Exchange City
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Great! Thanks so much for the information. I will have enough time to create a list. Btw, it's been getting colder here in NV and we got snowed last week but it's gone now. I noticed that my muscles were tighter than ever. My friends thinks I am wearing to much clothes too early for the winter season...lol...What is the best thing to do? God Bless.
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Angel: Oh wow....sorry Dani!!! Actually, I have read that Sculptra works great for addressing step off defects in thin women. - more so than Alloderm. But I know THAT is expensive and I am not going to get it covered - UNLESS the fat grafting does not work.
My husband is not going to go for another surgery if the fat grafts fail to correct. He is not happy I am undergoing another fat graft procedure. His only focus is NIPPLES! He cannot wait for me to get nipples and anything which delays that procedure is just another roadblock to him! I think he will be in the OR - giving some input to the PS regarding WHERE those nipples should be positioned. So this is what I am dealing with girls.
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ladies,
Does anyone have any problem getting a bra to fit comfortably over your implants? I got unders June 26th, and was fitted at Victoria's Secret with Ipex Wireless, the Biofit underwire and the Angels Wireless, but after I wear any of them just a short while, I feel like they push my right implant in and it begins to hurt. I actually get a dent or misshapen after a while. Yesterday was the first day I ever experimented with going braless all day and my right side( which always seemed and a little higher a tiny bit flatter in one spot in the middle) actually seemed to drop and fluff a bit. It looks so much better. However, I haven't found a bra that fits me well. I have Allergan naturelle 616 cc style 15 implants - under. Any advice????? Thank you. Georganne
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Deborah--You are too funny, DH in the OR! Sculptra???? Thanks for finding the post. Do you have thoughts on using Alloderm for step off? I think part of my problem is that my pockets are too big and I can't get a bigger implant, they don't make them bigger than 800 in silicone and I don't want to get into using a custom or off brand implant. Besides, I think I'm at boobis maxima.
Thanks for giving so much of your time and intelligence to all of us!
Jan, Kewpie doll, that makes me giggle!
Call me whatever you want, I was just trying to make it easier since we have a new Karen!
Hugs to all!
KW
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Georganne: Try a bra which gives you the moulded cup look but is not padded. I love my Chantelle 3582 bra - it is a sheer stretch fabric, but looks and feels like a moulded cup.
http://www.barenecessities.com/Chantelle-C-Chic-Underwire-Bra_product_Chantelle3582_,search,.htm
Go to Nordstroms and tell the bra fitter you want a good supportive bra but you want something comfortable - a bra that encases your breasts but does not distort them. You could try the Spanx bras - Natori has some nice bras - the Natori 136001 is nice because it has memory foam which shapes and moulds to your breast. But get fitted and buy ONE bra for now and see how you like it. The VS bras are good for "special effects" and for occasional wearing - but you need a good "day" bra.
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Welcome, Ellen and Karen!!
Haven't had much time to check in as I've been busy making a homecoming mum for my senior son who waited until the last minute to get a date. It's a gaudy, obnoxious Texas tradition, but it's my last one.....a bit sad.......
I'm also one of those who had very dense breasts - was always called back for re-checks. I'm supremely thankful that my last mammogram (12/08) was a digital one. That one did show an area of concern, which led to the 2nd mammo and u/s........
Georgeanne - I agree with whippetmom. VS bras are pretty, but that's about it. Get fitted by someone who is really trained - Nordstrom, Dillards (or a higher-end dept store in your area). They'll have the experience with reconstructed breasts that the VS cuties just don't have......
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KW: No you definitely do not want to go any bigger. You are at boobis maximus! LOL! I suppose I could push for Alloderm, if the fat grafts do not work, but I know I need to give the fat grafts one more try. The Alloderm, as you can imagine - means opening the incision - far more invasive a procedure. I do not, however, think Sculptra is out of the question. But I am pretty sure I could not get Kaiser to pay for Sculptra. It is a very expensive product. Why don't you inquire about it?
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119413829/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
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Val: What is "making a homecoming mum"?
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You wonuldn't believe unless you see it. I'll try to find a link to one. Basically, it's one-two fake mums stuck on a cardboard base decorated around the perimeter with ribbon points and loops. On top of the flowers you put a bear - or some other small stuffed animal. From the base are about 50 ribbons - 3 feet long for girls - that have the names of the couple, and little charms hanging from them. The more "bling" there is, the more the girls like it. The guys get a "garter" version that they wear on their arm. I grew up in the midwest, and we only had real mums for homecoming - though I must admit I never had a date..... This was new for me when we moved here. It's a contest to see who has the most obnoxious one!
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Deborah! I was laughing out loud at the thought of your DH directing the surgeon in the OR, then the thought of that old joke came to mind. I can see DH singing to the William Tell Overature.
"Not the rump but the titty, not the rump rump rump" "Put a nip on the titty and could you hurry up!" I hope the the crude humor doesn't offend anyone, sometimes my warped brain just sees the lighter side of this process.
You have to love our DH and the patience that they have had for us during this past year. I think my DH wants the finished product too!
