Exchange City
Comments
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JEAN!!!! Are you ready...wahoooooooooooooooooooo
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Thanks all for the congrats on the new girls and the interview advise. I'm having a hard time waiting for the unveiling tomorrow!
Ann, Coolbreeze, I had ILC and opted to have the healthy breast removed. I didn't want to take the chance of going thru all this again. You have to do what will give you peace of mind. I think that is BS that your PS can't get symmetry if he has to match a natural breast. Removing a healthy breast just to make his job easier is not right. Many PS can get very good symmetry when just one breast is removed. I know there are women on the picture forum with unilateral recon. Check out Sandy Sunshine there. She got a beautiful result. I'm sure someone else can chime in with other names. I certainly understand you're wanting to get on with this surgery. Two months of waiting already can seem like a lifetime. Follow your gut instincts regarding the surgery. I told my surgeons 3 days before my surgery that I decided to have both breasts removed. It doesn't add that much time to the overall surgery. You have some time to decide. Get the surgery done, get the recon started. If before the exchange, you aren't happy with your PS and what he says he can do, find a new one! Don't wait until you've had a couple surgeries with someone you're not happy with.
Regarding the Alloderm issue. I read somewhere, that there is very little chance of alloderm being rejected or causing infection because of the way it's processed and sterilized. Because of that, it is used extensively in skin/tissue grafting in burn victims. Using it in breast recon is relatively new. That's why some insurance companies won't pay for it.
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Deborah, just as an update, I wanted you to know that I saw my PS today and brought him the photos of your recon that you were kind enough to give me permission to use. He said you had a great recon and that "mine" should look about like yours when I'm done. He mentioned again that he thought he was going to be putting in "at least" 600's if not 700's....and maybe even 800cc's- although he did smile after he said 800 when he saw my reaction. True to form, he restated that he would only know what size I'll need once he has me on the table and can take a look at my rib cage. He mentioned again that most likely my rib cage has pushed in a bit due to expander pressure and if so, that would necessitate the need for a larger implant.
I'm waiting for the hospital to call me with a surgery date sometime in Nov. I'm really getting tired of these hard rocks and so looking forward to some soft boobies.
I'll let you know when I have a date - please pray that it's sometime soon!
Terri
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I don't know if we always realize what a gift we are to one another and how powerful our connection is. Today was a day where I realized with absolute clarity how God is using this site and our connection. Thanks to 4GreatKids, who gave me the name of another ps 2 hours away from my home, I am doing a happy dance tonight.
The doctor said to me "if I were your fairy godmother and could grant you a wish, what would it be". It was an emotional moment because my former ps never asked me what I wanted or hoped for. Although this new ps said my former ps did superior work, it just wasn't what I wanted for me.
She explained that the reason that my implant compresses when I move is because as the muscle healed it attached to scar tissue that was over the implant. When the muscle flexes, so does the implant. She can separate it and place either alloderm or pig skin ( ewe) between the muscle and implant to help prevent it from happening again.
I have allergan textured 353 cc's. She will replace them with either Style 20 450 or 500 cc implants. ( Happy, Happy Dance!) I wear a 34 C bra now and want to stay in that size, I just want projection. I am concerned that if I go up 150 cc's, it may push me to a D cup. I have a couple of weeks to decide.
Firni, so glad you are happy since changing your ps.
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Dani... YES YES YES,,,
I think, we all, at one time or other, get caught up on EC being ONLY for info... But it is SO MuCH MORE... we are a family... and Deborah is our momma...:)
.. and Sandy.. when she can pipe in... is our auntie....:) .....This is a thread of real , solid info... but also... a great big LOVE AFFAIR of women who are like sisters! ( and if you do not know me yet....... I can tell you... is my FAVORITE PART!!!!! I am the cheerleader......... with mega love for you all... and a love for our Lord.. ( my belief)...
I just thank HIM daily ( no joke) for the ablity.. to be here, and to have found... YOU ALL!
I LOVE YA!
L.
I add... TERRI..... ROFLOL.. that was FUNNY girl!
I add again..... GO Jean.. Go Jean... Go Jean... Go Jean.... Go Jean....
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Welcome to all the newbies. Sorry for the reason you have to be here, but what a fabulous place to be for support, information, encouragement, friendship... and the list goes on.
