Exchange City
Comments
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Deborah,
How funny that you found a ps that used saline only. I had gone for a second opinion and was seriously considering switching to him until I found out he only used saline. I thought it was another "petticoat junction" moment, so I am surprised you found the same thing in San Diego.
As far as rippling, I feel it too but can't see it. And, my right implant flexes inward when I move my pecs. I don't mean body building flexing but every day movements. It is a little gross.
I am happy that you had a good day.
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hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... I cannot feel rippling at all.. I can only see it when I bend forward...
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Misty and Linda: Feel better ladies! We are with you!
Deborah: Can you explain why a gal with low profile expanders gets more upper pole fullness as time goes on with the permanent implant? It would seem if the pec muscle wasn't stretched during expansion than that muscle would push the implant down to where things were strectched out in the lower pole. Also can fat grafting be done at the time of exchange? I have been told no- but not sure if some ladies have done it at the time of exchange.
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Whippetmom and Laura -
Thank you so much for your help. I have posted my pics on the picture forum, and I'd appreciate any comments and suggestions from anyone. Thank you so much!!
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Packer.... as I am a night owl... lol.. and Deborah is probably in bed.. I can tell you that doing the fat grafting at exchange is not practical. Our new implants have not settled and done what they are going to do yet. It will take ( from what my PS told me) about two months to see if any rippling is here to stay or not. So to add fat at exchange, according to my PS would be an oximoron... so.. No to that question,. As far as the low prifle expanders... I do not know. My PS said some of the same things I have heard Deb say.. this is why he gave me the low profile. I do have good upper pole so far. ??? WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY more than I did with the TE, and I did not go with huge boobs. Just a modest C...
Deborah will pipe in on this in the morning I am sure.... she really gets this stuff... I just learn from her and Sandy.. I read a lot on what they post.. and so.. I post what I have learned... and promise their help soon......ROFLOL....
Take Care!
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Awesome Life.. I will check it out now...
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Deborah, so glad to read about your appt. I've been looking forward to it all day. I saw my PS yesterday and we decided, unless something really changes, not to do the breast lift because as things have fluffed my nipples are in a much better place, and why take the chance of losing them. It turns out I have complete sub muscle implants, and the Alloderm was used to help close my pecs after the TEs were placed, there is some thickening where the Alloderm is. I'm going to post 3 month pictures this weekend. We talked about fat grafting, but didn't come to any conclusion, he doesn't think insurance will pay for it so he is going to give me a cpt code and I will call them to see if they will cover it. Of course when I was with him, I could make a ripple to save my life, but he knows the step off bugs me. In reality, I'm really pleased, I'm not perfect, but I wasn't before, yes there is a bit of a double fold, but the more they fluff and settle the more that goes away. Let me know what you think of the pictures, we've kept the surgery date in case we do take a shot at the fat grafting. The study you mentioned has he published it? Did he give you a copy? I tried on bras yesterday and even though I thought I was shrinking I'm somewhere between a D and DD depending on the bra.
Misti and Linda--hang in there. Yes, Linda it seems you were under for awhile. After my BLM it took me two hours to wake up, so I was in recovery for a long time. I felt groggy for weeks. When I had the exhange/hyster/ooph the anesthesiologist told me he was going to do something other than the what had happened during the first surgery. It was great, I was awake, he injected me with something (now with all the press I know it was diprovan), it burned up my arm and in my throat, and I was out. I woke up while they were just getting ready to take me out of the OR, I was a bit groggy, but chatty, asked for water, talked with my doctor, and was in recovery for 15 minutes. I was much more "normal" "clear", so I don't know if something went wrong, but different cocktails makes us respond differently. I get all of my medical reports, but the anesthesiology ones, because if something happened, I'm afraid I'd never allow myself to have surgery again.
Well this is WAY past my bed time, but my boys and I went out tonight and purchased Celtic infinity rings, one for each of us, so when Lindsey moves to LA tomorrow, we will always be connected. I guess to I'm still awake because I want to look at him, listen to him move around, and just savor him being here. Sweet boy gave me an Ipod today with all of my favorite music, to keep me working out to be healthy and strong.
I started a Pilate's class this week, oh....can I feel where the hyster was....oh I keep telling myself a shaking, burning muscle is a happy growing muscle.
Happy Birthday Peggio!
Love,
Karen
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Well, I think I'm probably up the latest tonight. What a wonderful day today meeting with Deborah. As I told her ~ it is an unforeseen gift to have met someone like her in this journey. And even though I don't post as often as I would like (because my kids are young and I get interrupted sometimes 4 times during one post).. you are all in my hearts and I feel like you are all on this journey with me..and that is a gift as well.
