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Comments

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Tracy126

    My thoughts and prayers are with you for your MONDAY exchange.....have a great weekend just knowing that come Monday you will be soft soft......hope you will be happy with your new foobs..and you PS will get you "balanced"

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Packer girl...that s-cks!  It is really rediculous, actually!  I am sorry I can't recommend something for you to use alternatively speaking, but I am really pissed to read your post!  The idea that someone who can actually bring you relief refuses to really makes me angry!  Do you have a history of drug abuse?  Did a relative of your doc's?  Where do they get off?  I am sure if HE had had a mx with TE's he would take whatever he needed for pain relief!  AAAGGGHH!

    I recall being in the hospital with cellulitis and my foobs were burning up!  I had been prescribed Dilaudid post MX by my PS, but when in the hospital I asked a resident for a dose, he asked why? He recommended Advil...say what?  I tried the Advil for a day...then I lost it!  I told the RN that I needed a Dilaudid, and if the resident asks "why?" again, tell him it is for the 100 pounds of burning hot cement that is sitting on my chest that happens to be infected and is the reason I am in here!" When my PS heard about it, he told the RN's to give me whatever I requested. Now, that is a good doctor!

    Is there any chance you have a GP or internist who might help out?  Crap, how about a girl friend or relative who might have some valium hanging around?  I never took a valium, sleeping pill or narcotic before this BC trip, and I hope never to again when this is all said and done, but there is no way I would have gotten through it without these drugs.  That is why they were developed, for goodness sakes!!  If not for now, for when??

    It is total BS....sorry for the rant.

    God Bless you!

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

    packergirl:  You have about 550, 560 cc's now in your TE's, right?  I personally think you need to stop with the fills.  I am worried about that ribcage compression and I feel you need to be headed towards your exchange as soon as possible.  There is no reason you could not be exchanged to 600 to 650 cc implants in two months!  If we are still talking the moderate plus style for you, Mentor has a 600 cc but no 650 cc version, per the catalogue [although someone recently told me that they had just come out with one, but that it is not on the website yet] and Allergan's moderate plus [Style 15] are 616 cc's and then jumps to 659 cc's. 

    Deen:  What you said:

    "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?"

    Yes and AMEN sister!!

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited August 2009

    Deb & Angel- Thanks for the support! I just have to try and remain patient until things adjust from this expansion. Too bad sleeping is even more uncomfortable than just sitting up or I would try to sleep this off.

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2009

    This is my favorite thread in the whole forum.   Funny, informative and helpful.

    So here's my update - I'm 5 days post exchange and I have no pain. PS wants me to limit lifting to 5 pounds for a month, and no strenuous activities for a month.  He has me in a surgical bra until my first postop visit, which is Tuesday (day 8 postop).  Then he wants me in a sports bra for a month.  It's funny how everyone's PS has a different recommendation but I trust mine so I'll do what he says.

    My boobs look good, I have great cleavage and they are very high up with good fullness.  I only get to look when I take a shower then the surgical bra goes right back on.   :)

    I don't know if I posted this here or not, but I am 5'3", about 135 pounds or so, 33 inch ribcage, and I got the Natrelle Style 20, 500cc silicone implant.

    And in other news - My dog Kenya can now walk with assistance, and she is coming home on Monday!  The poor puppy has been in the vet for 40 days.  I can't wait.

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited August 2009

    Oh..thank you for the great news about Kenya! Wow, it's great you are having some positive things going on ...you deserve it!

    I know how horrible it was when my Baxter was at the vets for a month. Luckily for us and Baxter, out vet kept him at her home in a beautiful quiet room. She asked me to come every day that I could so Baxter would know I was there.....her mother always made me tea! It was a real blessing because most vets aren't set up for daily...all day visitors.

    I know it will be hard for you, but don't forget.....you can't pick him up yet!

    Candi 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited August 2009

    It occured to me that no one has said anything about the SIZE of the areola, or whether you want one or not when you get your nipples done.  So here's my take on it as a permanent makeup professional that does 3D tatts.:

      You will most likely have a choice (albeit unspoken) as to whether you will have an 'areola' cut out, or just have your nips done.  Some surgeons always cut out the areola.  If you are having tattooing done (as in 3D), DON'T..if you don't have to.  I imagine some women just don't have enough skin to make  a nipple (?).

    In any event, cutting out of the areola, or making a circle for the nipple to fit in the middle of:

    1. Creates a second scar that has to heal
    2. Makes the areola look 'round'  and makes it difficult to blend (as in tattoo) into the surrounding skin (like the real areolas)
    3. May be the wrong size - too large (probably) or too small for your new breast.  The aesthetics of this are rarely taken into consideration, and if you have a male surgeon, they seem to always think bigger is better!!  They almost never ASK what size you want to be...and many of you, don't know how to complement the size of the breast anyway.
    4. My most beautiful areolas are done when the nipple only is recreated  and the areolas are left alone and therefore non-existent before I put them in!

