Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.

Exchange City

11992002022042051387

Comments

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited September 2009

    looks like Christmas is coming early for a couple of you gals : - )

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited September 2009

    Now I'm going to fall asleep singing that song, but with two front teets....congrats ladies!

    Karen 

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited September 2009

    I have to settle down now and get some sleep.  But, I am nervous that I am going to end with these gigantic nipples that I can't hide in any clothing.  I know I will have nightmares tonite!

  • Wink
    Wink Member Posts: 476
    edited September 2009

    Cheri - tell me about the steriod strips for scars - I've not heard about them.

    WhippetMom - I'll be getting the Mentor Memory Gel - they state that they are FDA approved  - it's confusing because when you click on the different memory gel styles - it says they are not approved.  Biscuit, I would be interested in information regarding the new silicone implants too.

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited September 2009

    packergirl- you made me laugh out loud!!!!  Too funny girl!!!!

    Robin- I have the same concern- I love to swim and don't want high beams on all the time!!!  I have a long way until the nipple part but please let us know how it goes!!!  God Bless! 

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

    packergirl:  Oh my gosh....that is priceless!!!!!

    Wink:  Mentor Memory gels are available - it is the Mentor Contour Profile Gel [CPG] which is still in clinical trials here in the U.S.

    Robin:  I am praying for you today....looking forward to hearing from you.  That nipple will look huge to begin with...to allow for major shrinkage!

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2009

    Good Luck today Robin! 

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited September 2009

    First of all thank you everyone once again for the prayers for my sister.  Sally is awake, in a lot of pain and cannot speak above a whisper because of being intubated for so long.  She will be in ICU through the week-end then to a regular room for a week, then home. 

    Val161,  I am glad that your Onc. clarified your pathology reports with you. How come the Onc didn't know she didn't have the final pathology report during your visit?  How does a Dr. know when the last and final pathology report is in?  Just curious.  None of mine state final report, or pathology complete. 

    Angel,  I am a uniboober and I had augmentation on the natural side.  I only had to pay the co-pays and deductibles, those were about $2500.00 for the exchange for me. 

    Packer girl,  I was ROLLING!!!  Where do you come up with this stuff.  You made my day.  I think you would rather have 2 front teets rather than 9 maids a milking!

    Robin?  Any news on Robin?

    Jan

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

    Jan.. I am sorry you sister is in such pain..but very thankful she is awake!

    On a different note... 9 MAID A MILKIN' Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that was GREAT!

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

    Kew/Karen.. what is your new picture of? Cannot tell...

    Also.. LADIES IN CALI..

    Are any of you effected by the fires? How sad... terrible..

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited September 2009

    Jan--I'm so glad that Sally is improving even if slowly, continued prayers.

    Laura--Well it is me a few weeks ago when the boys and I stayed at a friend's cabin, and our sweet puppy Easy.  You can see the whole album on FB.  So maybe it isn't such a good picture, I'll try and get another on up soon.

    The fires--well, my dear son Lindsey, who was without a driver's license, and his Dad who he is living with was in Catalina, had to prepare to evacuate.  Our house, well, my former spouse's house is at about 1700 feet in Altadena, 1993 he had firemen sleeping on his lawn, big fire then too.  Anyway, Patrick FDH (Former Dear Husband), came back after the evacuation was called, and Lindsey left the house with Patrick's girlfriend at about 2AM, thick smoke, embers, there were 5 fire trucks in the cul-de-sac, Patrick left the next day, but they all returned home Monday--I think.  It must have been bad, because he didn't leave last time, and that was a bad fire in 1993. The fire burned right up to the neighborhood, but no structures were damaged.  Thank God, the Santa Ana's were not blowing. 

    So back to breasts, I'm starting to jiggle a bit when I walk, I think I like itLaughing.  I'm going to add photos again soon. They are looking more and more natural, and the step off is softening a little, but there are ripples at times--mostly at the end of the day when I take off my bra--anyone else with this?

    Love to all!

    Karen 

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

    Deborah.. are the fires getting to you?

    SS for you son and ex-dh Karen..:(

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited September 2009

    ((Karen and Laura))

    I drove to Riverside on Sunday the30th and you could see flames off of the 210 freeway.  They were big and the smoke horrible.  You could see the water tankers dropping the water and the orange fire retardant.  I was back in Riverside yesterday, the fires seem to be heading northeast, but with the humidity, firefighters were getting control.  Karen,  Alta Dena? Holy SMOKE! and I do mean that literally.  That was exactly where the flames were last Sunday.  They still have Angeles Crest highway blocked except for local residents.

    ((Laura))   Packer girl started it!  I thought better to go with the 9 maids a milking rather than a    "A Partridge perched on a T.E.!"

