday!!!

  • 40somethingMom
    40somethingMom Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2009

    Jean- good for you, I know you'll be glad you did!

  • Karenp62
    Karenp62 Member Posts: 68
    edited February 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I had my third and last fill today. I'm at 530 cc. It's 2:00 AM but can't sleep because of the discomfort. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow. My exchange has been scheduled for April 27th. Yahoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Just wish it was sooner.

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited February 2009

    Hi Annie!  So happy to hear your great news!  Still keeping my fingers crossed until you get the final word.

    Thanks Erin for the short explanation on the drop and fluff as I really didn't understand that. 

    I'd love to be added to the exhange calendar.  My date has been pushed ahead due to the necrosis but please God let it be before the summer!

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Man - this is a busy site! I go away for one more fill and look what happens. I did get it, with my PS smiling the whole time and saying "so you want to be a C now"??! LOL Fortunately this one isn't bothering me too much. I have 370 cc and think I will call it a day. Like Laura said, I am feeling pretty chesty these days. I started off at a small size A/B.

    Annie - I am taking the radiologist preliminary report as good news. After all, they are really the ones that read the results. I hope you have a good weekend my dear!

    Sandy - Best wishes on your orienteering race! Sounds like fun. THough I have to say, yesterday my dog got hurt on our walk and I tried to run the 1 1/2 miles back to the car. I couldn't run at all. These TEs felt very strange when I tried to run. Seems like it is walking or hiking for me!

    I added some names to our schedule. Pam and Yvonne - I added you as a dateswaiting to be set. Hope that works for you.

    Last, let me provide best wishes for our sisters scheduled for this week. Here's wishing for all your new girls can be!!!!

    2/24 - NVDiane - Exchange

    2/25 - Ladyredlocks - Exchange to 480 to 500cc saline implants

    2/26 - PinkyLee - Exchange to Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-filled implants

    2/26 - Hood1980 - Exchange to anatomical saline implant

    2/26 - PattyS - Exchange to Allergan Inamed Corp. style 410 silicone-filled

  • playmysti
    playmysti Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2009

    Karen:  You are just about the same time frame as I am.  I'm scheduled for exchange 4/3 and I have about 530 cc in and they feel like basketballs.  Seriously.  I know how tough it is sleeping.  My last fill was several weeks ago, but this last one was the most painful but much better now.  I found the skin around the breast is what got sore.  Anyway...good luck all of us on this final phase....we hope and pray.  

    Ya-all have a nice weekend...we just got snow here in Minneapolis....yuck. 

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

    Erin:  I have picked out my implants based on the dimensions of my expanders - and so I should not lose any projection - well, perhaps a millimeter - and have the same base width.  A little droop [emphasis on the word "little"] and jiggle is a good thing though. 

    Deborah

  • Abbey11
    Abbey11 Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2009

    Hello all! 

    I thought I'd let everyone know how much more comfortable these implants are!!  I had my exchange on Wednesday, was on pain meds Wed, Thurs, and a bit yesterday.  I haven't needed them so far this morning.  The exchange surgery was so easy compared to the mastectomies.  My surgery was at 7:30AM and I was home by 2:15 that afternoon!  I'm stiff and sore if I try to raise my arms up too high, but I just sit still, I have no pain.  

    My expanders were filled to 300 and the doc put in 350 implants.  They look better already.

    Good luck to everyone else who has this surgery coming up!

  • Cathee
    Cathee Member Posts: 62
    edited February 2009

    There you are Southport!! we were all asking about you.  So glad you are feeling well.  I am anxious to know.......How do they look?  I wasn't overly impressed with mine.  But I  might have been expecting  too much at first.

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    Welcome back, Southport!  It's great that you are doing so well and congrats on the new girls.  Karen, I know how you feel.  My last fill put me to 600 cc and I thought I would explode.   But with a 3 month wait, my skin as loosened up nicely; in fact my hard expanders are actually kind of soft in places.  The sleeping continues to be a challenge - lots of pillows and mostly on my back, which I don't like.   Whippetmom, you have cute hair!  I'm always looking for a cute hairdo -- at 53, it becomes a bit of a challenge to find something quick and easy that still looks good.  Mary, I'm looking out over a blanket of snow, too.  I'm so ready for the weather to change - can't wait to go outside and play.

    I found this website that gives some pretty good end-results.  Of course, it probably promotes unrealistic expectations, but it's still encouraging to see such beautiful outcomes.  I like to keep hope alive!  : )

    http://www.101plasticsurgicenter.com/photo.cfm?c=14

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2009

    MyKidsMom....Wow....you and Whippettmom are very organized....my head is spinning trying to keep my own "almost" date in my head. I like to think of myself as a "Lady in Waiting"....LOL.

    Thanks for using everyone's screen names for the dates. It helps me to keep everyone straight...then I say....oh yeah...that's her name. Kuddos to you for the sight.