    So leave those puppies alone and leave a beautiful canvas to work on. 

    So there, you've been informed,  JUDY

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited August 2009

    yeah for Kenya!!!

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Packergirl--Pt helped me tremendously during the TE experience, make sure it is with someone who has experience with breast reconstruction.  I went weekly while I had the TE she helped with pain, and cording I had from the surgery.  I took nothing for pain during TE and I think that was from the PT. Give it a try!

    Deen and Robin--Thanks for sharing...I really hope that if I decide to do fat grafting it will help, I'm so hesitant to have a lift because I don't want to mess with my nipples. Also, thanks for the well wishes for Monday...

    I totally get what you are saying, if one more person says I should accept less in this life because I had cancer and I'm alive...I'm going to scream I had surgical menopause and they had better run for the hills.  Sure some thing don't matter as much to me because my perspective has changed, but that doesn't mean I want to feel like I can't want, dream, or have goals.  I find it very odd how people who haven't had cancer seem to think we shouldn't have wants.  Sorry, this is a sore spot for me.

    Love ya,

    Karen 

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Judy for the great information on the tattooing of the areola.  This is such great advice from someone that has professional as well as an artistic perspective.  I will see you in February.

    Great news on Kenya.

    I have been lurking and glad to know the forum is going strong.  Jan

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

    I am so glad I am not the only one who rants and SCREAMS about things... Ladies.. RIGHT ON!

    Judy.. GOOD advice.. I have heard this too!

    Oh ladies.. I hope your weekends are pain free and heart light.

    Love ya!

    Love to hear about the exchanges... the good  bad and the ugly. I look pretty good... ripples are getting better.. size is smaller..... we'll see. I will make an appt. with PS sometime before Vegas... we'll see what he advises... I just do not want to risk anything to my rads side.. so far so good with ALL that can happen.... :)

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

    (((((((((((((KENYA)))))))))))))))

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

    Lifegoeson- Great news about Kenya. You must be so happy. She looks a little too big to pick up, anyway!!! My kitty is a big boy. He's 13lbs, just a big cat, not fat. He has been rubbing me and nudging me with his head for 10 days now wondering why I haven't picked him up. Animals are so smart.

    Has anyone else who's had their exchange experienced a lot of fatigue? I know that I am only 10 days out, and that I have had 3 surgeries in 8 months. But, I hate feeling so tired. The fact that it has been over 90 degrees here and 100% humidity for the last two weeks probably doesn't help. My daughter is getting ready to head back to college next weekend, and she had me in the malls today. I can barely keep my eyes open tonight. Just wondering if this is a normal feeling. I know I would probably feel better if I could get some exercise.

    Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

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

    Packer...

    What Deborah said!

    What Angel said!

    And here is what I think too... THAT IS CRAPOLLA ! CRAPOLLA! Like someone said here.. a long while back.. and I TOTALLY got this... " Ask the PS if you can grab his "down low" squeeze until he screams.. and then hold it that way and offer him NO PAIN KILLERS. Let him know..." YOU JUST DO NOT GIVE THOSE OUT............" That is CRAPOLLA"

    GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

    I am really a sweet little thang... but man.. when a person is in ligit pain... or when someone is being led wrong.. or blown off... I just wanna bust.

    Wish I could have gone to your appt. with you.... Yell... They need to see BC sisters comin' in packs. ..... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... burns my Booty... I would bring you over a pain pill if your lived by me sweetheart...ssssssssssss.

    ((((((((((((((((((JAN))))))))))))))))))))))) Great to see you!!!!!!!!!!! Don't just lurk.. say hi more often...:)

    Still burned about Packer.....Yell

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    Packergirl- I am so upset for you, my TE"S were in my arm pits and giving me muscle spasms all the time.  My PS gave me valium- I wish you were closer I would give you some.  Like someone else said, I too never took Valium or meds before BC and hopefully when I am all done I will be only to happy to not take anything again.  I would nicely call back the PS and ask what kind of medal does he give to his patients. J**k. 

    and another amen - having BC doesn't mean we should just accept crap.

    People need to realize we have been thrown into menopause, experiencing our own personal heatwaves at a moments notice and in physical pain.  WE have accepted the things we could not change, but the things we can change.....we can and will change. 

    Sorry, I am getting just a bit ....no very annoyed with how people think BC means just accepting S**t. 

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

    Amen!

  • Peggio
    Peggio Member Posts: 105
    edited August 2009

    Packergirl - I just read your post and agree with the others - it's ridiculous!  If he thinks the fills are compressing your ribs - Does he realize how much that HURTS!  I had a lot of rib pain and my PS did give me an RX for pain meds.  Flexiril didn't really work for me either. 

    If this is the PS you are sticking with I would take the RX for PT, but would speak with him directly, that you are losing sleep and VERY uncomfortable and in pain after the fills.  The nurse is probably not conveying it to the same degree that you can. In the meantime hot showers and stretching helped and those rice filled bags that you put in the microwave.  I was afraid to put a heating pad on my chest although I did put it on my back and that helped.  My DH rubbed my back and that helped as well.  I hope something brings relief to you soon!