    Jan

  • suegmomof3
    suegmomof3 Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2009
    Hi Ladies, Thought I'd let you know I went bra shopping (for the first time since my BLM in February) at Victoria Secret.  They're having their big sale right now, and I found an IPEX in one of the bins for $12!  I had the gal measure me first and she thought I'd be a 36C ... well ... after trying several bras on, I am a DD!!!  Yikes!  So I came home with two IPEX since I can't do any underwires, and their other wireless bras don't come in DD ...  The gal there told me they are considering discontinuing their IPEX bras and right now they are 40% off ... thought I'd pass that info along.  At least I have two that I can wear when I think a bra is appropriate ...  :)

    I go in for my 6 month checkup this next week wtih my surgeon and the following week wtih my plastic surgeon.  Hoping to be able to schedule my nipple surgery for later this fall -- I've decided to give it a try since my plastic surgeon's nurses all rave about the nipples he is able to build.  We'll see!!  I'm a little apprehensive about yet another surgery ... but we'll see.  sue
  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 109
    edited September 2009

    Hi ladies!  Been lurking a lot and reading your posts. 

    Robin, I hope you get the best results with your new nips!  They will be huge at first, but mine have gone down and don't show through as much now:)

    KEW, I love your new pic!  You look just like a Texas cowgirl!

    Jan, I'm so glad to hear the good news about your sister.  My prayers are with her.

      I will be going in on Wed for lipo/fat injections for my rippling, and stepoff.  The only alternative was bigger implants, and these are so heavy now that is not an option for me.  If this doesn't work, it will be another lift.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend,

    Deen

  • Alitman
    Alitman Member Posts: 95
    edited September 2009

    First - I hope youi are doing well after your nip surgery I am looking forward to reading about it.  And yes, NE is a LOT different from AZ but I was born in WI (hello packergirl) so I have experienced winter before - but I am a lot older now and memories make everything nicer than it actually was..... 

    Packergirl - you made me laugh so hard - I too, will be getting my new girls in December.  My last fill will be this coming wednesday.  I am not looking forward to it - the last couple have been so painful and these cocounts (bowlingballs) are obnoxious.  I have had to start sleeping on my back again....d@#@.  I am not a back sleeper. 

    I love this place!!  There is so much to learn and I know I am not alone - ever!!

    Allison

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited September 2009

    Deen,

    I spent the first 20 years of my life on the back of a horse (starting around 4), cutting, roping, working around cattle, and showing Quarter horses.  All I ever wanted was a truck, haven't had one yet, but will.  I haven't had a horse in more than 25 years, and would sure like one now just to groom, do a little trail riding with, and just love, I miss their soft sweet noses...but it is so expensive, I'm not sure if I'll ever have one again.  I'm going to be in Dallas in October for two night for work.  It will be my first trip to Texas---I've always wanted to go to Austin for South by Southwest.

    Jan--Ugh...I bet the air quality is just terrible.  Yep, poor old Altadena was right in the middle of it, but from what I understand it burned over Mt. Wilson, and is on the north side of the mountains now.

    Hugs,

    Karen 

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited September 2009

    Allison--You will feel so much better after the exchange.  The pressure will be gone, the girls will be soft, and at some point you can stop back sleeping---my PS had me wait at least 6 weeks.  Hang in there!

     Hugs,

    Karen 

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited September 2009

    So glad to hear we will eventually be able to do something other than back sleep..I am almost 3 weeks post exchange...I tried a side sleep for a couple of hours the other night, but it just did not feel right...I miss that! 

    I too think these foobs are heavy!! I tried going w/o a bra for a while because I am still in the surgical compression vest and wanted to get some relief from that, but the foobs feel so heavy, and one has a bit of rippling w/o a bra....so I think they will definitley look better in one than w/o one which was not what I was hoping for. Pooh.

    On the subject of bras....knowing that size/needs will most likely change over the course of the next 6 months or so....I took the underwires out of a couple of bras I had...and it works perfectly!  Ha! I am not able to wear these yet because of the compression garment, but plan on doing so when I can and will take the underwires out of others I have. I used to wear Bali quite a bit...and had bought several new ones just before my DX, so I was a bit peeved!  It isn't an exacting fit....but it will do quite nicely until I get all settled. Then again....I just may try an IPEX for the fun of it...particularly if they are on sale or in a close out.  I always have a hard time passing up a sale!!

    Jan great news on Sally....yeehaw!

    God Bless each of you!

    Angel

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited September 2009

    PS...for those of you further along than I, I am feeling like I will never to be able to sleep w/o a bra because of the heaviness....what do most of you do for sleep....with or with out a bra?

    Thanks!!

    God Bless!

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

     We are at the coast and getting very little fallout THIS TIME....but the air quality is obviously not good...

    Angel:  I sleep with a bra....I am on the search for a really good sleep bra - one which separates the girls while they sleep - well actually, when I sleep on my side....

