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Exchange City

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Comments

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited August 2009

    Misty: do you need help moving?  when do you have to be out?  JUDY

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited August 2009

    Lorraine - What is DIM?

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

    Hey Judy... good to see you....( hug)

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited August 2009

    Hi darlings:

    Congrats to all for surgeries and good wishes to all getting them!  I hope Linda will post pix of the new cherries when she is ready to!

    I did not mean to imply oncs are allmighty, or that estrogen is all bad....merely passin' on info I was given.  The medical community tailors info for each gal....I was soooooo estrogen heavy, and the tumor was plenty caused by it, that that is what I got.

    To each her own, ladies.  I want my fish oil back. :(.....

    love you all (and Laura, hope Kohl's went well, love you lady!)

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    Misty-bummer!!!  I love the dumpster idea! Out with the old every time I move!

     Waaaaaaaaa!!!! I want it to be my turn!!!!  I am so excited/anxious/nervous but mostly excited to get this process over and done with! 

    My hubby is recovering on the couch from his colonoscopy-no cancer- just a polyp thanks goodness!!! 

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2009

    Wishing a quick recovery to Alo123 and Vision4utoo. Happy, glad to hear that your surgery went fine and doing okay.

    As you all noticed, my avatar changes. These are drawings from my daughter. Just want to share it with you.

    Deb, thanks for the the soy information. It helped a lot. I love this forum because you can get your answers here quicker than my fingers can type.

    Take care everyone and good morning. I am going to sleep because I just returned from a 3rd shift duty to cover on one of my co-worker who is on vacation. Celine

    8/20 - Alo123 - Exchange surgery

    8/20 - Vision4utoo - Exchange surgery

  • Orlandogator
    Orlandogator Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2009

    Allright ladies - I went back to my onc and I am all set to go for exchange on October 2nd so I can finally be on this board!!! I haven't posted much until I scheduled a date and now I did:)  I am filled to 850cc because he overexpanded before radiation so I am not sure where I will end up but am looking forward to a softer implant and a lift on the other side:)

     Best wishes and many prayers to all of you coming up!!

  • ilovehorses2
    ilovehorses2 Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2009

    I was wondering if anyone had the Allergen 133Sv TE's and had them filled to 450cc saline and then did their exchange: to the Allergen 410 685 mod profile size. If so my question to you is did they feel the same or smaller after the exchange? My PS has measured me and the closer I get to the day (Sept 14th) the more I worry. I seem to wake up at night and can't go back to sleep over this. I have had some problems with nerve impingement ( Phrenic nerve) and I'm thinking of having him put in smaller ones than he wants. But all that I have read from the Manufacture of the TE's the chest compression is lessened and resolved after the Exchange in most cases. I can only hope and pray this will be what happens in my case. It is so hard to know what to do. I surely don't want to go though an extra surgery trying to get the right size. Thanks for any help anyone can give me that will help ease my mind. Di

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    BEst of luck to alo and vision are your surgery tomorrow. I'll be praying for you and your new boobies.

    Estrogen- you are so right we mustn't forget that women need a certain amount of estrogen for emotional chemical, mental balance our bodies and the medical profession is scare.  Like I said earlier my sister went thru cancer last year and ended up with emotional basket case and thinning uterus that folded  and for months every DR told her they couldn't help her.  Finally a woman who had been down the breast cancer Tamox road 2 years out. gave her some estrogen cream to try.  She is on the road to recovery.

    ps she did go back and question every DR as to why they refused to consider putting her on estorgen. They are afraid to give estrogen to BC patients. was their answer. like giving cancer to a cancer patient is the thought process.but admitted a certain amount is needed for quality of life.

    Happy welcome like Deborah said we are here.

    Celine your daughter is a wonderful artist.

    Best wishes and prayer to all

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009

    Good Luck you ladies having surgery today!!!  I hope everyone gets everything they deserve!!!

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Sorry love my horses....I can't help with your question....

    but I do have a quick question for the rest of the sisters...anyone planning on doing anything or have you done anything yet to encourage scar healing post exchange?  I have been using Palmer's Cocoa Butter throughout the filling process, but am curious as to what you all think regarding this issue. Does anything really help...Mederma, Vit E, etc., or is it too much of an individual thing to call?

    Thanks and God Bless each and every one of us! Innocent

    Angel

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited August 2009

    Has anyone had their implants fail the first time, have new ones put in and then later exchange that set for another set ???

    I had 600hp mentor implants put in on June 17 and then I got a hole on my incision line and later had to have my implants exchanged for 400 MP mentor (that was all that the hospital had and it was not a planned surgery).  I am in the mind set right now that I just want them to heal but I would really like to have a little bit of a profile.  I am however scared that if I exchange them the next set might fail :(  I guess I just need some encouragement. 

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Jaimieh,

    It is disappointing when we can't get what we hoped for. I am no expert here but had my exchange in July and am not thrilled with the results.  I think you are right to let them heal, especially since you had trouble healing the first time. 