It's been awhile since I've been here - work has been very hectic. So much to catch up on. Tomorrow makes 4 weeks post exchange and the new foobs are healing nicely. The rash from my allergic reaction to the paper tape has finally gone away and I can start using the silicone strips for the scars. I had a professional bra fitting and I am soooo HAPPY I kept my C cup. It's amazing how comfortable a bra can be when it fits properly.
I had my big 4-0 this weekend and after the crazy year I've been through I am so thankful I have made it to 40.
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CoolBreeze & others too - I'm a uni & my good friend Linda posted my pix for me over on the picture site. I welcome your comments. But I am not symmetrical & after hearing tehe comments from my wonderful sisters over there, I emailed my latest pix to my ps & he wants to see me back in his office before he schedules my nipple reconstruction. I hope that means he can fix it. I have such a hard time talking to doctors. I want it to be more symmetrical....but I'm tired of surgeries too! I've been at this for a year and a half now & I'm still not done. It's exhausting & my latest reaction to the anesthesia was not good....
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Joyce, you made me feel so good calling me your good friend and we haven't even met....Thanks so much dear friend. We will meet someday, I just know it....
I also have a hard time talking to doctors especially the ones that whats to do their own things without our input.....It took me a year and half to finish....I am still thinking about color for my areolas but that will be easy. When are you going to see your PS?
wahooooooooo Jean gets her nipps tomorrow....
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MooreTennis,
Happy 40th Birthday! I am allergic to tape and bandaids too. I know it can be worse then the incision. I do tell them before surgery now that I can only have them on for a short time. I am glad you are healing.
Terri, so happy you are finally near the end.
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Denise....HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!! I would suppose you didn't mind putting this past year to bed! May this year bring you the foobs you never knew you always wanted!
Furni..I too have got to get a job....my last position was eliminated last November, and I did not get another job before my dx, so am just now beginning in earnest to look. I feel I could start a new thread on making sense of the new me and employment....I always worked so hard with long hours and lots of air travel...but it exhausts me to even think about doing it that way again. I really am not sure I am still that woman after this year....we'll see.
But I digress, regarding the question as to whether or not to disclose your BC situation, I am planning on saying that a family health issue prevented me from taking on a new job and being able to give 100%, but that thankfully that has now been resolved and I am free to pursue work again. It may be "evasive" but I don't think you could say it is a lie....I would not want to do that. But...honestly, if there were 2 woman with exactly the same experience, education and skill sets applying for 1 job, I would say 99 out of 100 times the "non BC candidate" would get the job....either because of some reservation about energy, overall health or liability on a company's health plan if one is offered. I don't think that it is necessarily always intentional, but just the way it is. Even though everyone and their mom has been touched one way or another by BC, in the business world it can be a bit cut and dry. If you find yourself in a second interview, or even hired, you could disclose more if you are so compelled....but I would prefer caution early on in the process. Just my thoughts. I would love to hear other appropriate responses if you ladies have some ideas??
God Bless!
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dani42 - thanks for the birthday wishes. This was my 4th surgery this year and the first time I had any reaction to the tape. All of a sudden I developed an allergy. I hope to never experience that again because you're right, it was worse than the actual incisions. I was one cranky person.
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Angel, thanks. This is definitely one year I don't mind putting behind me. Hrers to at least 40 more with perky boobs!!!!
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Happy 40th!!!
My 51st is this Friday and let's just say that 50 has been an interesting year for me ~ I call it the Year of the Breast. Almost one year exactly since my BAD mammogram and subsequent biopsy, etc. Monday should be my last fill (hopefully) and then I will get to have my exchange date scheduled. The year has flown by in a long drawn out drugged way. Thank God for life and this forum (Exchange City) for the most understanding and knowledgeable women in the whole world!!!!
Furni (I think, can't look back at the prior page right now) ~ As the owner of a company I would say you do not have any reason to disclose your prior health issues. That is assuming you are not applying for a job that your health would not allow you to perform. Having lived this experience I know better but some employers may consider it "baggage" and not give you a chance. My 2 cents.
Take care everyone!! Colleen
Colleen
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Wow! What a busy bunch you've been!