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited September 2009

    I too am a bra sleeper.  Only I sleep in a sports bra keeps the girls in place until I turn on my side and then there is some shifting, my day to day bras are cut in such a way that I fall out of them if I sleep on my side.  Deborah, I look forward to your sharing when you think you've found a good sleep bra.

    Hugs,

    Karen 

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited September 2009

    Hi all!   Just checking in after my nipple surgery.  The surgery went well, only took 1 hr.  I did not have any reactions to anesthesia.  I can't see how they look, as I have dressings and plastic nipple covers on for a week.  I am not having any pain, just the discomfort of having to sleep on my back again.

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited September 2009

    Hi ladies; missed my visit with my kid at college due to a UTI!!! Grrrr. 

    Anyway, Jan, such wonderful news re:your sister!!!! AMEN.

    I also use a sports bra 24/7.  Hoots are too big and mismatched to allow anything else.

    My BS said no to a prophylactic mtxmy....he doesn't do it without a medical reason (like my mental sanity isn't medical?) but I get it.  Just wish I had gone for it from the start as all he reccomends now is MRIs yearly (oh fun) and mammos and a reduce and lift.

    Anybody have any pros/cons here?  I value all your opinions mightily and would welcome any info you ladies have vs. healing time with reduce/lift, restrictions vs. mastectomy and recon.  I doubt I would need TE's, I mean, we are going from a Saggy Aggy DD hitting my hip to a perky lifted C.  But I have no idea how this works.  Is it the T scar thing?  The achor thing?  Lots of questions to be asked.

    Not the least of which is for my onc; what would HE suggest vs. BS as to what is safest for me to do?  I had no nodes, no genetics, no lymphs....non aggressive cancer as well.  I would prefer "off with her head" or to restuff the couch cushions as my hubby and I put it, but I can see the point of not doing unnecessary surgery (altho, as laura said "Better for who?" When they told her it was better not to.)

    Fire away my dears.  And Jan, oh such wonderful news.  You have made my day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited September 2009

    oooh, first mate, missed that Most Important Post while I was blabbing on....

    WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    GIRL!!!! Let us know how you like 'em!!

    xoxo

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

    Annie:  Please go to another surgical oncologist for consultation.  You have had cancer twice now and you are only in your early fifties.  Not a candidate for prophylactic mastectomy?  Outrageous.  You do not want to possibly have to go through chemo again if you have a new cancer dx in the healthy breast.  What happens after your "coverage" period of taking an AI ends? Your second bc was only found via MRI....a lot can happen in a year and unless you can be guaranteed an MRI every three months, I would not personally risk it.  You seem to have a prolific varient of breast cancer - don't you think.....to have this twice?  I wanted you to have my vote Annie.....

    Deborah

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited September 2009

    Annie-  It's your choice.  I chose to have both removed and be done with it.  Since I also happen to have a hysterectomy, it would have to be very stubborn to come back!   I would go with what your onc says, he's the expert on cancer.  I agree with Deborah, and would go with more frequent MRIs if you choose to leave it alone.  JUDY

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited September 2009

    Annie,

    I agree with Deborah and Judy.  It is your body and your choice.  I understand that the doctor may not want to do surgery on a healthy breast, but insurance allows for it, and after reading your history, if you want that girl to go, then she goes. I don't think doctors always understand what it feels like to have had bc, what goes on in our minds--the worry, and what ifs, either work with your current doctor to get the surgery you want, or as Deborah suggested find someone else with a good reputation.  My mom died in my arms of bc when I was 26, I knew from that moment, if I were ever diagnosed I would have a BLM.  My BS talked to me about lumpectomy, glad I didn't do that as I had DCIS that didn't show up in mammo or ultrasound, and she talked with me about doing a single, I thanked her for explaining my options, and said BLM, and I don't regret it, save for the loss of sensation, but it is a small price to pay.

    Additionally, I wanted to take a second to say how much I enjoy reading your posts, your warmth and sense of humor are always a delight.  Thank you for being a ray of sunshine.  Sorry about the UTI. 

    Hugs,

    Karen 

  • makingway
    makingway Member Posts: 465
    edited September 2009

    Does anybody know? Does Alloderm completely assimilate into your body?

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited September 2009

    Robin,  Thanks for letting everyone know how the new nips are doing.  I can't decide to have the nipple bud made or just have the tattoo done that creates the illusion of having a nipple.  I am waiting to see what the differing opinions are about the new nipples and how they look.  Robin, how were your nipples done, graft or ? 

    Annie,  Make sure you have peace about whatever decision you make, I would agree with the "boob whisperer"Kiss     that getting another opinion might give you more information to have that reassurance no matter what decision you make regarding keeping the breast vs prophy mx

    Judy, 9-9, I hope you are "filling" well

    Bra?  Nope, no bra's for sleeping, I got the tiny titties, no need for a bra awake or sleeping.  Jan