    I am going back to my ps Monday to have what I don't like documented. I've been told it could take up to 6 months for them to settle so I would probably wait that long if I decide to have them redone.  A big consideration is risking complications. 

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited August 2009

    Dani~ Sorry you are not happy with the results :(  I really liked my 600 but almost immediately the skin looked "funny" with white dots.  I was told by my PS that I can change them out in the future. 

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited August 2009

    Angel

    I was told anything with vitamin E on the tattooed nipple would tend to fade it but it was OK on the incision.  I use Palmer's Scar Serum and really like it - just have to watch the nipple area.

    Bobbi

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited August 2009

    In regards to estrogen, I read the book The Maverick of Medicine Speaks to Women by Duane Townsend MD. He suggests that women take Genistein and use Natural Progesterone Cream to achieve hormonal balance - even women taking Tamoxifen.

    Just thought I would share this information. The book is very interesting.

    Denise

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

    Angel...

    Cocoa butter is the best.. ( imo).. and Palmer's is "ok".. real 100% cocoa butter is better. Any Health Food Store will have it. It is hard. You warm it in the micro. This is what I use and I scar very well...:)

    back to work,..... :)

  • ktn
    ktn Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2009

    Hi! I just wanted to comment that I have received so much helpful info on this site but also realize we each get different info from our MD's at different times. It would be nice if we all heard the same re supplements, postop info, etc. My onc told me to take fish oil and glucosamine for my joint pain due to Arimidex. She told me not to worry about the occ soy in food products that are in small amounts. Many studies still support soy.....Wish we all knew conclusively!!

    I had my 2 week postop after exchange appt today. My PS was pleased at how it all looks. I had to have radiation to both sides so he has always been a little concerned. I still have 2 weeks in a sports bra and then need to wear a bra that is supportive under the breasts...he said underwire was ok. Because of radiation it is important to support the implants. He also said no massage. He had placed some extra sutures so didn't want the massage. He did say I could sleep on my stomach again after 4-6 weeks. I see him next in 2 months and do nipples in 3 months (local anesthesia). He has a tatoo specialist who will eventually finish things and he referred to that as a "spa day"!

    I did stop at VS and picked up a few Ipex bras. They are being discontinued so are 40% off.

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    ktn,

    I agree with your comments....there does not seem to be a consenus...which is OK if that leaves room for personal preference, but wow...sometimes I feel like my next job should be working for a doctor's office as a patient advocate!  Actually all I would do is send them to this site! :)  Not really...we could probably do a better job of accessing info already put out here.  Just now I want to thank several sister's for responding to my inquiry on scar healing products.  There should probably be a separate UPDATED thread on this issue alone....but thank you Laura and Bobbi!

    On another note...I do want to tell you how please I am with my PS this evening!  He called me a half hour ago to check up on me (my exchange was this past Monday).  He wanted to know how I liked the results...(I have an appointment tomorrow to take out my drains but he is in surgery so I won't see him until next week). When I told him I was still wrapped up and had not peeked, he encouraged me to do so while he waited on the phone to see how I felt!  WOW!  Either that is confidence, or concern or what ever, but I was so touched and impressed by that!!  I did not jump up and down and shriek with joy when I saw my results...I mean honestly, this whole thing is still a mind blower,.. but darn, I feel so much better having had the unveiling today and not having to wait until next week!  I am very sore, and a bit critical but I must admit, it is so much better looking than the TE's...and I just feel better to have seen them now, and not having to wait until next week!

    So there are some good docs out there...and here is a toast to them!  In all of this, I am grateful for the care I have received from several docs, nurses and staff and the medical choices I have made...even if this whole cancer thing sucks. 

    And God Bless each of you for being there for me, too!

    Angel

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited August 2009

    Angel - Wow! What an awesome ps you have!  And I second your "AMEN" to all the wonderful medical folks who have helped us on our journeys.    Regarding the scar hearling  - my ps said mederma and 100% cocoa butter were fine, but avoid anything with Vit E which can act like a steroid and toughen the scar tissue.  I've been using the cocoa butter since April, and I must say the scars look quite good - very flat and pale.  I use a grapefruit spoon to scrape some out of the jar, then warm in in my hands.  Or you can use Laura's microwave method - genius!  Smells good, too.

    Cheri - glad your dh survived the colonoscopy.  Mine is 1 1/2 years overdue for his baseline, so I should probably just schedule it myself - wouldn't he be surprised?!  

    Dani - I'm so sad for you - and mad that you felt stuck with your ps's decisions.  Have you considered having another ps look at you?  You might really luck out - it happens!

