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  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2009

    Hey everyone,

    Hope you ladies ae doing good. I have not posted in a while. How do I start a thread...I cant remember??

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Hi Traceyz

    smokin hot you are!!!

    to start a new thread look at the upper left and click on "start new topic" in the red box....

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Thank you Miss Deborah, yes, a tad blond, been feeling kind of down, over worked, etc, oh and really stinking hot in Portland, so I got a new cut and color.  Always makes me feel better.

    Bras....I still haven't tried the Ipex, but plan to this weekend if I can go outside without bursting into flames.  I do have a VS bra that I bought, not underwire, it is OK, but you've all said the Ipex is better.  After surgery, for working out, and for me, sleeping I love this bra http://www.movingcomfort.com/product/123446/350003/_/Fiona_Bra  I have two colors now.  It holds me really well, even when running or side sleeping, but what is great about it is that you adjust the straps in front, so it is easy to tighten down if needed.  It is a velcro closure that passes through a slit at the top of the cup and you just slip it through at the front and then velco it into whatever position you want.  Makes it easy to take off too, I un do the straps, and slide the back closure to the front and I'm out.  I don't have full ROM so back closures are a bit of a challenge.  If you have a Title 9 store by you they carry this bra, too, or you can order from the company.  Also, there is enough coverage that if you are out running or hiking and baking hot and want to strip down to your sports bra, you will not be fined for indecency.

    I'm almost 4 months out from my exchange, recently I feel like my girls are getting smaller, anyone else, or is the heat getting to me?

    I agree with Linda, Tracyz you are looking hot!  Love Laura's new picture, too!

    On exercise...PS have their own opinions, mine didn't allow me to do anyupper body work after MX and TEs were put in place for 12 weeks!!!!He was much mellower after the exchange, but really discourages anything that will strengthen the pecs, so I've really had to adjust my upper body workout, fortunately I can still row, no more push ups, flies, and other things I used to love.  I had strong pecs and he doesn't want them to build back up and flatten things out...OK.

    Karen

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited August 2009

    Hello all you lovely gals.....Haven't posted in a long time and I'm afraid If....when i meet you Deborah you'll kick my sorry behind....LOL. I did Pm you hoping we can meet in Cali.

    Moving from Mass to WA starting tomorrow so it's been crazy around here to say the least. Took my son to Costa Rica for a week. He starts at Chapman University on the 18th of Aug. Got a college football player on my hands...yipee!!

    So I'll weigh in....I had rippling and this funky kind of webbing if you could call it that when I would bend over. I had a round of fat grafting at exchange...and yeah baby... the lipo harvest site was the worst....I looked like they dropped me off the OR table.

    It took but not all the way...some got reabsorbed. So when PS did nips, I had a second round. I have to say it is amazing. No webbing or rippling. Other than the scars, you wouldn't know they are manufactured equipment!!!! I love them. I still think they are a tad too big but I'm learning to use them...hee hee. As my PS said...."You'll get alot of attention with those"

    So for me, I'm glad I went with the moderate plus profile and the grafted nips/areolas and fat grafting. Again, I posted on the picture forum and would be happy to answer any questions. It may take a little bit as I'm shoving off tomorrow but I will try to answer all that ask.

    So bon voyage my lovelies.....KEW and Jazzy....I'll see you next month for the race.

    Deborah....I must say...I'm a cat person....so I so love looking at your beautiful face instead of your doggie's beautiful face!!!!

    Karen...you look fab.

    Dani...I'll call you from the road....we can lament about almost empty nest syndrome!!!

    Best to everyone and welcome to all the new lovely EC ladies.

    whew.......xxoo

    Kathie 

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Kathie--Have a good move.  Can't wait to see you, let us know when you arrive, or if you come through Portland on your way to Seattle.  Otherwise we will see you in September...does anyone remember that song? Ah, now it is stuck in my head!  I've seen your photos and they are amazing, I'm glad you are so happy.

    Hugs,

    Karen

  • greytmom_17
    greytmom_17 Member Posts: 48
    edited August 2009

    I know I'll be fine with the implant side, but I can't go braless on the other.  Just need suggestions.

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited August 2009

    Hi all,

    I'm loving all these new avatars - Deborah and Kew - beautious!

    Can I ask a favor - can some of you who are more in the know about this process - take a gander at my most recent photo on Timtam's forum?  My online name is also "wabiwoman" there.  I had my first debridement two weeks ago and the results are not a huge improvement.  This pre-radiated breast of mine is just SITTING there, having a cigarette and looking at me sideways - "Oh yeah?  Lady, you radiated me already - my work is DONE."  Any advice on helping the skin to heal or moving some life juice through its little cells so things can progress?  If I have to do another debridement, then I have to -- but I only have so much skin, ya know?

