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Exchange City

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Comments

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited October 2009

    Deborah - check out the Bare Necessities website - free shipping if you buy enough stuff!

  • MillieD
    MillieD Member Posts: 24
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Whippetmom.  I just ordered the "Fake nipples". 

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited October 2009

    val, where do find the small band sizes or do you have to order them?  I should wear a 32 band but can't find anything smaller than 34.

  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 53
    edited October 2009
    Wow i go away for a day and have been trying to catch up for hours  (lol) you gals are funny I am still laughing at the comment on the te banging into things and not feeling it I also have the same problem  and my non cancer side i cant even find it now since the te is so much bigger but in saying all this i have been looking at the pic forum and you gals look sooooooooo amazing cant wait to have my exchange and hope to look as good as all of you do. thanks so much for all your helpSmile
  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited October 2009

    dani - I found two great websites.  My ps's nurse told me about one:   www.barenecessities.com  and

    www.herroom.com. (they have band sizes down to 28!) 

    Sorry....my browser doesn't seem to let me attach a real link, so you'll have to type in yourself.........

    and Deborah - that bra in my ps's pic is for sale on the barenecessities website!

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited October 2009

    Finally, I had my last fill and n so much pain. I think I drank all the pain pills I could think would work best..I don;t have to see my ps for the next 6 months which is in Nov 13. I will have my surgery some tine in January. I am having a hard time sleeping until my surgery date, Why does it takes too long for the exchange? With the cold weather coming-in... the muscle spasm increases. Can I request my Doctor to increase my Valium to 10 mg.? How do you keep the spasm and pain in control until the exchange Date? I need your help to give me some advice because I don't want to be like this until my next surgery.With so much pain and agony...........Celine

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited October 2009

    ((((((Celine))))))  you can do it.......it WILL get better.........those last fills are the worst, but the pain will diminish........  you probably won't need the pain meds all the way to exchange.................we're here for you, sweetie!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited October 2009

    Deborah,  we will meet in the future, possibly a California meeting of the Ta-Ta sisterhood?  Ladies, you have no idea how many of you have held my hands over the past 10 months.  Now I feel like a wimp, I didn't go through half of the stuff that most of you have had to go through, and stand in awe of the support that is shared in this forum.   Deborah you are an inspriation to me along with Laura and Karen, Jazzygem, Jax, Val, Judy, Jeanne, Annie, Lorraine Sandy,Celine,  and so many others that forgive me if I don't mention you by name, your posts of your journey through this disease process was instrumental in my recovery.  Isn't the internet great?!!!!!

    Val,  I can't imagine wearing a bra 24/7, how long is this going to be on your agenda?  

    Celine,  I hope the spasms settle down soon, you may have to have some fluid drawn off and go a little slower if the pain continues.  Keep us posted here on the progress.  How many cc's are you filled to right now if you don't mind me asking?  

    Jan

     

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    Jan:  We're here for each other.  Don't think for a minute that you are not an inspiration and support to the rest of us!!  What goes around comes around...and that is so true on this forum...

    JUDY.

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited October 2009
    Judy,   HUGS!  I can't wait to see your face in a little less than 6 months!  I found the forum on TE issues and moved on over to exchange city.  The connections here gave me a safe place to learn, cope and get reassurance that I wasn't alone in my feelings.  The ladies here are so amazing and I am blessed to be included in the group.    Jan
  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited October 2009

    Thank you , thank you, and thank you.... the muscle spasm went away... so sorry I was venting there for awhile. I am back to normal tightness... Just for a second there I thought that I am losing my mind.... This is it for me. No more fills. I am at 610 cc... Jan, Val, Athena, Judy :) (my patient angel) and Deb ...and to all my supporters, my prayers were answered.... I think I will be smooth sailing until I have a schedule for my surgery... I will let you know...my next appt is 6 weeks from now. PS mentioned yesterday that I will get a moderate plus smooth silicone and he said he will try different sizes...I told him, 575 cc is my choice,lol, he looked at me and said you will have a vavooom breast. I can't wait to let you know when my exchange date will be....yipppppppieeee. I love you all. Celine

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited October 2009

    Just a shout out to the NFL.....they are wearing pink cleats, pink armbands, pink gloves, using pink goal post protectors, pink towels and numerous other pink items to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!!!!

    All those big burley boys in pink.........thank you and Go Patriots!!!!

    Kathie 

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

    Awesome Kathie.. thanks for the shout out on that !!!!

    (((((((((CELINE))))))))))))) I hate this pain for you... I remember so many ladies having this.. :(.. I took Demerol for 6 weeks straight and did not work outside the home.. so I did ok... drugged up.. but the last 100 cc were still tough..:) Hang in there... the Implants are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better!

    Jan.... you support too sister... !!!!!!!!!!! We all just have our melt down moments.. LORD knows I have ...hehe.... and I felt kinda retarded after.. but sure did love the support I got with my girls here...We all take turns helping and needing help... RIGHT GIRLS!

    Oh boy... hubby played out all weekend... had a blast... now the sun is shining..60 degrees... son took girlfriend to church ( which she was not really into.. before my son...:)....hubby is off work the next two days.... my fish is still ALIVE ( I always kill them).... and I am going to try to run 1/2 mile today..wahoooooooooooooooooooooooo God is good!

    Ladies... Make your day!

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited October 2009

    Jan - YOU are a big source of inspiration here on EC!  As for the bra, minimum 3 months, 24/7.  As Deb said, it's all part of the price we pay for beauty!  (last night I slept much better after loosening the band a notch - yea!)

    Celine - SO glad you feel better today!  You go for the "vavoom", girl!

    Laura - Absolutely Amen to that!