Dani - I am SOOOOOO excited for you!! You are absolutely right about the amazing connections - emotional and medical - we have created here on EC! With those volumes that your new PS is planning, you should definitely get to that D (I'm a 32D/30DD with 425's).
Denise and Colleen - Happy b-days to you both! Colleen, I, too have called this the "Year of the Breast" since my mast was in January. So much in one year.....
Speaking of which, I've been particularly "blue" and emotional (I'll blame the tamoxifen) the past several days. I think some of it stems from being bombarded by the media about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I think back and remember that last October, I probably had this cancer growing in me........maybe I'm just weird......
Good luck tomorrow, Jean! My local bc friend just got hers on Monday!
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Hi Everyone. I "officially"got my dx one year ago today--even though the radiologist was clear the week before, what an amazing year, and Laura you are so right this thread is so much more in my life than I thought it would be when I began lurking. Jean, thank you, and thanks to all the regulars and to the newbies who we learn from. You all make me laugh, cry, ponder, ache, and I love you all. I truly do think and pray for all of you everyday.
Dani--I'm so happy for you! I have the same problem. I was just showing it to someone today, I just thought it was something we had to live with. My muscle compresses in certain spots and not in others. Thanks for sharing, I'm going to as my poor PS when I see him in two weeks. I have so many questions I think he'll hate me!
Happy Birthday ladies!
Oh, Wendy, thanks for the information about donating. I hope things are going well for you1
Hugs,
Karen
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Oh....almost forgot.....I went back to PS yesterday for a check. I'm now three weeks post-exchange. He said my left foob is still off to the side more than he'd like. I didn't ask him, but I wonder if it's because I didn't get in the underwire bra as quickly as he'd like (usually 4-5 days post-op) because of my stupid drains. He has me putting some gauze pads on the outside - kinda like a push-up pad - to keep it in position. Now I'm obsessed about it and feel like I look down at my foobs about a million times a day! My dh ( trying to make me feel better, I think) says it makes them look more natural.....
The ps did finally clear me to start some light exercise, though not much with my arms yet for a few weeks. He said yoga and pilates were the hardest on the new implants, darn it. I haven't yet braved the "wall crawl," but did some reaching to put away dishes and it wasn't much fun. How long were most of you uncomfortably tight before you felt "normal" again?
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FIRNI: I am bawling like a baby reading your post!!! I am not kidding....it makes me have the wiggles...I want to jump and holler and rejoice!!! And then I read DANI's post and I am floored and thrilled once again.....I echo what Laura says Dani....YES, YES, YES...GO FOR IT!!! And yes, God is so good!!! I am so blessed to be here in this time in this place in my life with you wonderful women!!
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Happy 40th MOORE tennis~ woo HOO
This site really saves me from losing whatever is left of my mind... I have a question or need to vent I come here and some helps, or I read a similar story like my own. So I am grateful for you wonderful girls.
Now being a NEWBIE I cannot for the life of me find the reconstruction photo forum. Can someone give me a clue?
Thanks and soft HUGS !
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Terri: I like what your PS has to say about the ribcage phenomenon. Who knows....I thought I was getting 475 cc's and woke up with 550 cc's. It was what the PS felt looked best. My PS will be honored that a photo of her work made it to Canada!!
Dani: I think 450 cc's would be nice on your frame. But girl, you are wearing the wrong band size? What's up with that? You should have a 32 band or even a 30 band. Don't worry about cup size - it is about what fits your frame and fills out the expanded pocket. It sounds like your PS knows her stuff!
LeNelle: Welcome! And yes, I have one drain site scar which actually has keloided and is very sensitive. I am going to point it out to the PS and maybe he can revise this when he does my fat grafting.
Denise: Happy 40th! And you will have many happy more also!!!!
Wow....busy, busy on EC tonight....I still have another page to catch up on....
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Happy Birthday to Denise, Colleen and anyone else I am missing ~~~ you all are an inspiration. I love hearing who has their new foobs in, whose getting nips on. I cannot wait to be at that stage in 2010!
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Alicia: I am PM'ing you the info re: the pictures forum..0
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Oh wow you girls are SO BUSY!! I try to keep up with the posts being sent to my inbox, but man oh man!! Happy Birthday girls!! WOO HOO!!! and WOO HOO for Dani.....and for Teresa...oh man I can't list all of you, just know I am with you saying prayers and jumpin up and down for all of you!!!