    Thanks fabulous ones.

    Geena 

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Graytmom...I had a double mx so I don't fall into your category. I can only say that I was a 38DD before all this and am going through the TE process...completed my fills 600CC in both and am awaiting my exchange. The only bra I am comfortable wearing and not for long periods either is a champion sports bra that has a zipper up front...XL. If I could have found a XXL I would have tried that! Perhpas you could try that and "stuff" your expansion side until it all evens out?

    There is a prosthesis thread/group that you might want to check out. They may have some suggestions for you.

    Good Luck!

    Angel

  • greytmom_17
    greytmom_17 Member Posts: 48
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Angel.  Right now I'm expanded to 750 cc's on the left side,so i kinda match in a bra right now.  The implant will be either 650 or 700, but i'm filling to 800 to make room for 700.  I just really like to plan ahead!  I just know lots of girls were told not to wear a bra on the implant side, and that's really not going to be an option for me at 45!  I am wearing my old 36DD bras, but I took the wires out on the expander side and that seems to be working OK so far.  Like I said, just curious....

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Geena--I love your ability to keep your sense of humor, don't let go of it!  I have no words of wisdom regarding rads/reconstruction due to lack of experience, but want you to know I'm thinking of you, and I know you will hear from women who can give advice.

    You're doing a great job, hang in there!

    Hugs,

    Karen

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2009

    Hey Ladies! Lifetime TV is looking to honor an army wife BC survivor who gives back to her community by either helping other women or gives back in other ways. They must live in either San Diego, LA, Nashville, Charleston, NC or SC. So if you or someone you know meets this criteria please contact the casting director Lynne Spillman at l.spillman@verizon.net

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

    My DH THINKS he is an army drill sergeant in our household.  Maybe I qualify?

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

    SURGERY DATE POSTS:

    If you have a surgery date coming up for an exchange or revision or otherwise, would you please PM me with that information so that I can get it to Jean?  She will update the posts in a few days.  Thank you!

    So far I have:  4greatkids - date switched from 8/11 to 8/12....

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

    KATHIE:  Would you mind PM'ing me with the name of your plastic surgeon?  I have some women in mind for referrals to him...

    Thank you!!

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Deborah

    Love your new picture!!!

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2009
    I second that Deborah...BEAUTIFUL profile pic!!!!
  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2009

    Deborah and Karen, and Laura,  love the new pictures, the beauty that you convey on the forum is so well translated in the beauty of your faces. 

    Misty 123,  Linda54 and Deborah best wishes next week.  Deborah, the second time is the charm, so hope that this new Dr. gives you all that you deserve and that this fat graft takes.  I just wish I could be a donor!Laughing   Jan

  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2009
    Thanks Jan1, I am getting a bit nervous but excitied also.
  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited August 2009

    Deb great picture! It is nice to see the face with the amazing lady who gives all of us such wonderful support.

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Lynn,

    What about going to a shop that specializes in bras after a mastectomy?  They will size you and have knowledge of options available.  As someone mentioned somewhere on these threads, their bra was even covered under their insurance plan.

    Speaking of bras, does anyone have a favorite pushup bra? 

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2009

    ((Misty123))  Let us all know how it went.  I will be with my MIL on the 4th, she is going in for a lumpectomy and SNB, (sentinal node biopsy)  on Tuesday the 4th.  I just hope they don't have to postpone her surgery, her new dog playfully bit her last Thursday and now her hand is infected.  You take care and know that this surgery was so much easier on me than the mastectomy.  Jan

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited August 2009

    Hi women,

    So I'm FREAKING out a bit.  I was on Timtam's forum looking at the pics, then looking at mine -- I'm a &$(*#!!! mess.  I can see this.  I FEEL (but feelings are not necessarily facts) that I have rarely seen anyone there with the sort of bruising I had at the beginning or the cords or the complication I've got going on now.  Is this because people aren't posting those more horrid pics or is it because I'm an outlier and I need to think about getting alternate care?  My insurance isn't great - very limited in terms of what PS I get to pick, and the PS I have did come reccommended by an oncologist that I highly trust.  She is apparently known for doing more "natural" work.  Still -- I look at the blue dye the SNB left and how it never really went away (had to be debrided off) and the way my expanders are so far apart and this recent failed debridement...  I'm trying to trust Im in good care - because I sort of HAVE to given my limited options - but I'm challenged today.  (I think I ate too much of my friend's birthday cake yesterday and I'm in post-cake sugar crash - this isn't helping my mindset).

