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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2009

    Hi All,

    I am running out of patience. My ps told me I have two more fills to go and would like to go over 550 cc on both breast. He told me after the las two fills, he wants me to wait for two months before the exchange. I started my reconstruction 4/30 and looking at maybe November this year for my exchange (7 months ?)

    How long did it take from the time of reconstruction to the final exchange not including the nipples reconstruction?

    Thanks for your response. Take care and love you all. Celine

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2009

    ((Karen))  Feel better sister friend, I hope you let us know if you need anything and keeping you in thoughts and a prayer that you get some time off of the roller coaster.

    ((Malleme)) You are so new after surgery and I can't believe that the PS didn't call you back!    Were you put on antibiotics after surgery?   I hope everything is OK, but I would be very cranky if this is an infection ( odd that the redness is below the breast) and you had to go 24 hours without intervention because the PS office did not call you back.  This is not good aftercare, especially when the week-end is here.  The nurse may have forgotten to give the PS the message, needless to say if you had gone in and had it looked at it would have saved them a Saturday appt, and you a lot of stress and anxiety!

    ((Celine))  This sounds about right.  I waited almost 3 months after the last fill to 500 cc.  My mx was 12-29-08,  I started fills in January,fills ended about March 24th and my exchange surgery was 6-15-09.  I then wait about 3 months before he does the nipple (November) as the breasts need to settle, and they do drop and "fluff" or relax as the muscle adjusts to the implants. It will be a full year before I get all of the procedures done.  Some women take even longer if they have had chemo and rads.    Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint Cool   Jan

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    Celine- I had my bi lateral mastectomy March 17th and my exchange surgery is set for August 28th.  So you are right on the money!!!  It is frustrating, I know!!!  I wish it was all over for me too.  Hang in there.

    Karen- Surely if it had been bad news they would have called you (if they had the test results) so I say, have a great weekend! 

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    I have a blog!  Sometimes, I write about my cancer but mostly, it is about my life!!!  I would love any of you to follow me at http://cheribass.blogspot.com/

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2009

    Sorry to hear everyone's difficulties and frustrations. 

    Celine, I had my bilateral mastectomy March 10 and my exchange surgery is August 17 (the day after tomorrow!)  So yes, your schedule is on target.  

    Day after tomorrow!

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Jan and Cheri-Thanks for your thoughts!  Cheri, I keep telling myself that, then I say, wait, what if they wanted my onc to tell me bad news....I can think up pretty scary stuff, that's why I stay aware from spooky movies, I do well enough on my own.

    Celine--I had my BLM on November 17 with immediate reconstruction.  I had 600cc TEs.  I woke up with 150cc.  We waited two weeks, and then added 50 cc a week, to 750cc, there were some missed weeks in there, either he was gone, or I was--the last two fills were 75cc.  We waited almost 12 weeks after the final fill--exchange was on May 4.  I'm glad we moved slowly, but I understand the desire to get things over with.  I think it is common to wait at least 2 months after the final fill, to allow things to stretch.  Hang in there!

    Have a great weekend.  We are going to be watching Lucas' cross country coach's wife, Amy Yoder-Begely run 10m in Berlin this morning, she is very inspiring. I'm thinking, tomorrow, beach.

    Love you ladies!

    Karen

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    MONDAY surgeries

    SimoneJ, lifegoeson, Angel10 and Kookiesmom are all having exchanges

    Thoughts and prayers for each of you for successful surgeries and speedy healing....

    oh yeah   soft foobies....

    take care sisters

    Celine,  I had my exchange 4 months after my last fill.  I had a radiated side that was being expanded so PS likes to give it plenty of time to do its thing.....

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

    Karen :  ((((((HUGS))))))  My husband is on week three of his cough....my grandson has it now...some virus going around here which manifests only as a cough...Did they do a sputum or throat culture?

    Have fun at the beach!!  Wait.....you are in Portland....what beach?

    Cheri:  I am going to check out your blog....

    Malleme - I PM'd you...I echo what Jan posted....

    All having their surgeries this week - Happy exchanges - revisions - we are all here for you and waiting to hear from you after surgery!!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009
    lifegoeson:  How is Kenya this week?
  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Hi Deborah-

    They only did an xray.  Having lived in Venice Beach for part of my early 20's, and growing up in California, I understand the confusion of my saying I'm going to the beach tomorrow.  That is how I'm outed by native Oregonians as originally coming from California, 'cuz here the correct phrasing is "I'm going to the coast."  If you say beach everyone know you are from California, if you dare say shore, well, you're from the right coast, not the left. Kind of like standing, "in line" or "on line."  So tomorrow, I'm going to our beautiful rugged coast where the sand and surf meet, and the sun occasionally shines.