Linda and Misty ~ Sorry you have been having such a hard time. I was told to drink lots of water after being under and I think it helps. Misty, I had drains that I wasn't expecting after my exchange right before Memorial Day weekend - but I finally thought it's better than a hematoma bursting in the middle of the night.
And yes... I may go to Vegas - it is my 50th birthday on Sept. 25 so what better celebration than with my BC sisters! Thanks for the early birthday wishes Karen - and if my son ever hands me an Ipod with my favorite songs, I would be in tears! That was so sweet.
Peg
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Hi Ladies,
I am up early taking my meds on schedule. I do feel much better, I know the key is to stay on time with the meds and I cam function.....not even worried about becoming addicted....just want to be able to get myself to the bathroom and kitchen for a drink. No appetite as of yet but did consume a little something yesterday to help absorb the pills, ABT will make you sick when taken on an empty stomach. Sorry if I scared anyone with my surgery experience but it really isn't that bad....I just have more pain then expected and I know some of it is due to nerve regeneration in the previous dead zones.......I only feel a twinge here and there so I am doing pretty good......I am patiently awaiting the unveiling on Monday because these bandages are huge and wide....scares me to think I will have a double wide chest when she unwraps me...LOL....I am sure I won't...but scared.
dani42 - what are you looking to exchange out to, more projection or a slimmer base? I wish you luck in finding a PS that you are comfortable with. I still feel like mine does a good job since she did not try to paint a Rosy picture along the way, very honest about recon and aug looking different but as I said before she specializes in recon so she is pretty good at it and made me feel comfortable thru the whole process, results to come of the finale outcome!!!!!!!
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Whippetmom-At first my PS said let's wait a few months before going back in to adjust the height of the one implant, but then when she looked more carefully, she said that the scar/skin has shrunk up tight against the higher implant, so she said she didn't think it would change at all. The anatomical cohesive gels aren't supposed to drop the way the round ones are (I guess). Even though I don't really see the height difference naked or in clothes, there is a big skin fold on the inner bottom pole of that breast, and because that implant didn't settle the way she expected, the scar below my breast is on my bra line rather than under the breast (as on the other one), so I did think some revision would be necessary to fix that.
But I'll PM Timtam and see if I can get on the picture site. I haven't done that yet. Thanks for your help.
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Can everyone say Daisy's? hehehe
DH unwrapped me this morning and I have these yellow daisy's STITCHED to my nipples and they are huge. I will take a picture and post it. I think I remember someone else posting a picture with these daisy protectors on. My back hurt last night from sleeping on my back but other than that I feel better this morning. On my 2nd cup of coffee....
I am thinking that I had a bad reaction to anti-nausea drug that I did not have with my other surgeries. I could not wake up. I don't remember my clothes being put on me or being wheeled to the car, not anything.....I wonder if I was talking crazy....I am afraid to ask DH..... I have no pain. Can't wait for the unveiling on Tuesday.....
Misty, glad you are feeling better today.
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Can somebody please explain to mer what "step off" is/means? I have a picture in my mind, but I am not sure.
Laura...I know we only see the top half of you in your picture...but where the heck would you get any fat to lipo off of you, dearie?
Exchange on the 17th...so hope they look better than these TE's. I think they are GROSS!
Angel
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I cannot wait to see your nips Linda.. ( LORD we sound scary in these forums...ROFLOL)
Misty. glad you are feeling better..
Angel.. that was such a nice thing to say... Chemopause put about 16 pds on my SHORT self. I have taken off 6 so far...I have fat a little all over now... I think it is hard to see in the pictures.. If I sit down you can see the muffin top.. Oh well... I am back to the gym and feeling stronger... so that is what it is about right... gettin healthy and feeling STRONG!
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Estepp - I know what you mean. I've gained 10 pounds so far with one more round of chemo to go. I'm in the gym as much as I feel like it, but am having to take it slow. Hope I can get mine off as quickly as you!
Keep posting ladies - you are such a help and are guides for all of us coming behind you! Thanks for all the info so far.