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited October 2009

    Hi gals and VegasTa-Ta  sisters,

    If there's anyone who didn't see my foobs in Vegas, Deborah has been kind enough to post them for me on the picture forum. Let me know what you think.  Embarassed

  • mantra
    mantra Member Posts: 189
    edited October 2009

    Totally confused and realized I have a ton to learn. What in the world are textured or smooth implants? What's the difference/advantage of one over the other. Also, how do I know if my TE are the right ones to give me the results I want? I have the Mentor Siltex 354-6213. What happens if they aren't the right ones for me? Would I have to go through the entire process all over again? I haven't had a fill yet so I have no idea of the shape they will give.

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    You don't use TE's to get a shape.  They are used for getting a size only.  They may be in the wrong place, lopsided, in your armpits, or whatever.  This is all fixed at the time of exchange to implants.  At that time, pocket work (the pocket that the implant sits in) and other corrections are done to get a good result.  Think of TE's as a medical device used to stretch the skin, nothing more.  If I thought they would be my final shape and size, I would shoot myself. 

    JUDY

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    You don't use TE's to get a shape.  They are used for getting a size only.  They may be in the wrong place, lopsided, in your armpits, or whatever.  This is all fixed at the time of exchange to implants.  At that time, pocket work (the pocket that the implant sits in) and other corrections are done to get a good result.  Think of TE's as a medical device used to stretch the skin, nothing more.  If I thought they would be my final shape and placement, I would shoot myself. 

    JUDY

  • mantra
    mantra Member Posts: 189
    edited October 2009

    Facecrafter, can you tell me what the difference is between the profile types? I remember their website had three different styles. I can't seem to get on their site tonight so I'm going by memory. I think was called high profile and I think mine was called medium and then their was one other one.

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    Are you talking about expanders or implants.  The profile makes little difference in expanders, and a BIG difference in implants.  I'll let the 'breaast whisperer' answer your implant questions.  Her name is Deborah, and she is the expert.  I just didn't want you to be upset by anything your expanders decided to do...

    JUDY

  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Member Posts: 136
    edited October 2009

    NVDiane ~ Missed Vegas but checked out the pic site and they look incredible and so natural. 

    So how was the grafting experience?  Were you awake during the procedure?  Recovery time?  I am weighing all of the options and have no clue what I am going to do yet. 

    Colleen

    Have been enjoying the pink cleats, gloves, towels, etc. today in all of the NFL games.  Real men wear pink.

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited October 2009

    Couples counseling:

    So, my ex S/O wants to be my S/O again and has suggested couples counseling, which I think is a great idea. He still can'y wrap his head around why this has been so hard and why my eyes still tear up when we talk about the surgery (which was only 6 mos ago) but hopefully with counseling maybe we can each figure out how to communicate on this subject and hopefully a counselor can explain to him that 6 months is not a lot of time. With the upcoming surgery, I am hoping it will help me be a little less emotional about all of this.

    Does anyone know of a couples counselor in the NYC who might have some experience with couples in a post b/c situation?

    Any help would be appreciated

    Wendy

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

    Mantra:  You must have the moderate height TE's.  Are you a unilateral or a bilateral?  Two TEs or one?  So just let me know how many cc's - the recommended maximum fill level of the style you have. Your TE's are fine.  You just need to be well informed and ask the right questions of your PS and be involved in this process to get the desired outcome. "What implant do you have in mind for me [which style - high profile, moderate plus profile] and how many cc's] is a good question to start with. I see you are in Canada and so your PS may have the Mentor or Allergan "true gummies" in mind, which are anatomically shaped implants. You are a newbie in the process and so you have plenty of time to get it right! Smooth vs. textured refers to the shell of the saline/silicone implants.  Some have a textured surface and some have a smooth surface.  The most commonly used in the US are the smooth round silicone implants by either Mentor or Allergan. 

    JUDY:  I hooted out loud when I read you would "kill" yourself if you you had to keep the shape of your TE's....

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited October 2009

    Wendy--My original post seemed not to work.  I would contact the medical social workers where you had your surgery, especially if they are in a breast center or cancer center, they are very connected with who has what speciality on the outside.  I wish you two the best.

    I volunteered at the Portland Marathon today, at the finish line.  A friend of mine and 8 year bc survivor finished looking great, her 3rd marathon since diagnosis and treatment.  We are STRONG.

    Hugs--Karen 

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited October 2009

    Judy- I just laughed out loud on your "If I thought they would be my final shape and placement, I would shoot myself" comment-- I can relate to what you mean. If they were not goofy looking enough before Vegas---I think my left side expander is now drooping-- I might have danced my foob off!

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

    ROFLOL ladies...

    Except for you Wendy... You can also call Catholic Charities... even if you are not Catholic. They help mucho people and you can pay what you guys can afford.. ( Hugs sweety).. call them.. they will help...

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    OK--if they were only lopsided...I could deal with that, but.

    At my last fill- there was a loud pop.  the expander had popped out of it's scar tissue capsule, not out of the expander justout of the capsule holding it in place..something self-formed I understand.  So only one popped.  I am left with a big lump on the right one (BTW, this is the radiated side).. So now it is REALLY lopsided..one up, one down, one sort of misshapen, one lower, but straight out.  I would truly shoot myself..of course with my aim, I'd probably miss, but I'd definitely shoot.  JUDY

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    Tomorrow is my last fill.  I am putting in the final 50cc.  Thank goodness...Then the waiting begins...JUDY

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

    HAPPY DANCE HAPPY DANCE HAPPY DANCE.......JUDY... HAPPY DANCE !!!!

    WAhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Laura, glad to know that part is going to be over...

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