    I would like to know how Kenya is doing as well.

    Hugs,

    Karen

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

    Malleme- Did you see your PS? I am hoping that it turns out to be nothing. It would stink to have an infection at this point. I was put on an antibiotic for a week. It is upsetting my stomach a little, but I'll live with that as I am so afraid of an infection.

    Karen- Hang in there and enjoy the beach. When you live in Upstate NY, any beach sounds good. We are finally having warm weather here for thte first time this summer.

    Question for anyone who had their exchange!!! My PS put me in a front close sports type compression bra after my exchange on Wednesday. I knew that he would do that. I have to keep it on until I see him for my follow up this Thursday. My problem is this: It is soooo tight. I have a deep indentation all the way. Do you think it needs to be this tight? I bought a tight fitting sports bra with a front closure during my expansion process. It is a 36 bandwith, which is what I always wore. The one that the PS put on me is a 34. I barely got any sleep last night and it's not from exchange pain, it's from bra pain. Also, I am not one of you ladies who is numb underneath the braline. Any suggestion? I know it's only a week, so i can suck it up if necessary.

     Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited August 2009

    DENISE - My ps let me take the surgical bra off on Wed. after a Mon. exchange, told me that I just need to be in some sort of sports bra for 3 weeks. I would change to your other sports bra at least until Monday when you can speak to them, I wouldn't think that they would want you to be that uncomfortable that you are unable to sleep.  Maybe they thought they were putting you in a 36 and did the 34 by mistake.  That's just my opinion, I'm sure others will post with more experience with this.

    HUGS, Dawn

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2009

    Kenya is making slow and steady progress.  Thanks for asking.  She can stand with assistance and she can move all her legs.  She can walk if we assist her by holding her up with a harness.  She can't stand or walk on her own yet but I think if she keeps on progressing the way she is, she should be able to.  She is off all painkillers and is back to her funny self, which is great to see. 

    The vet is letting me stay with her tonight on an air mattress.  She's in a really big cage.  We will probably both sleep better than either of us has in a month.   :)

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    HI thank you all,

    I do not have an infection and yes thank God they put me on antibiotics before, during and for a week after my surgery.  (I usually get infection but not for a couple of months) The PS was so great when he called back because I took him it was a shadow under my new boob and not black and blue but that I still had the red.  So he said come to the ER and meet me in the lobby. He met myself and my husband and he turned out to be the DR who assist my regular DR so I had met him moments before the surgery. He explained the redness checked me over and said no infection everythings ok.  But then he went into how easily infections can and do occur so that's why  he was in  the surgeries this past week because he was the PS on call all weekend and needed to know how exactly each procedure was done so nothing would be missed. My husband was totally relieved and so was I.  He was just so caring and kind and explained everything. 

  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2009

    malleme - I am so glad all is well.

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    Hi Karen,  I know those thoughts would be going through my head too.  I just think because time is of the essence with cancer that they wouldn't wait on who could tell you- ya know?  I know exactly what you are feeling though- those things would be going through my head too.  I hope you enjoy your time at the beach (FL girl! so it is called the beach to me!)

    Deborah- thanks for reading my blog.  I started it before cancer diagnosis and then took a while off and have just started it back again.  There are a few blogs about my cancer but not many.  It's kind of a blog that is all over the place but I am hoping eventually a focus will come to me!

    Dawn- it seems like you are doing really well!!! So happy for you.  How are you feeling misty123?

    Malleme- great news

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009
    Great Malleme! What a relief!!!!!Laughing
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Denise

    I would get out of that bra pronto....You should not be that uncomfortable.....even a sports bra gets uncomfortable after a few days of 24/7 wear and I cannot imagine having one on that is tight...I think they did make a mistake.....Of course I don't know if you have had any problems in the past with your expanders shifting and maybe he wants to make sure the implants stay put.....if this is the case then maybe you should wear it but you could cut out a couple of V's in the band so that it would give just a little......the best to you

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited August 2009

    I agree with Linda....pronto!!!! You should be comfortable....sounds like they just gave you the wrong band. The surgical center did the same thing to me and when my PS saw it prior to my discharge he changed it. 

    Good luck and wishing you comfort.

    Kathie 

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Hello Kathie

    Love your new picture!!! 

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Hi All!  Jut checking in and letting you all know I am anxious for my Monday exchange!

