Exchange City
Comments
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Hope you are all having a fabulous time in Vegas!
I now have the date for my re-scheduled NIPS!! yay! October 28th!!
L
ox
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Hope you are all having a fabulous time in Vegas!
I now have the date for my re-scheduled NIPS!! yay! October 28th!!
L
ox
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sorry! pushed the submit button too many times LOL!!!
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Push it as much as you want, at least we get to see your smiling face. Congratulations on getting your date. Yaaahooo! Aren't you going to be swiming with dolphins soon?
Hugs,
Karen
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KEW - Thanks for the reply! I hardly had any discomfort with the first four fills, the last two however have been a bear...It doesn't help that I started chemo 4 weeks after surgery, Fills, PT and a new job (part time, for now...) two weeks after my first chemo. I guess now that the end is actually in site it is hard not to obsess about the next step...
Fairy - Congrats on having a date for NIPS!!! I have heard other women say NIPS are like adding the frosting to the cake...
<<<HUGS>>>>
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Michelle, I just read your biography! You are amazing and have been through a lot this year on top of your regular life as wife, mother and employee. Hang in there sister, it does get better!
Lorraine, congratulations on the nip date? Can I ask how the process will go for you? I will have my appt to discuss my options with the PS on the 30th of Oct.
Karen, I certainly hope that the sisters are having a great time in Vegas, they must be, no posts yet or pictures! That is a great sign that they are having the time of their lives. Jan
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Lorraine
Wish we were living it up in Vegas with the girls....
Congrats on your nipple recon date....I have posted my nip/areola recon on the picture forum...I am still having a little problem with one nipp healing but hopefully soon it will decide to cooperate...I am not worried about losing it I am just anxious for it to heal...I want all this over!!!
take care
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Just an update - exchange surgery yesterday went great. The surgery was about 45 minutes and I was home by 11! So far no real pain - I took my last pain pill last night. I know the implant will drop a bit and the shape will change a little, but I can already tell it is going to look really good. I think the size is going to be exactly what I wanted. I'm definitely smaller on the implant side than on the real side. Now all that's left is the reduction in December and the nipple recon. Yippee! Thanks ladies for all your support and most of all information!
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Lynn---Thanks for checking in! It sounds like things went really well, and that you are feeling good and happy. Cheers! Remember to take it slow for awhile, even if you are not in pain.
Jan--I can't wait to hear about the trip. How is Sally doing? I seem to remember she went home.
Michelle---(((((Hugs)))))
I'm going to go practice getting from my job to the transit center, into downtown and to my classroom today. I don't have much time to get from point A to B, and school starts on Monday.
Have a great day!
Love,
Karen
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Hey, there everyone - at least those of us not in Vegas! Felt better yesterday, and today no vicodin and just a little uncomfortable. Thanks SO MUCH to all of your for your well wishes - they meant the world to me!! Cheri - I think my exchange was closest to yours. No alloderm for me, but lots of work in there nevertheless. Thanks for the pep talk!
Well, yesterday was the big day! I was wrapped in the wide foam tape from the bottom of my ribcage to the bottom of my neck, wrapping halfway around my back. PS had no intention of the foobs moving anywhere! Of course the tape removal was loads of fun, but then - OMG - the big moment - they're fabulous! Bigger than I thought they'd be, but good - if I'd been looking behind me at my dh I'm sure I would have seen a big smile on his face! I have Allergan's Style 20 in 425cc - with my 250cc low-height TE! He said there was no way the 45's would have worked for me, which was fine with me. For my height and weight 5'7"/115#, I think they're proportional. Seem like a full C, but my sis thinks maybe borderline D......
There is a slight downside - two actually - drains still had too much output. PS had me call him this morning - just in case - but he said we'll wait til Monday. I'm tired of sponge baths, but I know it's for the best. The other downside is that I had a small patch of skin breakdown on the lower pole of my left foob. PS said my skin is just paper thin.........He put a few sutures there, so I hope that will heal well. That's another reason he's keeping the drains in - doesn't want a seroma to develop. So, I'm supposed to meet him between cases on Monday to get the drains out, then probably stitches out next Friday. No arm movement til then - as my son calls it, my T-rex arms - but I did it before.......
Hugs to y'all - including all of you in Vegas! Can't wait to see the pics!
Lorraine - you and Laura are both on deck 10/28 - yippee!
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Val- glad you are feeling a little better at least!!!
Dani- my PS said run when I feel up to it and listen to my body, if I am sore stop. I ran 1/2 mile after walking 4 miles the other day and it hurt a bit but still not bad enough to take a muscle relaxer so I am good. I will try 1 mile the next time and try and build from there. We'll see!!!!!
Michelle- yes!!! I remember all that discomfort. It stinks doesn't it? Not sleeping on my side killed me. Now it is sooooo nice to sleep on my sides- what a luxury. Just keep your eye on the prize!!! Focus on a year from now! Everything will be over and you will be just fine!!! Good Luck to you.
