Exchange City
Comments
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Dani...I am in Mahattan...PM me if you want to chat about my PS...
God Bless!
Angel
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Pam- "BIPS," or Boobs In Progress :-)
I LOVE IT! Too bad I had my exchange surgery already. I would have had a T-shirt made with BIPS across the chest.... then have the definition in smaller writing.
Even after my exchange in June, I still call my bumps, FOOBS. Fake and Boobs = foobs.
My foobs have really started to soften up... I have the Natrelle 410s (gummy bear implant).
I didn't expect them to soften so much... a nice surprise.
All the best,
~Lianne
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ilovehorses2 - I had Allergan 133LV Tissue Expanders 350 cc (14cm wide). I was 'full' at 350. I had them exchanged for Natrelle 410 implants as well; the 550 MX. ( http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/natrelle_catalog.pdf )
The difference is UNBELIEVABLE. Not only the shape of them but the feel of them... Squishy foobs!! I had my exchange June 25th and I find they are STILL changing - well softening. Pretty neat.
As far as looking the same... the 410s are notorious for 'looking' flat. The shape/slope is different than what you have in your TE and what round implants look like. I came up with a little diagram to show the difference between the 410 (or any anatomically shaped implants) and the round ones. I can't figure out how to post the photo here but I have it on my Journal under the heading MORE ON IMPLANTS - STYLE 410 (20 June 2009) - it's about 3/4 down on my journal. ( http://lianne-brca2.livejournal.com/ )
I have pictures posted on my journal as well. Feel free to check it out.
All the best with the exchange.... you will love the change.
~Lianne
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KEW - where did you get your cocoa butter- the only kind I have is palmers from the drug store and it smells awful!
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Karen - I have not noticed any changes where the alloderm is. Sorry.
Laura - I would agree w/ Karen, give your implants a little time. They may just "grow" on you. And you have been through so much recently, your body needs a bit of a break.
Quick catch up. This certainly is an active site! I am glad that so many sisters have found the support and information they need here. Have a great day ladies!
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Lianne, Thanks for the note, Do they feel a lot heavier than the TE's when they were fully expanded? I hope the heavinest I feel now against my chest wall will feel less. My PS is very very happy with the way they have come down and I have a nice pocket now actually.
Whippet mom, I'm 5'2 and weight is 158 I have lost a few pounds since my surgery and hope to loose more. My rib cage is 33. Thanks for your help. Di
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(((((Jean)))))
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ilovehorses2 - No they do not feel heavier... They feel different... but not heavier. They don't feel 'full' now either, I found with the TE I felt FULL... strange feeling, gone now with the implants. The whole thing is much softer than the TE, if you feel a expander (my PS had an empty one in the office) then feel the implant... you can physically see and feel the difference. It's a really nice change.
The one thing I did find is that I was quite sore on the Top of my chest, from shoulder to shoulder across after the exchange. I suppose it's because my TE was short and the Implant was taller than the pocket that was created, so the DR had to manipulate the area to make room.
Dr had originally planed to put the 520MX (14cm wide) but I was so concerned about feeling flat, I asked if we could use the larger one. She said she would try to use the 550 (14.5cm wide), thankfully she was able to.
Blessings,
~Lianne
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Vision and Alo... you ladies do ok with exchanges? Just checkin' on ya!
KATHY...the Neurontin WORKS! I suppose I did have trunkal (sp) neropathy.. WOW...I have 65% of all my pain gone. I am amazed and wanted to post.
Have a GREAT day ladies..:)
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Laura---SOOOOO glad you are in less pain!!!
Cheri--I buy coco butter made by Now, at a local organic grocery store. It is 100% pure, there is a sligth smell to it, but it reminds me of chocolate, so, yum, isn't too bad.
Jean--Thanks, it looks like where my Alloderm sling is on the former bc side is thicker, I guess it is OK, seems like it would be a ton of work to change it.
I hope everyone is doing well.
Karen
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Laura -
I am a radiation girl and though I haven't had my exchange yet my PS filled me to 850cc before radiation started so I would have room to shrink. I am thinking he wants to be around 650-675 for implants. My exchange is not until the 2nd of October but I can certainly keep you posted how it goes since I have had radiation too. That way you can give yourself plenty of time to make a decision:) You can use me as an experiment..