My dear Karen, my special thoughts are with you today.
Oh and Whippetmom what can I say...you are freakin AMAZING!!! Thanks for the video clip...wow!
Susie has her surgery tomorrow...she had to have a ct scan today because they thought the hernia was bigger...anyway I know she doesn't post here, but I thought I would ask for some prayers for her. She has been through SO MUCH CRAP and she really deserves a break!!
Another thing I wanted to mention.....Laura came up with the name The TaTa Sisterhood because all of us have been diagnosed with cancer in our tatas! Exchange City is where it all began...PLEASE KNOW THAT EVERYBODY HERE IS A TATA SISTER!!! Just because some of us were lucky enough to meet in Vegas doesn't mean those who weren't on the trip are any less a tata sister. All of us need to stick together! The love, compassion, support, education, friendship....is all priceless!!
Good luck to all of the up coming surgeries and just know we are all here waiting to hear about your recovery!!!
WOO HOO THE TATA SISTERHOOD ROCKS!!!
HUGS!
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JAZZY>>>>>Susie has my prayers....bless her heart....
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Val61,
My exchange was Aug 21....and I only just these past 7-10 days realized that I am doing more "normal" movements and not as tight. I still feel tight, but that is improving daily, too.
Much longer than I thought it would take, but then again, patience is a virtue I needed to develop, so I am still getting something out of it!
God Bless!
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Wippetmom:
Thanks for the info. I go in tomorrow morning for "that" additional expansion after all.
Thank goodness for this forum! After reading all what you ladies have to say has made me feel comfortable with myself. My friends think I have been handling this extremely well but little do they know that I have had some emotional moments. Thankfully I have an awesome husband who has been SO supportive and ALWAYS there to comfort me. I feel as though I am going through a "post-traumatic" something??? I am sure this is normal and everyone handles this differently. Again...thanks ladies!!!
NAE
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Its always an adventure.
So I have this weird feeling under both breasts down to the top of my abs, it feels like sore muscles after sit ups but I had not worked out in a few days. Then I have this tender line on my upper abdomen. When I touch it with my hand it feels like there is a hard thin linear object under the skin on my left side (the de-noded side). My daughter and my secretary both felt it, so I know its not in my mind. I have an appt at memorial tomorrow for my PS to take a look.
Can it be a thrombosis? Or could it be as simple as part of a jp drain having snapped off when it was being removed and now its migrated? What on earth could this be, anyone?
I don't think this is what John Meyer meant when he wrote your body is a wonderland.
Wendy
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Wendy : good luck today let us know how you make out. Who is your PS at Memorial. My dr's are there as well. I met with Cordeiro but had to use McCarthy due to timing ~ and Sclafani was my breast surgeon (love her) I also have a small little something foreign in my left side. I just found it will make them poke and feel next appt. ugh !!
Have a good day everyone~ and I know My Body is certainly not a WONDERLAND... lol
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Hello darlins;
Jean good luck!!!!!!!!!
I also want to chime in with big thanks and big love to all of you........we are a family!!! Never had such support and help and laughs and encouragement from my toxic, family of origin, but now, I am in wonderment and delight with all of you ladies....it is the real silver lining in all this. I have been accused of being a"Pollyanna" and a "Disney Girl", but you know what? If I didn't see that glass as half full, I'd have a much harder time with all of this. The humor is a big blessing also.
Denise, welcome to 40!!! I'm in my 50's and that's fine also. Congratulations! I think we "get" it that being here is a gift, and we are so lucky to have our bc found at treatable stages ...and we get new Barbie boobs!
love to all my ladies........Hi Laura, you little sweetie pie you. xoxox
annie
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Jazzy: my prayers to to Susie also. xoxoxoxo
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Wendy, I'll be curious to hear what it is, and sending you good thoughts. I still get "chords" under my arms and sometimes where the lymph channels pass from what feels like under the breast down the ribs into the abdomen area. I just work on stretching them and they go away, until well, they come back. I hope it is something as innocuous as that. Hmmm...that song you refer to, every time I hear it I want to grab the first guy I see lol!
Keep us posted!
Hugs--Karen
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