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Hey guys.......sorry I haven't checked in for a while.......but I really needed to take a break from all of this......I hate to admit it.......but I was beginning to feel really jealous of all of you that had been getting your exchanges.......I didn't like feeling like this......so a break was needed.......you guys have been in my thoughts......and I hope you are all doing well....I missed you all!
I have continued with my herceptin.....and am having my last one on October 14th.....hallelulah.......I still have my right expander in place.......and have to now start thinking about getting the left one put in again.......I pray that all will work out this time......and I will one day be moving on to my exchange.
I apologize if I made some of you worry about me.......so not my intention.........
Love.......Jax
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Jax---So very happy to hear from you and see your darling face! I'm sorry this has been a more difficult experience than it started out to be, the whole TE experience was really unfair. I think at points we all need to take a break, and some women leave altogether. THRILLED you will finish Herceptin in October. Yes, let's hope that getting that TE back in will be successful this time. You have been so courageous through all of this, and kept such a great spirit, too!
Keep us posted.
Love,
Karen
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yay Jax!! lovely to see you!!
KEW, swam with the dolphins on Sept 6th, for my big 5-0! It was amazing! So I am now ready for the cherries on the cupcakes LOL!! I am a little nervous, more nervous than the exchange, because I sooo need them to be even, if they are wonky I shall freak!! I have the fake silicone ones that I took to the PS to show her where I want them, so hopefully all will go well! I am having the modified C flap I believe, then have the tattoos for the areola, I didn't want to do the areola re-con too, tats will work!!
L
ox
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Lorraine, Very exciting and as always sounds like you've done your homework. I'm sure they will be beautiful. So, how were the dolphins? Happy belated Birthday, 50, waaaahhoooo, I'm right behind you in April. Suddenly, I'm thrilled to be turning 50 and beyond, funny how perspective changes,huh?
Hugs,
K
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HI to all,
Val I am so happy for you ...what kind of implants did you get?
I am probably going to get mine switched right now I have saline and spoke to the old PS he said silicone and then the new PS showed me the gummy bears. Has anyone not llike the gummy bears???
My main problems right now are I need a bigger implant to get rid of the ripples get a little cleavage if at all possible with my sterum bone and fill the divots on either side of sterum. The new PS is in the study for the gummy bears I have read they are expensive Does anyone know price ??? and do insurance co pay for them since they are still not widely used in US yet. Since I am only 6 week out from my exchange surgery they asked that I wait at least 6 more weeks. I have checked the picture forum and haven't found any pictures of gummy bears. Thanks for all you help Ladies.
Vegas bound ladies I hope your haveing the time of you life.....
Malle
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Malle
I have the gummies, yes insurance covers them. I don't like my gummies I have had them for 6 months. They don't move at all, no jiggle, no sway, the feel hard and dense, kind of like those gel pads that people use to avoid carpel tunnel when using their computers.
I will be switching out for regular silicone gel.
Wendy
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Jax, I think we can all relate to needing a break sometimes. Its natural to feel jealous at times when you want it to be you. I hope things are going better for you and that you enjoyed your summer.
Val, so glad you are feeling better and are happy with the new girls. I hope the skin issue clears up quickly.
Karen, I missed your posting where you decided to go back to school. I am so happy that you are.
Lorraine, Happy Belated Birthday!
Greytmom_17, I am so glad things went well and you are happy so far!
Cheri, good for you! I couldn't wait to start exercising myself and did great in the beginning. But once I went back to work, I'd be worn out at the end of the day and my workouts became inconsistant. I really need to get back into it regularly.
Wendy, mine aren't gummy but are textured and feel like a kids rubber ball. But they look like a baggie filled with water but not filled enough so the baggie wrinkles.
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Dani I think you talking about my saline implants. Wendy thanks for your honesty cause I sure don't want to make a mistake.
But I have such divots/shelf in my chest above my implants that I feel Like it screams cancer patient at me. The Drs' all male say it's fine but my onoco female said no way you are not finished no need to put up with this. I figure she sees more breast reconstruction from all the PS's that she has got to know something.
Malle
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Malle--I have the divots, or step off, too and I hate it, I feel deformed. I love how my breasts look and feel, but I look unnatural above my breasts, and I would like to wear scoop neck tops and tanks. I'm meeting with PS at the end of October, since I'm going back to school, I won't have any revisions done until next summer, he seems hesitant, and I'm scared, I could live with how I look, but I'm very aware of it all the time, and find myself looking at breast to see their slope and then compare myself, and it doesn't feel good. What if we try and fix it and it gets worse, I guess I'm scared.
Dani--yep, back to school and still working full time. I'm so excited about school. I too have struggled with exercise, I was doing really well until I went back to work and boss became more demanding, I am so tired sometimes that I just can't do it, yet I know how important it is. I've now scheduled it during my work day, telling people I'm not available for meetings from 11:30 until 1:00, I also try and do longer workouts on the weekends.
Big Hugs!
