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

    kookiesmom:  I think that the issue is doing what is comfortable.  My PS did not instruct me regarding sleeping positions - but I just knew that I wanted to protect my fresh incisions for awhile.  When you are on your side, the outer edge of your breast is compressed and so there might be some disruption of the incisions.  So my feeling is to err on the side of precaution and just wait a week to ten days for side sleeping and until the sutures dissolve for stomach sleeping.  Going braless is fine.  Your implants are probably sitting nice and tight in the pockets.  Let's have some photos!!!

    Celine:  Read this article from the ACS re: soy [it's an old article but still holds true...]

    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Soy_and_Breast_Cancer.asp

    ADDENDUM:  That being said, if you have have had soy in your diet your entire life...this information would be helpful:

    http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52N75M20090324

  • susanb2
    susanb2 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2009

    Hi Celine,

    There's no dumb questions. There is so much information to know about BC, it's difficult to keep up.

    If we are ER+, the cancer cells are receptive to estrogen. So the thought is to shut down all estrogen production in our bodies so it doesn't stimulate estrogen to cause cancer cell growth.

    My onc told me to stay away from soy, but not to worry if I had soy not realizing it was in the product.

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

    Could I take a mini poll regarding nipples?  How many of you have had this procedure performed under general anesthesia vs. under local - without being admitted to the hospital -  and if you have had any complications following the procedure, please provide that information as well. 

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

    DIANE....Yes... you can have exchange on Herceptin?? How odd.. I had exchange July 20th 09' and I will finish Herceptin Oct ....something 09'...

    I would do some talkin' if I were you.

    Let us know...K.... you can PM me to talk about it anytime...

    Happy Healing Ladies..

    Annie... HI SWEET STUFF.....:)

    Jean.. WHERE ARE YOU HIDING??????????

    Taking my grandkids to kohls... pray for me... LOL.. they are 2 1/2 and 1 1/2..... Cool

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009
    pam:  Congratulations on your exchange date.  I PM'd your info to Jean and she will post it very soon!
  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited August 2009

    Deborah -  Love it!  I think I'll have to add "How am I supposed to know?" to my on-line signature!

    Lorraine - thanks for all the info on supplements.  I'm following Deborah to whole foods......

    Cheri - Probably four months isn't unheard of for no periods, especially considering the shock your body has endured.  I haven't had one since December and am trying to figure out if it's the tamox or perimenopause.  I certainly fit the age - 48 in 2 weeks. I'm just tired of carrying a stupid tampax everywhere and worrying that it'll happen at the worst possible moment - like when I'm wearing white pants!

    Great to hear from this week's exchange sisters - happy healing!

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    Herceptin and exchange surgery is fine I had surgery last week and have herceptin next week.

    Thanks for the vitamin info... I will go over this with my onoc because she had mentioned a while back that I might want to start taking some vitamins and I wasn't ready to hear that info. 

    Week out of surgery and feeling ready good walking daily, not lifting for weeks, did short drive today. PS said not to do anything to make incision prune like from sweat,bath etc.  and I can start lying on my side too.  It is amazing how different the TE's and the implants are no muscle  cramps I pray this continues to just get better. and I am hoping that going on Tamoxifn doesn't set me back with the SE's

    To all those coming up on their exchanges hang in there it does get better.

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

    malleme:  So glad to hear you are doing well after the exchange.  Post some photos...or send some to me!!! Wink

    Val:  Too funny...I am going to remember that line for a long time....

  • Orlandogator
    Orlandogator Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Ladies for the response on Herceptin and so quickly!! I will keep on asking the question to my oncologist.  I am excited to finally have my exchange:)

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited August 2009

    Hi there - Just a quick check in and addition of Pam to the schedule. I am out of town working and doing training for some clients from 7 am to 7 pm. I need to get some sleep right now. I will check back in on Friday. I miss you all.

    Deborah - I only read this page of posts (sorry I missed the last four pages), but I did see your question. My PS is planning on doing my nips under "local MAC" - I love this type of anesthesia. It has all the advantages of local (no general anesthesia nausea and grogginess) and all the advantages of being out of it. I am psyched.

    Take care ladies and best wishes to all having surgery this week. Hugs.  Jean

  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2009

    Hi ladies,

    Been missing for a few days to get things in order, we have to move--rental property in foreclosure--wishing all of you with recent surgery happy healing  and good luck to those coming up.

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

    Misty.. you doing ok.. minus the move and all??