    I had an informative discussion with my PS this past week in preparation for my surgery Monday.  I originally thought he wanted me to do textured implants, but I think I must have heard his nurse wrong last month when she told me Allergans 120. Seems I am getting Allergan 20's.  Additionally,  when I was with my PS I discussed with him that it was my understanding that I would have to wait 2--4 months to have my implants "settle".  He said, "Well, I am going to share with you my philosophy of implant placements after 15 years of experience. I think it is unreasonable to expect my patients to wait 2-4 months to understand what they will have to live with and/or then possibly do revisions if they settle unsatisfactorily.  So I determine the proper implant based upon body size, skin texture and desired outcome.  Then I choose the implant that will give you the desired outcome immediately.  I place it where it should be placed, and will make any revisions necessary to your pocket or skin at that time.  What you come out with from this surgery is what you will have for the long term."  Well....that about undid all my expectations of waiting and wondering!! Well, not all of course, because tonight I am still waiting and wondering...but you know what I mean! :) 

    Anyhow...he booked the OR for 3 hours, I will definitely come out with 2 drains but hopefully for just a couple of days....and when it is time for my "unveiling" what will be, will be! No major settling and fluffing!  Just goes to show you how many different thoughts and approaches goes into this!

    Of course, I hope that the first outcome is what I want and so it will be the last outcome....but we shall see!

    Will check in later next week.

    Thanks for all the support here....what a blessing you all are!

    God Bless!

    Angel

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Love your picture, Kathie!

    Karen

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    Angel,  That sounds like what my PS told me as well.  I think it's because of alloderm.  Do you know if your PS is using that?  He ordered 3 various types- all different sizes and says he will figure out the exact one after he gets in there.  I know you must be excited.  I am beside myself- the 28th seems too far away!!! Good Luck on everything for Monday and for your recovery- please check back in when you are feeling up to it to let us know how everything went!!!

    Cheri 

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Hi Cheri...yes, I got Alloderm during my TE placement and he ordered 3 different sizes for the exchange just as yours did!  Will let you know how it all goes...

    God Bless!

    Angel

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Linda and Karen....Had to wear my Livestrong hat. Needed to change up the Mt Ranier boob pic for the cross country Yellowstone pic....LOL. Karen..can't wait to meet you...Linda...wish I was going to Vegas for the pleasure of meeting you. 

    Going to see Lorraine tomorrow night and hopefully Deborah can join us. Left multimessages for that busy woman!!!!

    xxoo and blessings to all

    Kathie 

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Well, I haven't been on much lately and have sure missed alot.  Kathie, glad you are safe and sound in WA and CA! 

    Happy healing to all of you in recovering stages.

    Ok, does anyone else have this problem: when I move my arm, the right pec muscles flex and compress and distort the implant.  It could be as simple as pushing a grocery cart but I feel that the movement is noticable through my clothes.

    I made an appointment with my ps at the end of the month to basically document the problem.  I will probably schedule a consult with another ps as well.  If it leads to a revision, I will go with someone else but I need to build up sick leave at work before I can do that.

    Kathie, I hope Deborah meets up with you and Lorraine.  It sounds like fun.  Did things go ok on Thursday? 

    Dianne

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2009

    Ladies, I am so glad that I've asked this question. All your answers are very encouraging. I can focus in taking one day at a time just like everyone here does. I guess I need to be a little bit more patient and go with the flow.

    (((Lifegoeson))), ((((SimoneJ))), (((Kookiesmom))) and (((Angel10))), good luck on your exchange on the 17th. Sending you lots of hugs and kisses. Celine

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Kathy,

    Have fun with Lorraine tonight, she comes across with a wicked sense of humor so you two should have a blast.  I hope Deborah can make it as well.

    Good luck to the ladies having surgery this well, can't wait to hear how things go.

    Cheri, the 28th will be here before you know it!

    Hugs,

    Karen

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

    Good luck to Lifegoeson, SimoneJ, Kookiesmom, Angel10, Alo123 and vision4u2!! Wow. lots of proceures this week. (((((Hugs))))) to you all.

    I did sleep in my regular sports bra last night. It was a relief as the one they put me in cuts into the new girls. But, mine is too hot for during the day, so I put the tight one back on until tonight. I see my PS on Thursday, and then plan on a trip to VS to bra shop on the way home.

    Happy Sunday to all..

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited August 2009

    Hey Ladies,

    I just found this interesting US News link that rates the best hospitals iin the US. Thought it might be helpful.

    http://health.usnews.com/health/best-hospitals

    Candi

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