Karen
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Just for everyone's info
Mena, the founder of the MOJO thread passed away Friday Sept 25th after a courageous battle with cancer. Her funeral service is Monday at 10:30. Please remember her family in your prayers.
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Such sad news, she and her family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I was on the pictureforum looking to see if there are any posts of women who went from a gummy to a regular impant. Does anyone know if there is such a topic (or person) and what the name of the thread is?
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I was thinking of her last weekend at RFTC, very sad. Thanks for letting us know, Linda.
Karen
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ugh......so sad, thanks for letting us know Linda. Prayers for her family...
Just finished the Komen Race for the Cure this morning, it was quite emotional, I was bawling like a baby!
K, the dolphins were amazing, very spiritual and serene, it was a lovely experience! Yes, 50 is quite fabulous, I was dreading it last year, but now I am just flippin grateful! Even more so after seeing all the memorials this morning for sisters who didn't make it......
L
ox
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Very sad news about Mena. I will be thinking of her & her family tomorrow.
Mykidsmom ~ Can I be added to your exchange list? I have scheduled my implant exchange for 11/16. I will be having the TE's exchanged & pocket revisions done on the right side. Not to sound dumb, but does the PS do the nipple reconstruction at the same time or will that be another procedure? I know she submitted the paperwork to my insurance company for the approval of the exchange & nipple reconstruction. I got the letters from the insurance company approving both. I just didn't know if they are seperate procedures.
My next appt. with PS is not until 10/29. I hate to call her office & ask a million question before that. I also don't know if I am getting silicone or saline??????? All I know is that PS said I will have Allergan high profile 800cc's. Do I choose saline or silicone or does the PS just use what she prefers?
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So I haven't been here in a while as my computer is still sick. Wow, I've had alot of reading to catch up on. I read that someone said the cold in winter is really uncomfortable with implants. OH NOOOOOO!!! I'm a ski instructor and believe me it is cold. Some mornings we are out on the hill waiting for school groups and it is -30 to -40 celcious.(I live in Canada). I have battery powered boot warmers. Maybe I can invent battery powered boob warmers! Maybe I should start considering a desk job or something a little warmer.
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They get cold in the winter??...OH NO! I'm in Canada too and with the change in colors on the trees, winter is not far off! I'm always cold even though I bundle up! This should be interesting.....lol
Terri
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Linda thanks for sharing that with us- I am so sad for Mena!!! I went and re read all her posts!
Fairy- the Race is happening here next month and I decided not to do it for that reason- I think I would cry the entire time I was walking!!! Next year I am running that bad boy with both of my boys and my husband!!!
Glad you went! 0 -
Hello all,
I haven't been here in a while, just catching up now, I've got pages and pages to read.
I am about 5 weeks post exchange with silicone implants, and they look pretty good but I have ripples on one breast. I spoke to my PS about it and he said he doesn't recommend the fat injections. He suggested either exchanging to a larger implant or to a gummy, if it bothers me. For now, it isn't that bad and I'm just tired of having surgery. I'll probably just live with it unless it gets much worse.
I'm getting nipples 12/4 and then no more surgery for a while. I will probably do the 3D tattoos.
Very very sorry to hear about Mena. Peace to her family.
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Malle - sorry to hear you're not happy with your implants, but from this forum I've learned that sometimes it does take a couple tries. My implants are silicone - allergan's style 20 - which is their hgh profile. I do not have a step-off, but I had no alloderm and have complete submusculars, which apparently helps in that area. I'm so fresh from surgery it's hard to tell you exactly what they feel like, but not too heavy, really. I was a flat girl before bc, so having anything on my chest feels a bit foreign, I must admit.
greytmom - so glad your exchange went so well! Happy healing!
dani - i know I missed some stuff this week about you - what's the scoop with the discharge, and are you finding a new ps? keeping you in my prayers.....
I know there's always big discussion about what bra to wear after exchange, and in my drug-induced haze have forgotten to tell you all. When my ps took the foam bandages off on Friday, he put me in an un-padded bra - kinda like a basic maidenform one. Luckily it's super soft. My sis checked, but it has no label in it, so can't tell you what it is. It's pulled extremely tight and I have to wear it 24/7. Next step he said, he sends people to Nordstrom's/Neiman's/Dillards to be fitted, though don't know when that will be. He also left in place a kind of "underwire' (for lack of better description) made of two layers of the foam tape, which shape my inframammary fold. This has to stay in place another week or so. Did anyone else have this? Kinda weird and becoming a bit itchy, even though I really don't have much feeling there.
Karen- you are an amazing woman, juggling school, your boys, work, and bc. I loved your pics with Jazzy from the race. Ours was in late March, so I was too fresh from surgery to do it. Looking forward to next year for sure!
Lorraine - happy 50th! how cool - swimming with the dolphins!
Linda - thanks for keeping us posted. So sad......
Regarding the cold implants - I sure hope not! Even though I grew up in the midwest, I've turned into a complete southern wimp. Cold foobs? Perish the thought!
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