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I am guilty of kinda lurking for awhile....just been very busy going back to work and so very discouraged after my last surgery 6/25.......I am trying to be accepting and to give this "foob" time to get herself into right place.....but went back to see PS for six week check up and the news is not good. My skin actually did heal up this time on my 5th surgery to right side......you may recall it"s the one that has had numerous problems. This tme all the scar tissue under where it had previously kept opening has kept the implant over to the outer side.....or kinda under my arm......my PS asked if I had been trying to wear bras to help push it over to midline........I told him a tractor couldn't pull that girl to the middle and that I had spent so much time trying to massage it over that people probably notice. So I don't know what you girls call this as it is my "headlight " that points to my armpit. Now PS is trying to figure out another approach so we can try to replace right foob again.....I told him I needed to wait until late fall....which he agreed would give my skin more time to heal.......he should have put a zipper in the inframammary fold. Sorry to rant so much but I am so tired of dealing with this.......as I am sure most of you ladies are!
I am so tired of hearing that I am thinned skin from my PS and that is why all this started. I just wanted to shout.....ARE YOU KIDDING WOMEN WITH BC HAVE ALL HAD TO DEVELOP "THICK" SKIN TO SURRIVE ALL THIS CR**...........I think we are referring to different interptratations of that phrase.
I wish I was brave and computer savvy enough to post my pics........and I wish I was as brave as all you gals as I know I am getting ready to have myself a major little pity party tonight.
I have been trying to keep up with reading the posts....and am still sending my prayers and hugs out to all you ladies......my heroes!!!!!!
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Elaine:
You can email me your photos and I will post them for you....or you can just email them to me privately and perhaps I can help you out. PM me if you want to do so.
Laura: "Muffintop" ROFLOL!!!! I have never heard of that. Felt it, seen it, know its there, but never described thusly.
Elaine: You can email me your photos and I will post them for you....or you can just email them to me privately [without posting on the pictures forum] and perhaps I can help you out. PM me if you want to do so.
Laura: "Muffintop" ROLOF
aoandrews: Sounds like your PS does need to go in and rescue the implant and do some revision. But before you think of switching out to a smaller volume implant, post your photos and let all of us take a vote!
packergirl: It is not a factor of the upper pole getting fuller as time goes on...it is the fact that the low height TE does not expand the pectorals and so when you put in the implant, it gives a much more natural slope to the breast - reducing any chance of a step-off or contour deformity. However, if you have had complete submuscular placement, the lower 1/3 of the implant will have a tendency to be compressed upward - giving more volume to the upper pole. With the complete submuscular placement, the implant is under the fascia, connective tissue and rectus abdominus and this is providing much more compression in that region than is being generated in the upper pole. The upper pole is only partially under muscle - [the pectorals.]
Karen: Dr. Scott's study was published in the journal of the ASPS - American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/583239
Angel: If you can go to the pictures forum, in one of my photos taken last week I pointed to my step-off deformity. I also had it while still in my TE's and pointed to it then as well.
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Linda54- Find out if they gave you phenagrin for an anti-nausea med. That's what I had my reaction too. It was like I had a stroke. I couldn't move my limbs or speak. It was so scarey especially since I had just delivered my 3rd child. I thought that I was dying and I was going to widow my poor husband and leave him with 3 young kids.
aoandrews-I'd love to see you post pictures as we are similar in size and I am getting similar size implants in 5 days.......
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Okay, ladies - it must be the day for pity parties 'cuz just like Elaine I am having one myself. I saw the ps this afternoon, supposedly for a small additional fill prior to my late Sept. exchange. At my last appt (4 weeks ago) he said he'd probably add just a little more, even though I'm technically full (@ 250cc). Well, he asked me if I was still uncomfortable - I said not really now. He asked "since when - maybe five days ago?" - I said yes, though I still have tightness from the armpits to the elbows (which returned with the last fill.) He checked me and said he wouldn't add any more. I quickly said, "I'm really not THAT tight - it's okay - REALLY!" It didn't work.....no more for me.
When we started this all, my ps warned me that I would be a difficult case because I was so flat, thin, and my skin didn't have much stretch. (I'm with you on the "thin skin" comments, Bukki!) Somewhere in these past six months I guess I'd filed that WAY in the back of my brain - I just thought things were moving along so nicely. I was excited because even though I hate these TEs, I fill out my tops for the first time in my life. Guess I had a major case of boob greed.....
I just keep thinking that this is going to compromise my size, which I know seems absolutely stupid in the eyes of nearly every person I know - with the exception of you all here. There is so little we can control in this whole bc mess, that when we do have a say - how big or small we want our foobs - it's huge.