    What am I asking here?  I guess I'm not asking anything, just expressing my fear.  One of the reasons I am posting the more gruesome pics on the forum is because I remember before my surgery going on the forum and one woman HAD posted her entire journey - all the gory details - and at the end she had gorgeous breasts.  This memory (must find her thread again) has been helpful to me -- but the fear is still trumping today. 

    So I'm just writing it out.  Sharing.  It'll all pass, always does.  I'm gonna go have some ginger tea to clear my brain, a good walk on a beach today - need to get back into the faith, out of the fear.

    Thanks for listening,

    geena

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    HI Can someone tell me how to get on the picture forum..please

    thanks

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Geena--I don't see your photos as horrid, it is where your body is right now, not many people post period, so please don't think you are the only woman going through such challenges, although I'm sure it feels like it. I know nothing of rads, except from what I've read, so I cannot give any words of wisdom.  I can tell you that reading your posts you seem to be doing everything possible to achieve the best outcome, and one you will have, although it may be a much slower process than you had initially thought.  You know from your training, work, and mediation that uncertainty creates fear, especially when your health and body image are the issues.  I'm know it isn't easy always trying to be upbeat, you share with us your terrific strength and sense of humor and endear yourself to all of us, yet you can let it go and vent your fears, every single one of us holds you in our hearts and you do not need to be chipper when you are feeling scared or uncertain.  Cake or not you are entitled to want to scream sometimes. Be who you are in the moment and allow us to hold you up.  I read your cording has gone away, good job, you took good care of yourself, keep it up.  If you are having the slightest doubts and can get a 2nd opinion from a PS, do it for your own peace of mind.  I wish I had better, wiser things to say, be strong when you can and and when you can't we are here.  I do believe you will get an outcome that pleases you, but patience and time seem to be what will make the most difference.

    Hugs and Love,

    Karen

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited August 2009

    GEENA - Karen's post is so well put.  I know I am not part of your close knit group but I wish you the best and hope that things work out in the end.  It's where we get to at the end of the road that matters not always the road we took.  I'm sorry that your road is a little bumpier than others. 

    HUGS, Dawn

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited August 2009

    (((((((KAREN))))))))) Your words ARE the wise thing to say.  Thank you for the time you put into that response and for your generosity of spirit.  I'm not one to really "let go" about this stuff, even with my best friends - and I am letting myself do it here because I know you all know exactly what this experience can be - that you all get it.  I sooooooo know I'm not the only one to experience this - but sometimes it feels like there's no "reality check" beyond what the doctors say - and I struggle to trust doctors at times.  Thank you for reminding me that my body is exactly where it should be and that all I can do is the footwork to keep moving forward. There is always a choice about how to respond to something - and so I'm feeling, expressing and then choosing to "come back into my light" - where you all are. Smile  This forum is a BLESSING.

    MALLEME - Private Message "Timtam" and tell her you are interested in gaining access to her picture forum.  She will forward you instructions. 

    Peace,

    geena

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

    Karen is indeed a gem and a treasure for us on EC!  I have mentioned this to Jan [another gem Wink ] that EC is one of the busiest if not THE busiest of topics on bc.org and many come for information and then they move on.  I can understand why - because it is so hard to keep up!!!  I missed two days last week and was overwhelmed! But there are many of you who have stayed and you just bless me every day I am here because you are a comfort and you have so much to share with others just starting this journey.  I thank you Karen, right along with Geena, for your beautiful words of reassurance to her!!! 

    Geena.....oh, let me tell you, there are some photos on Timtam's site which make your current status look like a stroll through the park.  I will go to the site and bump them for you.  The only reason I will say this, is because where you thought there was no possible redemption for such cases, there is a beautiful result for these women.   

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

    Geena:  Look at "me"....bumped it up for you.  She did end up having to have the LAT FLAP - but you can see why.  You are not anywhere near that....go take a look...

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited August 2009

    Hi ladies - Just back from a week's vacation. And there are 10 pages of postings. I don't think I will be able to read all the back posts, so let me know if there was anything critical over the past week.

    Best wishes to this week's surgery sisters. Misty is goign for her exchange and nips, so cool! Linda, dear sister, is going for nips as well! And Deborah, one of our our trusted experts on size and shapes of implants, is scheduled for fat grafting this week. We will be thinking of you all!

    8/5 - misty123 - Exchange surgery and nipple surgery too!

    8/5 - Linda54 - Nips!!! Lucky girl! Wink

    8/6 - Whippetmom - Fat graft

    BTW: I get the results of my colonoscopy pathology this week. Since I know that all path results are not always benign, I will feel better after I get the results.

    Take care ladies! - Jean

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

    Jean, I pray for benign!

    Deborah, your picture is beautiful. Karen, yours too. Just lovely...

    Geena,,, such a hard road we have to take before we get to the pot of gold... You can do this, and we will help! (((hug)))