  • baileysgirl22
    baileysgirl22 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2009

    All this talk about Exchanges... Im getting excited! One good thing to look forward to in a few months! My doctor was nice enough to sneak in 3/4 injections into the expanders before my chemo started. I wont be able to start getting the injections in again until early December. He put in the bags to hold 400cc Im guessing thats a C cup. he said hell try and get me as big as he can without looking silly. I just cant wait to have a chest! :) Now all I need is my hair back and Ill be feeling pretty good!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited August 2009

    Bobcat:  Vitamin E will NOT fade a tattoo.  That said, there is better stuff out there to help soften scar, etc.  Palmer's or other cocoa butter is good, as is any skin cream that does not have parabens in it.  But NOTHING should be put on a new tattoo for at least a week, until it closes up completely, by which I mean- the skin has been opened to put the pigment into the second layer of the skin.  The openings, although rather small (they used the point of a pin) must close to prevent infection.  A little soap that may get on it in the shower is not a problem.  But just water on it for a week. OK?  

    Obviously, no swimming in a pool, lake or the ocean.  They are bacterial soup.

    JUDY 

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Judy - that is good news.   I would love to slather cocoa butter with anything onto the entire area and I will avoid parabens.  My incisions are flat and starting to fade but would like to NOT have to avoid the tattoo area.  Must admit I do like the new girls and wearing very low cut and revealing tops and dresses is new for me Kiss

    Angel - you do have a very caring PS.  Good job!

    Nicole Burns - don't worry about the hair - it comes back in good time and you are very beautiful.

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

    Hi sweet ladies,

    I've been busy the past 2 days with school stuff, and taking my 12 year old to the American Idol Concert. Today i went for my one week check up. The PS told me to still wear a sports bra 24/7 for 6 more weeks. I was not happy with that and talked him into a soft regular bra during the day, and a sports bra at night. I tried some bras on at Victoria Secret. Nothing felt right yet. I still have some swelling on the sides so I think that I need a bra that's designed for a wider breast right now. Any suggestions?? I still have a five poud weight restriction for 6 weeks and he said that the only exercise I can do is walk or ride a stationary bike. Does this sound similar to what you guys were told? I left unhappy because I just want to get back to normal (Whatever that is). I'm sick of restrictions....URGH.

    Ok, done complaining. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and goodluck to our sisters having surgery tomorrow!

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    My PS says after my exchange (which by the way is NOT soon enough) to drink protein shakes as many time as I can to help heal the scars!  Also he uses a steroid strip!  Good Luck!

    Hi Val!  Yes- schedule it for him! HA I think he will love you! :)  My hubby had no issue just hating not eating.  The procedure itself was no big deal!  

    Good night friends 

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Val,

    I called another ps for a consult but they don't participate in my insurance, which is Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  I thought that was strange.  I have tried to see this particular doctor a few times and some obstacle always comes up, I am thinking it might not be the right thing. 

    Denise, I like the Warners bras. They are wireless, wider, and soft.

    Cheri2, protein shakes?  That is interesting.  I am trying a high protein, low carb diet now.  I see an improvement in my hair and nails but haven't paid much attention to the incisions - suprisingly enough! 

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

    Judy.. thanks for sharing that tip! You are the most educated on that...

    WHY do your PS tell you to wear your sports bra for weeks and weeks Ladies??? I do not get it.

    Just wondering.

    I will tell you... I had exchange a month ago. I look good. I got 450's Mentor HP. I was a good C cup.. then things settled and softened.. and I am really only a large B now. My C cup bras do not really fit.. so I went out and bought B cups again...:(...

    As a rads girl.. who had a good turn out with implants.. I HATE to try to get that C cup.. ( 550's) in fear of it failing... any advice ladies?

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

    dani:  How about Angel's doctor?  Are you in close proximity to one another?  I would be interested in seeing how things turned out.  What are you going to share with your PS re: things that concern you?

    4greatkids: [We have two Denise's now...]:  Also, try going up a cup size to accomodate the width and see if that works.

    Horses:  Well, I know that sounds like a big leap in size between TE's and implants, but with the "true gummies" - the 410's - the key is creating the pocket appropriately and it is quite likely that the dimensions of the TE's [which are short height - variable projection] will be similar to the 410's in 685 cc's.  Have you already shared your height, weight, ribcage dimensions here?  We could help you out if you want to post that information.  Tomorrow I will calculate the TE dimensions as relates to the dimensions of the 410.  The only difference in the 410 is that you want to prepare for it to be firmer than you might be anticipating - firmer than the "regular" silicone round implants.  There are a couple of threads on bc.org regarding the "gummies" - and if you search for them in the reconstruction forums you might get some additional information which would be helpful.

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    I keep my coco butter in the bathroom and use my blow dryer on it, I just point the dryer straight down into the jar, and melt as much as I want, works great, and I don't have to go down stairs to the microwave.

    Laura, I have no experience with rads, but you have had good luck so far, maybe you should wait. Six months, a year, see how you feel see how your body does, if all is well and you want to go "C" then do it.

    Does anyone with Alloderm have a thickening where the sling is?

    Big Hugs,

    Karen 

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Dani...I am in Mahattan...PM me if you want to chat about my PS...

    God Bless!

    Angel

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