I can't help but think if I'd just fudged the truth a bit he would have done a bit extra. He did ask again today how big I'd like to be, and I asked if he could get me to a "c." He said yes, so I don't know why I'm upset. My dh (who wasn't there, but called and got me in the middle of my pity party) said this is way better than potentially stressing the skin and having wound breakdown at the exchange, which I know is true. (That really wasn't what I wanted/needed from him at the moment, but sometimes doc trumps hubby) I really do trust my ps.........I guess I just had "all my ducks in a row," and now one has lost it's way..........and I really don't like it much!
Valerie
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Hi Ladies,
My exchange surgery is scheduled for 9/8. Any suggestions regarding what kind of post surgery bra to get? My PS just said a sports bra. Is one that zips or latches up in front better? Recommended brand names? Thank you!
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Well Elaine and Valerie,
Reading your posts is disappointing...Elaine one would think by this time you would have had some relief! This is the first time I am "meeting you" so I have no idea what you have been through...but wow...a 5th surgery to your breast! OK...so this I know already....you are so brave, and I feel like a wimp! I go for my (hopefully) first and last excahange surgery on the 17th of this month, and your post reminds me 1). don't be surprised if it is NOT my first and last and 2). Others have gone before you, so suck it up! So...thanks for the warning.
So...moving on....are you happy with your PS? Are they doing a good job in your eyes? Are you really that "thin skinned"? Did you get a second/third opinion yet? How do you keep your spirits up? Please do tell. You sound like you have been through so much...God love you Personally, after myself having had a very tough past 3 years...I pray alot! So, I am adding your intentions to my prayer list, and I hope this all turns out well for you...so please continue to keep us posted. HUGS to you!
Valerie,
What size fill did you hope to get to? From what I have learned on this site (mostly from Deborah aka Whippetmom) the PS can give you a permanent implant at least 50 cc larger than your TE fill.....so if I presume all other factors are held constant.....perhaps you are exactly where you need to be? Only thing lacking is one "honest to goodness" tell all discussion with your PS as to what you dreams are, and what can be truly achieved. Did he hear you correctly and can he get you to that C you want? You may just need that one last confirmation from him that "he's got you covered" You should be able to know that going in to surgery. You may be worried about either a lack of communication or a non-issue. See if you can get that last topic in before Sept 21. I hope you hear what you want and need to hear.
Good luck and God Bless you both!
Angel
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Thanks, Angel. Sorry - I'm blaming my emotionality on the tamoxifen.......since I haven't had a period since dx I can't blame it on pms!
Yes, you did hear me, he says he can get me to the size I want - at least what I THINK I want. He said we'd work everything out at my pre-op on Sept.15, so I guess have to wait til then. I seem to be having a really hard time speaking up for myself regarding the size issue. Everyone keeps telling me "make sure you don't go too big." My mom even told me THREE times about a neighbor who just went through TEs and exchange and how she just looked way too big. Go figure......
I just need to put on my big girl panties and deal with it!
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Valerie,
Well, I'm pouring a cup of coffee and joining your pity party! My 1st go around with expansion I was filled to 480 cc's. Day of exchange they found an infection. Had to start the whole thing over. 2nd time around he only filled me to 380 cc's. I think he got spooked.
Two things I wanted out of this "opportunity" that bc gave me was to keep nipple sensation in healthy breast and to go bigger. You made me laugh with the"filling out the top" comment! Both my husband and I were disappointed in the exchange. And I am still waiting for my sensation to return. It's only been a month, so I'm hoping it's just a matter of time.
To make myself feel better, I finally took the advise I saw here from everyone and went to VS to try on an angel bra. Three sales people and 7 bras later and they couldn't fit me. I couldn't get cleavage or fullness no matter how many angels got involved! It was really comical by the end of it. They put me in this really small bra. I told them that turning blue really took the sexiness out of the experience! They all felt so badly for me when I was leaving they kept saying, "just remember you are a beautiful person." The poor things...that is one of those desparate compliments...kind of when you ask "do you like my new shoes?" and the response is " they look really comfortable."
So, I guess what I'm trying to say in all this, is try to get what you want the first time. I think a C is pretty great....I would LOVE to be a C. Just tell him you are going to hold him to his promise.
BTW, if anyone knows of a great PS in the New England area (didn't want to get too specific right here) Please PM me.