    Laura.....gosh.....I have a beautiful supportive man...who Fairy49 has met and can agree....but your new avatar made me blush...LOL. You look so beautiful...and yes Impish. But seriously...WOW girl. I'm scared to go to Vegas with you....We may never get you back..LMBO..so glad I showed up to play!

    xxoo Kathie 

  • PinkyLee
    PinkyLee Member Posts: 427
    edited February 2009

    Good morning to all,

    I woke this morning worried and anxious about my surgery that will be on Thursday.  It is somewhat comforting to hear that the surgery is a lot easier that the masectomies.

    I worry about the look of my foobs after the implants.  My PS said he order four sets to make sure that get a good look.  I hope that is good.  He said the sizes range from 400 - 500 cc.  Does anyone know what that converts to as far as cup size?  I was a "D" before and want to be a full "D" after.  I say full "D" because age and gravity had resulted in no longer looking full. 

    I began having bad dreams last night and hope that is not an omen of bad things to come.

    I'll keep everyone in prayer and hope you all keep me in yours.

    PinkyLee

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited February 2009

    Hey Ladies...Candi....member in waiting here!

    I wish I knew more of you better...I don't have as much history on this site as some of you, and I've gotten such a kick out of reading some of the posts.

    I kind of need to "rally the troops" for some encouragment today.

    I saw my PS this week and he said I was doing well and if I want to try reconstruction again I can look to schedule in April.

    Since I've experienced some of the things that can go wrong I'm fearful. But my first biggest fear is that I am scheduled in March to have a mammogram, ultrasound and then consultation on my good (right)breast.They want an "all clear" before any new surgery.  All will be done on the same day, but I'm petrified to see my BS. For several weeks last fall I had a frenzy of tests, and every time I saw her it was bad news. For awhile they thought the rt breast might have cancer also, and if so, they thought it might be invasive.

    Maybe I should be putting this under the Prayer forum.....but before I got results back on the rt breast I asked to be annointed for healing at church. Long story short, the results came back negative for cancer on the rt breast.

    My mind knows God can be trusted (whatever the outcome) and I should be at peace...I just went through so much last fall that I'm having a hard time catching my fearful human side up with my spirit side. I'm probably not explaining this very well. Am I making any sense? 

    Coincidentaly, in March I have my annual gyn exam, and last spring (before I knew I had BC) they had to do a biopsy for suspicious findings on my ovary. In the past I've had pre-melanoma so in March I also have my annual  exam with my skin specialist.

    So.....I'm trying to tackle one set of fears at a time. Have any of you had a unilateral mastectomy and had fears about going back and having them find cancer in your healthy breast?

    I am so thankful for my PS. He is so great. Other than the pain I know is involved with the TE, he has put me at ease about this next go around. I know that all things that are in his control will be done well.

    Another thing that I wanted to throw out there is that I'm so amazed of the knowledge you have and how many speak about choosing their inplant. My surgeon talked with me about everything and I was well informed, but he advised me what he thought would work best. He had great expalnations to back up his reasoning.  I tried some different sizings, I guess you would say, but frankly, he's the expert and has years of experience on how they work, and for me, I would have hated to have to make another decision. I so admire those of you who have researched and selected your implants, but I'm glad it wasn't totally up to me.

    I just told him that I didn't want to look like Anna Nicole Smith, and though I have a great name for a Las Vegas show girl I didn't feel a calling for a career change!

    Well, I don't get on the site that often so I guess that's why my post is so long!

    Thanks bosom buddies! Any comments are greatly appreciated.

    Candi

  • samiam40
    samiam40 Member Posts: 93
    edited February 2009

    I haven't been able to read through all 15 pages of this wonderful thread, so this question may be answered in here somewhere, but am I to understand that the tissue expanders set off metal detectors in the airport?  Is it the port inside them that does it?  I may have to fly in the very near future for a family situation--I'm currently 18 days out from mastectomy--and am stressed enough about that.  I really want to be prepared if my boobs are going to be setting off alarms!

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Southport - I am so glad that your sugery is behind you and that you are feeling much better.

    Psalmist - I am going to check out that site.

    Kathie - I will add "Lady in Waiting" to your name - I think that's an apt description.

    Pam - I will modify your's as well. Thanks for PM'ing me.

    PinkyLee - I am sorry you are worried, but I bet all will go well and you will be pleased. From all the posts I have no idea what a D cup is in cc's - sounds like everyone is different.

    Hang in there ladies. The snow will be gone and the birds will be chirping soon. I love winter, but I too start to look for signs of warmer weather around this time of year.

  • ilovemykids
    ilovemykids Member Posts: 43
    edited February 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    I will be praying for Diana.  I do not know who she is, but I am so sorry and it makes me cry!

    I made it through my first two days back to work, everyone was very nice and very supportive.  I couldn't stop crying the first day because everyone kept coming up to me with kind words etc. 