Diane
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Yes, I use the NOW Cocoa butter...
.. I just slathered myself 10 min ago... getting ready for work...:)Thanks Diane...:) Good Luck to you sister!
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Laura...so glad the Neurontin is working. It may take an increase in the dose to alleviate the remainder of the pain. It's been a God send to my little body and me. I actually only had to take it three times yesterday....legitimately!!! Been taking it 4. Trying to exercise more now that I'm in my new Seattle home....the walking is amazing....I see alot more that way!!! I think the natural endorphins help the pain too. Either way...I'm glad your feeling less pain. Just so you know..my dose is 600mg four times a day.
Keep smiling honey
Kathie
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Ladies who've had their exchanges!- Yesterday when I saw my ps for my i week post op appointment, I forgot to ask him about exercising. I was too busy discussing bras I guess. So, on my way out I asked his nurse when I could go to the gym and she told me after I see him again in 6 weeks which will be 7 weeks from exchange. I asked her about swimming and she said no to that too. That just seems way too long to me. I was ok'd to go to the gym after 4 weeks following my mastectomy. Do you think she know what she's talking about. I hate to call the office again just in case she is the one who answers the phone. I have gained 13 pounds since April 1 when I got my expanders. I was pretty unconfortable in them and didn't get a lot of exercise done. It was mainly just walking. I'd like to hear what your PS's told you. Also, when were you told to start massaging? I'm feeling bad about myself today. It's a combination of the new girls and i'm having a bad hair day.
Thanks ladies. I value your thoughts so much!
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Denise
I had my exchange on a Monday and I walked Race for the Cure on Saturday....I did fine....as long as you fell up to it I say get out there and start walking. I did not start running again or upper body strength training until I was 6 wks post-op.....I cannot answer about swimming.....
the best to you
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Denise
Like Linda, I was walking and spinning within a week. No upper body for 6 but I really got moving and sweaty as soon as I could. I also was in the pool as soon as the incisions were healed(2 weeks) just using my legs and stretching my arms. I say call the office and don't worry who answers, you want to talk to your PS anyway. I started massaging about a month after and now do a daily massage while driving and in the shower. Good luck and feel better.
Bobbi
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Denise,
I don't know about others, but I can see waiting a bit before hitting the pool. I was 3 months out when I went back into the water, the girls really move around in the pocket, so maybe they just want more healing to take place before you swim. I swear, the pool has helped a great deal with range of motion and stretching a little on the pecs, but they float, and move, if I had gone into the pool sooner I think I would have been afraid of hurting the pockets.
Karen
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Denise,
I was able to exercise after my one week post-op appointment. I was told that if I ran, just go slower and wear a sports bra so I don't bounce. I don't think I am capable of bouncing so that wasn't a problem! I was told not to swim until the incisions are fully healed.
Deborah, what will I tell my ps or what will I call him? Ha ha, just kidding. Even though I have more cc's, I am smaller then when I had expanders. I am thinking that he finally gave in to more cc's because he knew that I would be smaller.
I don't like how the right one compresses because when it does it looks like it belongs to a shriveled up 90 year old woman. The right one is smaller and my cleavage is not even.
I went to a fundraiser last night, with a low cut dress and push up bra. The girls were actually looking good but the cleavage was off. The fundraiser supported the new breast screening wing at the hospital and I won a diamond necklace! Whoo hoo! It was a great time.
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Dani - that does sound like fun!
Out of the mouths of babes - or a not-so-babe-boy (17) actually: "Mom, your boobs feel too weird when I hug you, kinda like sandbags...." To which I responded, "You hit the nail on the head, sweetie!!" One month to go from today
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dani: Oh, I would not be happy about having one boob looking like it has been around for 90 years. What up with THAT? Well, I am thinking what's up with that is that the textured implant on that side is causing traction wrinkling/rippling causing the skin to look wizened. But on the bright side - I am so jazzed you won a diamond necklace though! Let's get your cleavage evened up to enhance that new necklace!
I am just real thrilled to hear from Karen that implants float. NOT! I suppose it works if you are lost at sea without a flotation device or something, but to have the boobies bobbing to the surface - do they try to rise up out of the top of the bathing suit?