  • lovemyself
    lovemyself Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2009

    Hi ladies,

    I saw some discussion about fish oil. I went to see a naturopath doctor after my exchange surgery. After 3 surgeries and radiation treatment, I did experience fatigue. The treatment involved strict diet plus 8 different supplements for 1 to 2 months. I was skeptical but only after 2 weeks, I started to feel much stronger. After finishing the treatment, fish oil is one of the two things that I need to stay forever. The fish oil is the main thing. She suggested Super EFA fish oil or a cheaper one Nutrasea, because of the purity, high content of fish oil and no/not much mercury. The recommended dose is one tsp a day, but for cancer survivor, two, one during breakfast and the other one for dinner. It is a therapuetic dose. I have never recommended anything to anyone because I am always skeptical about the supplements. But for this one, my skin and hair got so much better that many people ask me what gives me this glow on my face. Hope it helps.

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

    Oh wow Jean.  THAT is the kind of surgery I want!  I am going to ask about it!

  • happytobehere1
    happytobehere1 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2009

    Hi Ladies

     I am a member, but haven't been on allot because no one ever responds to my posts etc.  But I just wanted to let everyone know that I had my exchange surgery on Aug 7th 2009.  I am doing great, I was exchanged for 550 cc high profile Natrelle implants,  They look great. Don't even look like implants, look like natural breasts.  Very pleased.  Congrats to all who had their exchange surgeries and good luck to those who will be getting them!  

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

    HAPPY.... So great you are happy! Wahooooooooooooooooo

  • MillieD
    MillieD Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2009

    where do you post the pics.

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Happy---You deserve to be HAPPY, I'm glad your surgery went well and you like the girls.

    Hugs to Misty--I'm sorry you have to move, I may have to in January, landlord selling, and I don't' think I can buy.  May I suggest a dumpster?  One of the best moves I ever had included a dumpster. don't forget you are still healing, take good care of yourself!

    L--Laughing

    Hang in there Jean!

    Hugs,

    Karen 

  • MillieD
    MillieD Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2009

    Happytobehere:   How long is the recovery period after the exchange?  How long did you have to wait after your last fill for the exchange?

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009

    Great to hear from you Happy!  I'm so glad everything went well!  Keep in touch!

    Millie - Send a private message (PM) to Timtam.  She gives limited access to this site since it has sensitive pictures.  Also, I had my TE's placed on April 29th.  Filled until ~July 20th.  I have my exchange on August 26th.  The only reason I had to wait so long is his schedule was full until then.

  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Member Posts: 136
    edited August 2009

    YOU LADIES ARE KILLING ME!!!!!   This is my favorite forum on the whole site.  I never know if I will be laughing or crying ~ sometimes both ~ sometimes at the same time.

    My exchange isn't scheduled yet (2 more fills) but I have to say, will be following these ladies where ever they go!!  Does anyone live in the San Diego area?

    Last fill got me to 600 and PS wants 800 so he has enough skin and muscle to "sculpt" my new breasts.  Hopefully I will be able to walk upright between the last fill and the exchange!!

    Will be discussing my vitamin supplements with the onc after reading the last couple of pages.  I hate taking stuff and even delayed in scheduling my appt to get started on Tamoxifen.  For goodness sakes, I have bocce ball boobs. 1 inch of grey hair and my fingers ache, what else will this do to me?????  And please, why did my hair come in grey when it has been Medium Golden Brown (#116 I think) for 15 years . . . . . .

    You are all the best and although I don't post often I am laughing, crying and praying with you every step of the way.  xoxo  Colleen

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

    Colleen... It is time to Color that HAIR sister!!!   Wink

    Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited August 2009

    No offense to anyone but not everything that comes out of an oncs mouth is gospel, you have to do your own research.estrogen is not the devil, unbalanced hormones is the cause of chaos....you can't be expected to go through the rest of your life feeling crappy because you have no estrogen! Xcuse my typing doing this from my phone my internet is down aaaaahhh!!!

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

    happy:  I am sorry that you feel no one responded to your questions on other posts - but certainly not here!!  This is the first time you have posted here!!!  But congratulations and we are happy that happy is happy.

    Colleen:  There are a few here who live in San Diego....so glad we keep you on your toes here at Exchange City....

    Millie:  I am going to PM you the link to contact Timtam, who maintains the picture's forum.

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

    The reason I agree the fairy49 ( Lorraine) is because I was on Estrogen for 10 yrs.. then got dx with BC .

    I WAS NOT er/pr+.. I was 100%  negative.

    I am Her2+ only.. and highly.

    Something to ponder.. maybe on another thread.. or maybe not. We are all friends here...

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Thursday surgeries

    Alo123 ----- exchange

    vision4utoo ----- exchange

    You are in my thoughts and prayers for fast recoveries and happy foobs.....

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

    Me too girls... you are gonna do GREAT!

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Sending out warm wishes and gentle hugs for a smooth exchange  to Alo123  and Vision4utoo!

    God Bless!

    Angel -

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited August 2009

    God bless this site....you ladies are the best BEFORE, DURING and AFTER!!

    Terri

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited August 2009

    Misty- Girl I hope you have help moving so soon after surgery! Hang in there! Let us know how your doing when you have a breather. Hugs