KEW Boobis Maximus! Where do you come up with this stuff! I must be at boobis mediocum with a 500cc implant. Jan
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If this works, it gives you some idea - the little one is what the guys get....
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Val: That link did not work. But I googled and found this one which gave me an idea: Is yours really obnoxious? I hope you win.
http://www.mumsandgarters.com/
Jan: That is really hilarious - you lyrics to the WTO!! Oh my gosh....and you would not believe how ACCURATE that is! Last month, my prankster husband came walking out in front of me while I was watching TV, wearing a pair of my fake nipples stuck on his buttocks! I said "EEUUUU...I'm NEVER wearing THOSE again!" Yukko!!! Good thing I have extras. I just sang your song to my DH....he LOVED it!!!
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Jan1 - you are a riot!!!
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Deborah - What a hoot. You two sound wonderful together.
I used to be another dense breast lady. I found that nothing really worked for me but the MRI. The newer digital mammogram was MUCH better than the older mammograms, but the calcificiations could not really be worked out until I had an MRI. Just my experience. Hope it helps.
Best wishes on your surgery JDJR!!! Take care. - Jean
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Hello All,
in regards to the dense breast thing I also have dense breasts and my tumor was 9.2 and the mammogram and ultrasound didn't see it and put it this way I am only an A cup so the tumor was quite obvious to the eye you didn't need to do any test so now I would like to only have the MRI done but seems like the doctors don't want to give my an MRI they want to send me for an mammogram and ultrasound again i just don't get it....... so i guess i will need to insist on the MRI.
over the last couple of days i have been experiencing a very tight feeling like a pulling feeling in my te side hope this is not cc any have this experience? and any way to make it feel better besides wine(lol)
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Ladies... just got my personal laptop back.. and started reading... LOL LOL LOL.... I spit my wine with the nipples on the buttock ( just saying buttock cracked me up Deb..hehe).. and the titty titty rump.......... you gals never cease to amazing me here.....LOL ROFLOL....
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JDJR !!!!! GOOD LUCK and mucho hugs for you tomorrow sister! Keep us informed!
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Jean, JDJR, and Weet--good luck this week. I hope everyone is happy and heals well.
Jan you crack me up! Finally a good use for the WTO!
Deborah, thank for your thoughts. I guess I really need to decide with my PS what I need and want to do. I love how I look dressed except in something that shows cleavage because you can see the dramatic step off. Otherwise I love them, I will be interested in how your next graft goes. You and your DH always make my heart happy when you share about the two of you!
OK, have a great week, I will be suffering from lack of computer for most of the week, but will be thinking about all of you!
Hugs,
KarenW
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KEW I have alloderm- no step off- he used 2 sheets during my exchange surgery!!!
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Hi all; I've been off to work, lasted one week (toxic guy and office, whew, bad experience) but am now back and unemployed again.
Love to all and how do I see the photos from vegas?
Glad you all had fun......I need to get to go next year. xoxoxo
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Deborah, I am glad that I could keep you entertained. My DH would do something just like this, never in public, but we have a great time. My DH story is about pillow art. I had a lot of pillows on our bed which the DH thought that more than 2 was silly. I came home to find the pillows positioned in a way I wouldn't want his mother to see. There was a neck roll involved, I thought I would die of laughter. The other pillow trick was a mountain of pillows on the bed with a TUMS on top. He said he couldn't find a fancy chocolate like the fancy hotels used. Hey, he made the bed!!!
KEW I hope you can get satisfaction and find a solution to your issues, With everything that you have been through, you deserve to have the breasts look the way you want and is medically feasible. Are you and Laura on the computer sharing plan? I know I won't be checking in as often when I am on vacation from the 15th to the 23rd.
Laura, I hope it wasn't red wine, I would hate for Deborah to have to pay for the cleaning bill. She started it! Glad to know that you have your laptop back. I think without mine I would have to wear an arm patch to wean me off.
Carolyn, It just goes to show you that medicine is still an art. I am now a little concerned that I have had a lump my mx side about 2 " below the collarbone, I have had it for 3 or 4 years, it hasn't grown any. The surgeon was supposed to take it out during the mx, but didn't. Now I am thinking about all of the things you ladies are saying about the misses and wondering if this is something to be concerned about. I am going to ask my PCP, I think it is just a lymph node.
jdjr, weet and JEAN can't wait to read your posts. Jean, I hope that the nipple surgery goes well and since some of us are coming up on this procedure want to read how they did yours and how you tolerated it. For weet and Jdjr, softness is almost here.
Jan
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Oh good grief, just reread back posts and spit water all over the keyboard cracking up....
"boobis maximus?" One about we one eyed ladies? And lopsided ladies? Can we be semi maximus or lack of boobosity? I can't wait to see what else comes up. Someone remembers their Monty Python movies
. The nipples on the butt are wonderful. Mine hasn't done anything with mine, but I did put 3 pairs on at once, one under the other, stacked so that I had a tri fecta going. It was for comparison purposes, but ended up being way too funny. I use stickers also for holidays, pumpkin for halloween, snowman for christmas and a menorah for hannukah. Obviously, this girl needs her hat on.