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Jaimieh - I am in your boat. I have had two revisions of my implants, and now I am going to see a PS next week for a 2nd consult. I think I may need a different size or something. But the thought of having any more surgery makes me sick! What to do....
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Karen -- Yes, it definitely feels thicker where the Alloderm is.
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Deborah,
When water running or doing water aerobics, yes, they rise to the top of my bathing suit, and frankly, I look totally hot, big and full busting out of my bathing suit, but under water my fat butt still looks the same. It feels strange to have them rise. When swimming they are pushed more against my chest wall.
I went to a concert tonight and all I did was look at breasts. Every single women who was letting it hang out caught my attention, I'm becoming obsessed with the step off, I want to show my cleavage, but hate the indentation caused by the step off. Definitely going to revisit all of this with the PS in October. I still have my November surgery date saved if I want it. I feel like I should get past it, and be grateful for how well things have gone. I look great in clothes but from the side I kind of cave in then the upper pole kicks in, I feel like I look deformed.
I hope every one is healing well and has a great weekend. I'm volunteering tomorrow for Komen at the Asian Health Fair, it is my first time flying solo. Then Sunday, Lucas is doing the Portland Triathlon as part of a relay, busy weekend. Monday lung CT, please keep good thoughts...
Hugs,
Karen
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You know I am Karen. Those lungs are going to be NED NED NED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Wow, floating boobs....
10 days out from exchange surgery now.
My PS said no water for 6 weeks min and no upper body working out 6. But I know what you mean I am desperate to get the weight off. I started walking and doing waist down exercises. ( pilates ball ) tBut I do feel my one shoulder getting tight...hoping it's just all the air conditioning.
Question- is recovery time same for revision as exchange surgery??
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Laura 0
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Karen, my prayers are with you for a good CT result and finding an even better place to live! I seem to have the same problem as you with the low hang and sudden stepoff. I've waited the 3 mos to see if there would be a change, but no.
As I made an appt for next Fri, the nurse asked me how they're doing, I told her my concerns, and she said well I don't want them so high they look like shelves. I'm kinda tired of people telling me what I want or don't want with my foobs. Yes, I want them perkier! I don't think I'm the only one! And my insurance has paid WAY more for the recon than a woman would typically pay for a boob job, and THEY get what they want, so why shouldn't I? Because I'm lucky to be a survivor, I should just take what they give me? Whew! Where did that come from?
Laura, I'm glad you're feeling better. I also have the hot flashes throughout the day, and all night, covers on, covers off!
Ladies, I have to say mine DO feel heavier. When I'm tired at the end of the day, I really feel the weight of them. Is this wierd? They're not gummies. I'm going to find out exactly what they are on Fri, Isn't it nice to know that the police can identify us by our implants now!!! Wow!!!
Have a great day,
Deen
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Karen,
I understand how you feel. I look very good in clothes too, as long as the neckline is high enough to cover my drop off and very little cleavage shows. But, I also want to wear low cut dresses and tops and show cleavage (or at least to not be always pulling my top up or closed to try and cover the drop-off). I think I probably draw more attention to myself, because I am always fiddling with the neckline of my top or dress. So annoying!
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mallele - I was permitted to start exercising and swimming three weeks aftet the revisions---.Just to keep limiting the lifting.
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Ladies--- Need a little encouragement here.
I transferred my case to a new PS that involves a 4 hour drive roundtrip. I am getting close to the end of my fills. Thursday I had a second fill with new PS of 50ccs and I am hurt. I asked new PS for medicine spasms while he was doing the fill and he said he doesn't like giving meds - preferrs PT. After talking to his nurse on my way home he approved 10mg of Flexeral- which I tried Thursday and Friday --doesn't really do much except make me tired. Old PS prescribed Valium which I would only take for a couple days after an expansion and it usually did the trick- so I called back nurse and she said that new PS feels Valium is too strong and he doesn't write for that. What a horrible feeling to need relief and doctor says no. What to do? I am all for no meds if something will work. Okay I will stop my whinning now- did any of you ladies do PT to something to get your muscles from screaming at you other than Valium and Flexeral that worked?Side note- he thinks the fills are causing my ribs to push in more and more.
Edited to add- I went thorugh my first expansion with this new guy and didn't ask for anything at all so he can't be thinking I am there just for meds!
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