    I am very confused about the exchange.  My PS said that she would bring in a few and decide for me.  It sounds like that is common practice, right?  I have a friend who had a prophylactic bilat.mastectomy after her mother died of BC.  She told me NOT to have the silicone, but instead to have saline.  After watching that you tube video, it sure does prove that the silicone doesn't LEAK...just looks like gel.

    I am also afraid of coming out of surgery with huge breasts, I do not want that.  I also do not want to be smaller than what I was before.  They removed 500 grams from each breast with my bilateral, and I now have 500 ml in these implants.

    Thanks,

    Elizabeth

  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2009

    Pinkylee--trying to determine the final cup size is sooooo frustrating.  I remember researching it and talking to so many women.  What I've learned is although cc's is one aspect of determining cup size--so much depends on your size & weight, etc.  For comparison...I'm 5'3-4ish and weigh 155 lbs.  I have 700 mentor high profile implants and am a full C small D cup.  Good luck--Erin

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2009

    Hi Southport! I'm so glad things went well for you, and that you're feeling better. 

    I looked at the list, and I guess I'm next. EEEK! I've been looking forward so much to getting rid of my rock-hard expander, but now I'm getting a little nervous.  I'd never had any surgery before my mastectomy last year, so surgery still scares me a bit.  But I'm ready to bid farewell to the iron foob!

    Diane

  • PhyllisCC
    PhyllisCC Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2009

    Sam,

    I flew several times with my expanders (with metal port) and never set off the detectors.  I did carry a note from my PS just in case.  However, there are a couple ladies on this site that have set off the detectors...but I don't think it's that common.  Phyllis

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2009

    samiam40

    I too worried about the metal detectors. My doctor wrote a note that says: "The patient has metal ports in both breasts placed for medical reasons". He put it on one of his script pad papers. I flew last week to california from mass and did not set off any metal detectors in any of the airports. Had the note just in case and I thought...jeez....all I have to do is lift my shirt...If they can't figure it out they should be working at another job!!! 

    I will say tho....I was not expecting the pressure in my expanders caused by the cabin pressure. My PS did warn me that might happen so I did bring along my muscle relaxers and my heating pad that I use on my back. Our hotel had a hot tub which I immediately took advantage of! 

    So samiam40..... you fly loud and proud. If you do set off the detectors...tell them you're a survivor and you'll gladly prove it to them....and that was from the mouth of my 17 year old son who was the reason we went out there.....looked at the college he was accepted to and met the lovely Fairy49 sister in Huntington Beach!

    Good luck to you honey and travel safe.

    Kathie 

  • soccermom96
    soccermom96 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2009

    PinkyLee---Had my preop before exchange meeting yesterday and got MUCH, much reassurance from nurses, PS, more nurses that this surgery "will be nothing like BMx."  I have a fistful of prescriptions (antibiotics, anit-nausea, more valium, etc). Work and driving restrictions for one week, exercise for 3 weeks.  They are all worried that you feel "so good" you do too much.  I'm preparing for hamburger buns and hoping for fluffing!  

     Annie----Early word ion your scans is great news!!  (((Hugs!!)) 

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2009

    Baxter....This is a good place to rally the troops. Sounds like you have alot on your plate. I can tell you a little bit about myself which is why my question to you is.. have you considered or been offered a prophylactic removal of the right breast?

    I'm 45 years old with a 17 year old son and a supportive SO who was my high school sweetheart. Both my mother and maternal grandmother had breast cancer and bilateral mastectomies prior to menopause. My grandmother had a hysterectomy....not sure what age or what for. Anyway, I had severe unilateral nipple pain for a couple of months and went to my PCP who referred me to a breast surgeon due to my history. He offered me genetic testing for breast cancer as the breast MRI was inconclusive and I was waiting another 3 months for a repeat. My test came back BRCA positive. I chose to have my ovaries and tubes removed in November and a prophy BM in December. I couldn't bear the testing every 6 months. (they call it survelience when your positive for the gene....I call it stress) I'd worry I had the ticking time bomb. So for me life was too short for so much worry.

    All my frozen slides and tissue samples/nodes were cancer free. I still will never think I made the wrong decision by waiting until they found something.

    So just something I thought of when reading your post. We all come from such different places in the States and beyond but our experiences have brought us all together in one beautiful, comforting and informative place.

    Best, Kathie 

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    Catching up with posts from yesterday--you ladies all have so much to say and I love it!  Erin, just read your post with the hamburger bun comparison, which was exactly how I describe my implant after nearly 2 weeks!  I'm so glad to hear I can expect some "fluffing up!"

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2009

    I flew from Wisconsin to Florida in December and had no problem at the airport and felt no pressure in-flight, which is good, as my PS knew I was going and didn't warn of any of this!

    May I also agree that the exchange surgery is so very much easier in every way compared to the mast.  I'm sure much of that is due to your emotional state, which is mostly panic-stricken for the mast. and almost joyful for the exchange!

    Suzie

Categories

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