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

Exchange City

12442452472492501387

Comments

  • JFBCADVOCATE
    JFBCADVOCATE Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2009

    Hi Everyone,

    I am having my nips done on 11/10.  I am a bit nervous as I do have some feeling in both breasts.  My PS is not planning to put me to sleep....but she is using the OR because I am having 2 done at the same time.  Am I being a baby....after all the other procedures I've been through,  I am really obsessing over this one.  I am having the nips created out of the extra skin from the expansion.  I think it's called a V flap.

    Any advice...does everyone have this done with just a local?

    Thanks!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited November 2009

    Judy I hope someone chimes in...

    I thought my PS once mentioned just a local but she did knock me out

    Maybe it was because she removed my port at the same time.

    I had the c v flap done

    I hope everyone had a happy holloween

    off to bed I go...

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    Judy - I was put to sleep when my nipples were done; but I had very little pain afterwards.  The PS told me just to take Tylenol.  I wasn't given any pain meds.

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    To all the tattoo experts --  Should the skin be peeling off of my areola tattoo and still be oozing after 6 days?   One side looks like it is totally healed and the other is as desribed above.  Is this normal or is something wrong going on here?

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    Laura -- I am so sorry you are still hurting.  I agree that it is the multiple surgeries.  I felt the same way after my revision.  Take those drugs and rest!

  • armywifenmommy
    armywifenmommy Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2009

    I only speak out of the experience in that I own a tattoo shop...not experience with nipple tattoos -- however -- I would say that you need to get it checked.  Infections will push the ink out of your shin - and can be dangerous... You should not be appreciating that much of a difference from side to side I would not think... Hang in there!!

  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2009

    Robin,

    I have 3 tattoos.  Not on my chest but else where and I peeled for longer than a week on most.  Just because oneside stopped sooner I wouldn't be too worried about that.  I bet they will both look good.

    Teresa

  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 74
    edited November 2009

    well ignore my comments...army wife seems to be more of an expert than me lol.  Speaking of tats, I was thinking of getting another one on monday for my birthday.  I have an exchange 5 weeks later.  Do you think I should? 

    Teresa

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    Teresa -- Thanks for the response.  I'll just watch it until tomorrow.  Where are you thinking of putting the tattoo?  What design?  I would think 5 weeks would be plenty of time to heal -- but you wouldn't want to risk an infection before surgery.  The risk is probably low, especially if you are not prone to infection (like some of the sad girls on this site - I really feel for them and all they have had to go through).

    Armywife -  Thanks for your expert opinion.  I am a bit concerned. I'll watch it until tomorrow and then if still oozing, I'll call the PS.

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited November 2009

    Oh My goodness, what are we going to do with all the extra candy??

    My daughter likes to make candy corn pancakes (actulally yummier than choco chips).

    I hope everyone had a great halloween and that the new month brings good things to everyone and that everyone feels better.  :  )

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited November 2009

    Robin, You were done with a very heavy hand.  If the side that is oozing is not red, or swollen, I would not worry about it, but Armywife is right.  The ink can be pushed out..   The peeling can be for a long time, that is normal.  Are you using anything on it?   There should be a gauze pad over it, romoved with water so it does not stick,  and plain A&D ointment (no antibacterials) to keep it moist.  If it dries out, that may cause the oozing.  The ointment should be used for about 5 days after the oozing stops.  JUDY

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited November 2009

    Mykidsmom & to all-

    I can't wait to have soft foobs..so that I can sleep on my stomach comfortably again!!  I'm a tummy sleeper! 

    Well, Halloween is over & the rest of the holidays will be upon us sooner than we think!  Doesn't it always happen this way?  Really tired of those retailers trying to sell Christmas in August!  I see there are many of you having exchange surgery before Christmas....congrats..how nice! 

    Have a good one ladies!

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited November 2009

    Wendy--No kidding we ended up with about 10 kids and 6 pounds of leftover candy.  Last year there were so many kids we ran out of candy! 

    Laura--I sure hope you are feeling better soon.  Just think as soon as your eyes feel better you can look and she how great the new girls look!!!! 

    Robin--I hope all is well.  Glad we have Judy and Armywife.

    11/3 -Deborah - Fat grafting, I can't wait to hear how it goes.  I hope this time you have a better result

    11/04 - Don23 - Exchange surgery--

    11/06 - janloy - Exchange surgery

    11/06 - Athena-lioness - Exchange surgery

    Good luck to all the Sisters this week. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Happy Sunday!