I missed you all!!! Serves me right for trying to work.
xoxoxo
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Cheri--I will talk with my PS about it. If we do that, it would be a whole new set of implants, kind like another exchange. I'm so glad yours turned out well.
Jan--Thanks, I can't tell where my real feelings are about how I look and where exhaustion kicks in. I'm kind of glad that I don't have the time to do anything until May or June. Allows me time to rein in my chariot and think about things.
Yes, apparently Laura and I are on the laptop exchange program.
Annie--for me KarenW, aka, Boobis Maximus (Deborah, do you think I went too big??), it is a combination of Monty Python and all that Latin I needed for science. I used to call my youngest son, "Babius Maybius famous Roman gladiator." Glad you are out of toxic work environment. I'm counting the months (July/August) to when I will attempt to change mine--big burnout and won't work with school next year. It was good before bc, but I'm not that person anymore, I don't want to be a Director of Programs and Senior Management. Grateful to have it, like my coworkers, but it just isn't where I am anymore. Working hard to leave the program in a great place so I can feel good about the last 4 years of work.
Have a Happy Wonderful Week!
KarenW
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Oh Jan - I was so confused about the pillows until you mentioned the neck roll! What a hoot!!! LOL!! What is it about men and decorative pillows? I practically have to sneak them in the house or Mike will have a coronary....
Karen, You? Too big? Put that thought out of your headius.
Annie, oh my....stacked nipples? Horrors. One fake nipple ALONE is a joke...
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Hi everyone,
I have a question, since Im looking like I will be having a revision....what exactly is alloderm...is it truly safe....what I do know makes me feel not so warm and fuzzy. Does using it increase your risk of post op infection?
Teresa
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Your MX TE means "moderate height, xtra full projection" You have a 13 cm width on those TE's. There ARE circumstances which dictate that a TE which becomes adversely malpositioned should be removed and repositioned, but only rarely really does this occur. It is not what we WANT to occur, but very often these TEs will migrate - usually upward and toward the armpit. It is better than they move up than downward - which would disrupt the inframammary fold. It would be worrisome if the TE migrated TOO far upward to the extent that it damages the delicate skin tissues of the upper pole and/or damages the pectoral muscles. I am concerned that at 300 cc's, you are pushing the envelope - and you should get to at least 400 ccs to get sufficient projection/expansion with that 500 cc TE he used. What IS your ribcage measurement?
Thanks so much Whippetmom for addressing this. Here are my stats: I am approx. 5'8", 160lbs and my ribcage is just about 35". I'm going for another fill today. I mentioned having the left expander replaced because that one was too high. The right, though higher then the new one is not too high to produce the problems you mentioned. I think my port is too low and now pushing toward where one day, I hope to have cleavage!
Interesting that you say I need to go to at least 400 because right now, I almost feel like one more fill will do. I am already bigger then I was (not a great feat however). But I absolutely do not want to make the mistake of not going big enough. Is there a huge difference in size between expander and implants? Aside from not being especially endowed before bc, my chest area has always been the thinnest part of my body. Seems weight goes everywhere but!
Sorry I took so long to respond but I had no internet access for a few days. Thank you lovely women!
Ellen
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Ellen: It is far better that you go a little larger than necessary, as getting volume with breast reconstruction is complicated. Ask your PS if he will place you in implants with greater volume than the TE's - say - 50 to 100 cc's more than the TEs. Some will and some do not. Some place you in implants smaller than the expanders - which to most of us then dictates expanding more than you think necessary to get you to the size of implants which would look best on your frame. I think you probably want implants with a width of at least 14.0 cm.....so you would be looking at a moderate plus style implant if you are feeling almost done with fills. But ask your PS these questions. Do you want to be on the smaller side? A "B" cup perhaps?0
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Whippet mom is right that chantelle bra is awesome, I bought some for my daughter at the suggestion of a fitter at a hoity toity upper east side lingerie store. I keep wanting to buy the same one for me, but the PS said no underwires, and who knows what will change with the swap out for the round gels. SO for now I have bra envy as I wear a plain bra I found at Kohls.
Teresa
I have Alloderm on my Rads side, I had no infection, the rads side healed fine from a surgical perspective, the alloderm provided additional support to the muscle since my rads skin is thin and not so stretchy. because the bottom of the rads side is so thin, I can feel where the sheet is with my hand, I can't see it, and if it was on the upper pole (my cancer was in the 6 o'clock quadrant) where there was less radiation and no additional boost of rads, i would not be able to feel the sheet at all. The alloderm is not visible, even through my paper thin skin.
I have had no rejection issues, the tissue seems to have taken, and since my implant would likely just fall out and break through the skin without it, I just put the un warm thoughts out and kind of rationalize it like anyone who has a donated organ or tissue, in that I am grateful someone was thoughtful enough to make the donation, and I really really try not to think about the stuff that would give me the creeps.
Wendy
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AMEN Wendy! When anyone starts to think about all of that creepy stuff involved with Alloderm, just keep repeating to yourself, "puppies and kitties, puppies and kitties" and soon you will forget about it and be thankful for that sling keeping your implant from dropping to the terra firma.
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Puppies and Kittens, Puppies and Kittens, my new mantra
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