    Karen - Sending good thought your way for the scan.  I used your tip about heating the cocoa butter with the blowdryer - it works great!

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited August 2009

    Thanks Judy...good to know! I already spoke to my PS letting him know that I did not think I wanted nipple reconstruction, just 3D.  It was pretty funny...he just hung his head a little bit...shook it slowly side to side, lifted it up and heart feltly looked me in the eyes...and said, "I am a plastic surgeon...you need to rethink this, I want to complete my work! " I almost laughed!  Actually I did...I said "But doctor, if there is any silver lining to this whole BC surgery thing, anything at all.... it is that I don't ever have to wear a bra again!  I am a modest woman, I don't like to have nipples showing through my t-shirts....I am not like that!! " He said, "Well, we don't have to do anything vulgar!"  I really love this guy! He is a hoot!  Maybe just a small "button" with now as I understand thanks to Judy, no areola!  We'll see... I have time....

    Denise, I had my exchange on Monday.  I went to the docs office yesterday...that was the first thing I did all week.  Today I watched HGTV all day...I don't have energy for squat.  Of course, the fact that I have not had a BM since Sunday may be adding to my slugginess. I am bloated from my ankles to my foobs, had MOM last night after 3 days of metamucil...and still no movement! With my luck I will be heading out to Church tomorrow when I will have to make a run to the bathroom and there I will sit all day!  HA!

    God Bless!

    Angel 

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Packergirl

    After the mastectomy I went to a chiropractor and he recommended Gabba and Inositol Hexaphosphate for nerve pain.    The two together worked like nerotin (sp?).  He recommended magnesium too.  I felt 100% better after taking them.  

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited August 2009

    "Puppy noses" , one of my clients called them, and I think it is a great term.  We just want little puppy noses!!

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

    JUDY:  While we are on the subject of areolas, is there some formula for the SIZE of the areola?  It is funny that when you buy the fake nipples, you can either buy the small or the larger version.  I have both and the small one is too small and the large size is too large.  I feel like Goldilocks.  Where is that THIRD size?  Anyway, how do you determine the size of the areola?    

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

    Kenya, Kenya, Kenya!  Keep improving...LIVE STRONG!!!  [Oh, and Kenya's momma - I am happy you are happy with how everything turned out.]

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009

    Thank you Judy for the information!!!!! 

    TXBadboob - I sent you a PM.

    lifegoeson - I am so happy for you and Kenya!  I would die not having my four leg babies with me!

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Angel, I cured the lack of BM after the exchange by having a beer!  Worked better then any over the counter remedy I had been taking. 

    Denise, I went back to work two weeks after the exchange but was tired at the end of the day.  The heat is probably contributing to the fatigue too since it has been so humid in upstate NY!   I had started to get back to the gym and was doing good but once this heat hit, I just couldn't bring myself to go to the gym and sweat anymore then I already was.

      I've been hitting the mall with my daughter too, getting ready for college.  We hit BJ's yesterday. I thought we were going to buy cans of soup, and other foods to ward of colds and the flu. She thought we were going to buy junk food in bulk!!  Good luck this week, I am just hoping I don't embarrass all of us when I drop her off!  I will not cry, I will not cry.....

  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2009

    Dani,  It's OK to cry when you drop your DD off at college, but try to do it in the car on the way home, so they don't see you! 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited August 2009

    Deborah:  This one is not a formula. 

    There is no one size areola, nor is there one way to draw it.  But there are certain rules.  The "Penn's triangle"  is an imaginary equilateral (equal sides and equal angles for those who are out of school too long)   shape from the sternal notch.  You have to measure the distance from the notch to the nipple (or where you want the nipple to be), match it on the opposite side, and match the distance between the two.  This prevents them from looking like they are in your armpits or like they are 'cross eyed' 

     The size itself is a matter of choice, but should be in proportion, (or a little smaller than proportionate), to the size of the breast.   I have seen lots of tools used and also no tools at all, just drawing.  JUDY 

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

    Thank you Judy.  I am researching the Penn's Triangle now.  Great information. 

  • traci126
    traci126 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2009

    Linda:  Thanks for the good wishes for tomorrow.  I'm so excited to get rid of the TEs and have soft foobs I can hardly wait!!  Hope I as happy as most of the ladies on this site. 

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited August 2009

    ((Judy))   I sent you a PM,  I hope you got it.  Thanks   Jan

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited August 2009

    Yeah for Kenya!

    Judy - Thanks for the professional information!

    Hugs to all our week's surgery exchange sisters! May you wake up w/ soft foobs and no pain!!

    8/24 - Traci26 - Exchange surgery

    8/25 - Saintmelissa - Exchange surgery

    8/26 - Believe1 - Exchange surgery

    8/26 - swest - Exchange surgery

    8/28 - Cheri2 - Exchange surgery

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