    Hugs--Karen 

  • janloy
    janloy Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2009

    Add me to the list of people dreading this next procedure. I know it is supposed to be so much simpler than my previous surgeries (bi-lat mat followed by TE and lat flap a year later) but I'm stressing more as the date grows nearer (11/6). To top it off, I'm a stress eater and just ate a ton of left over Halloween candy!

    Stressed about my last few days of work - tons to get done. Radiation oncologist wants a zillion tests done prior to surgery because it is the 1 year anniversary of completing rads. Too much.

    Thanks for listening. I hope all of you are healing well. I'm so sorry for those of you that are suffering with pain and infections. My prayers are with you.

    Love.

    Jane

  • janloy
    janloy Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2009

    To All:

    Should I get photos of these over sized turtle shells before they come out Friday? I must admit, I have looked at NO PHOTOS. I probably should have before I chose my implants. I chose silicone and just trusted in my PS to guide me. He says he goes for quality not quantity. I have a small frame (unfortunately I'm not always a small person) so I trust his judgment.

    Thanks,

    Jane

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited November 2009

    Janloy - I was SO nervous before my exchange - so you are definitely not alone!  Maybe it's the hope and expectation that we're nearing the end of our cancer journey - which in and of itself can be hard bring closure to......Just know we're all pulling for you here on EC and you will wake up with softness!  Wishing you, AthenaLioness, Don23, and our beloved whippetmom happy healing this week!

    Speaking of whippetmom, we really did meet yesterday!  Let me just say that she is every bit as absolutely wonderful - and beautiful -  as she comes across here on EC!  We had a delightful visit over coffee, and I felt like I was talking with an old friend - that really is the beauty of this group, isn't it?  Oh......and, yes......we did have a little "foob sharing" in the hotel bathroom!!

    ((((Laura)))) - please rest and take your time, sweetie....you and your body have had a hard few months.........heal........   You, too, Robin!

    Sorry to hear so many of you are dealing with extra candy.  We set a neighborhood record last night -  we had 1660 pieces of candy, and we actually ran out - and that's with giving every trick-or-treater one piece only!!

    Val

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited November 2009

    Jane - Seeing photos of others has really helped me a lot.  Consequently, I did take photos - and probably need to do an update.  If you're comfortable with it, I'd say do it - you'll probably contribute to another bc sister's healing.......

    Feel free to pm me if you want....I'm small framed, too, and I'll be glad to share a pic if you don't have access to timtam's site....

  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 48
    edited November 2009

    How do I get to see the pics?  Would like to see some finished products!!!

  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 53
    edited November 2009

    Hi you need to contact timtam to get set up to the pic forum

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited November 2009

    Linda/Sandy and any others that had nips and areola grafting - One of my nips is still draining a little at night. It has been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery. And the other areola looks white on one side rather than pink. I am wondering if you have any suggestions. I may call my PS tomorrow. But nothing looks infected or really odd. So perhaps I am just being paranoid. Any information and experience would be appreciated!

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited November 2009

    Carolyn2008,

    I'm interested, too, regarding pics.  What or who is timtam?  As I continue reading the threads I've noticed some discussing about their pics.  It would be helpful to get some insight (visuals) of the outcomes.

    Thanks,

    NAE

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited November 2009
    Nedeza & Typhoon55 - to get permission to access the pic forum, you first need to PM "Timtam."  Give her some basic info about why you want access and then she'll send you instructions on how to proceed from there.  It does take a bit of time to get authorized - seems like it was only a day or so, though.... 
  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2009

    Can someone explain Timtam and how to access this!  I have tried to go to my home space where I can send a message but there is no space at the "To" space to be able to put any name in there.  Is everyones "To" area like this?? 

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited November 2009

    Question for the gals who have their nips already, how long before you can put pressure on them i.e. wear a normal bra??

    Thanks!

    L

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    Fairy49  -  My PS said loose clothing for 6 weeks.

  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 53
    edited November 2009

    Did all of you figure out the pic forum?  Thanks Val

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited November 2009

    firstmate, thanks! Did you wear anything under the loose clothing? tank top? I am trying to figure out what to wear to work!

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2009

    Carolyn2008:  No one has responded to my question as of yet so no, I have not figured out how to access the pictures you all have spoken of!  Any help would be appreciated!

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited November 2009

    regarding the pic forum, you have to PM TimTam (go to members list) she will then authorize you to access the picture forum.

    good luck!

    L

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    Fairy49 -- I bought a few very loose tops that did not show the nipples.  I did not wear a tank top because all the ones I had were not loose enough.