Take care ladies,
Candi
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wow ladies I'm 7 pages behind
happy to say my mamo results were good
Wed my doctors office called to see if I would talk to a new patient
I asked about my results to the gal I was talking to
they are going to send me a copy but long story short said re check in 6 months
she made a comment about 4mm something but will share more when I get the copy
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Val ~ I was in a similar situation as you. I had the hardest time expanding and was very tight - ribs killed me. I started as an "A-" at best. Anyway, I wanted a "C" as well and said so along with "but I want to look natural". When I was filled to 325 cc my PS said "You're done" and I was in shock I think in the office because I said "Oh okay". After I was home I thought I am never going to get up to 475ccs if my TE's are 325. So, I made another appointment armed with all my info and research that I had done with the help of women here and I went on Dr. office reconstruction websites and printed off sizes that I wanted so that he could "see" what a C cup to me was. I also took in a sports bra and a little "add a cup" insert that I got at Target to show him where I wanted to be. Anyway, he did give me another fill to 400ccs. Now don't get me wrong - IT HURT, but, I ended up with a 500cc implant and I am a C cup. I think my ribs were pushed back and my pecs are tight so I don't look too big. But, I am so comfortable physically. I hope you can make another appt. and try to advocate for yourself. I know if I hadn't I would not be happy now.
Bukki - I wish there was something I could say to help you out, but I feel like all I can say is that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mom2be - I got a zip up sports bra at J C Pennys that was really comfortable. I've seen Champion zip-ups at Sports Authority too
Peg
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baxter, elaine, val61- I'm so sorry to hear that you are all having a bad day. It's so sad that the bc isn't enough. We shouldn't have to endure all of this. You are all strong, remarkable women. Keep faith that god will see you through this. I will say extra prayers for all of you as well.
sandy- congrats on your good mammo results.
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Candi - You made ME laugh at the "no matter how many angels involved" comment! Sadly, though, I know exactly how you feel; I've never even fit into a bra that VS offers (32AAA just doesn't exist in their product line!) I'm sorry that your first exchange wasn't what you'd hoped for, but hopefully you'll find the ps of your dreams - and get the foobs of your dreams, too. I really should be thankful that my ps can get me to a c,- lots of women here would wish for that - and I really wouldn't wish for more, anyway..... I guess...... Boob greed.........
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Elaine............ I know there is nothing I can really say to make you feel GREAT again. So I will just have a glass of Red Wine right now and toast your pity party and be just a little big peed off with you.. OK... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Val... even though you will get that c cup in the end most likely.. it is SO HARD going through this crappola. HORRIBLE hard... that is why I love being here.. even if it is just about an hour a day.. this site.. these BEAUTIFUL women keep it "doable"... ( HUGS)
DEBORAH>> How is it you have never heard of the MUFFIN TOP? It must be that you did not have sons....LOL... these boys drove me crazy with things they would say... " Geeezzzz... why would that girl wear a tube top and low rise jeans with a " muffin top" like that....".. then I would hit them, and tell them to be more polite.... LOL... I learned A LOT raising only boys... LOL.. my D-i-l says she learned about more things ( that were gross and not good...) when she married my son.... LOL.. I told her, I understood that.. as I learned a lot when I married his father...HEHE.
You see... us Christian school girls married us some " public school boys.." ROFLOL
I hope you all have a nice weekend and heal if needed... and be kind to yourself if needed.
We'll all be here to chat..:)
I have yet ANOTHER flippin' party to put on here tomorrow
.. It will be my last of the summer. Taco Bar... this is all they are gettin'..HEHE... I do love having everyone over to swim and be together.. but it seems the last one of the season is the LONGEST...HEHE.... so I will visit with you sweethearts when I can... 0 -
((Elaine)) and (( Val)) The stress of all that you both have been through would make a saint have a pity party. I am just glad that we were invited to share the party with you. I couldn't find the margarita bar at this party, but here is a cyber toast to you both that you get some resolution and peace soon.
((Candi)) There is a Warners bra, style # 02023 that has a satin band across the top,is lightly padded and sold at Macy's and maybe Kohls. This bra gives a better "nudge" towards the center more than the angel bra that I have. BTW It has been almost 8 weeks since the exchange and augmentation of the good breast. No feeling yet in the one nipple are that is left. I hope I get some sensation back soon.
((Karen)) I love the idea of the infinity rings. You are such a great Mom. These young men are strong individuals with a strong sense of self. It is so hard to see them fly from the nest, but you have to be proud to know that they didn't get this "good" by themselves. At least Lindsey will be with his dad.
To all the ladies going to Vegas, we want pictures! Jan
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KAREN>.. I just read again.. your son going to college and giving you the songs... you watching and listening to him breathe.. I GET THAT !!!!!!!!!!! HANG ON SISTER... cry all you need... PM me anytime about this.. it is HARD when our sons leave.. yours sound so darn loving and sweet...
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Laura u made me laugh about your DIL comment
I needed it sort of a bad day at work
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