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Exchange City

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Comments

  • michele3neg
    michele3neg Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2009

    Deborah: I just got home from NYC. After my fill today I now have 600 cc's in each.  I also have my TE implant switch scheduled for January 19th Yeah!!!  I have also decided against going with the "gummies" I think my PS was surprised by my answer but I just don't thinkk they are right for me.

    Now I just have to get through my first treatment of Taxol this week.  I know this isn't the correct forum but I will ask anyone have any tips for me?

    Thanks

    Michele 

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2009

    Thanks Judy for your quick response.

    Question to all: With your experience after the exchange, how many days did you stay at home before the doctor released you that's it's okay to go back to work? I just want to know because I need to fill-up the FMLA form from work and it's making me insane.

     Celine.

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited November 2009

    Deborah and Val, great picture of the two of you.  It's fantastic that people are getting to meet.   

    Good luck tomorrow, Deborah.  Hope the grafting takes.  

    Lorraine, congrats on loving your nips!!!

    It seems a lot of people are getting their nips done in the next two months.

    I'm having a real dilemma concerning mine.  I just saw my new PS today to discuss nipples.  I was dumbfounded by his technique.  He draws a circle for the aureola and does the color in tattoo.  Just a single color.  Then for the nipple he just slides a little chunk of Gortex under the skin. Kind of like a little pencil eraser.   So, the nipple is always very hard, no give at all and will show thru everything except a padded bra. Those were his words.  He told me that some of his women have the Gortex taken out and just go with the tattoo.  Pictures of the aureolas on his website look like pepperoni.  Old PS who wouldn't give me the breasts I wanted, does the nipples I want.  He does a flap nipple and grafted aureolas.  They look so good.  But I've left him.  Oh my God, I can't look for a third PS to do nipples.  Can I go back to old PS for nipples????  With any type of a flap nipple procedure, are they real feeling?  You know, kind of soft and pliable???  I just don't think I'll be happy with erasers and pepperoni on my breasts.   :(

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2009
    Celine - my PS put 2 weeks on my FMLA paperwork; however, I was ready to go back to work within a few days of the exchange.
  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2009

    Yea! I get to be added back on the list. My nipple reconstruction is scheduled for 12/29/09 - just in time to celebrate the new year with new foobs and fipples.

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited November 2009

    Typhoon - To answer your question. To me the nips and areolas are WELL worth it. I feel so complete now!

    Ilovehorses - I was able to shower the day after my nip and areola grafts.

    Firni - My PS did the surgery you described w/ the nipples built out of the scar tissue and then tissue grafted over the rest of the scar from my abdomen. For me it has worked out well. Best wishes w/ your decision.

    Linda - Thanks for the guidance.

    Laura - Rest and heal dear sister!

  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 48
    edited November 2009

    Yes, PS said 1-2 more fills and he said I dont have to wait long for the exchange.  I see that some people have to wait a longer time for the exchange but he feels I don't have to wait long.  His credentials are really good.  He thinks December so add me to the list.  Any suggestions on implants, I have Allergan 133mx-12, rib cage 29 1/2.  I'm small sized, 5'3" weight 117 (well a little more now with these TEs hahah) and I hope to be a B cup. Can't wait to get these rocks out!!!!!!

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

    Going to the PS tomorrow.. something is wrong with eyes.. hopeful though.

    had to say.. DEB.... good luck dear friend!.I am so excited for you...

    Hubby said picture of Deb and Val is lovely... WONDERFUL!

    Robin and Diana.. LOVE you for calling me today...

    Lorriane.. so happy for you! WE WANT PICS! LOL

    TERESA in Witcita.. my boobs look great... :)

    DENISE in KC....LOL... PM me.. and WHEN I CAN READ I will... I wanna know ALL about your nip surgery the 29th... ALL ABOUT IT!

    Ladies... I love you all for thinking about me.. I just got off the phone with ROBIN ( FIRSTMATE).. and I can tell you... she made me feel better...:)..... but I am worried about my eyes...:(...my Dr appt. is 10:30... tomorrow... my son is taking me..

    A DEAR BEAUTIFUL SOUL HERE ON BCO...... Dejaboo.. PAM.. is flying to NOLA tomorrow.. she is having a major surgery to fix her year long ordeal. GAP... PLEASE PRAY for her.. drop her a little PM... she is AWESOME and NEEDS all the TA TA's... PLEASE PM HER love...

    Todd <<<<-------------------- SWEET hubby... typed this for me... HE ROCKS...

    ok.. TODD wrote thqt .. ty sweety Tod!

    Love you ladies... thank you dh for typin g for me... L.( even our dh's are not shocked by our words anymore.....)

  • suegmomof3
    suegmomof3 Member Posts: 38
    edited November 2009

    mykidsmom - I just got my sutures removed today from my NAR (nipples/aerola reconstruction), and my nipples are both fading to a whitish color as well.  the nurse told me that is totally normal, and they will continue to fade -- that's why the color tattooing is needed.  They are asking me to wait 3 months before I get the tattooing done, so likely that will take place in February.  I have some draining/oozing from my right side, and it's quite tender after having the stitches removed.  So glad to have that done now, though.  One more week of wearing the bandages and antiobiotic-soaked strips, and then I think I can start wearing bras if I want to.  When I get brave enough, I'll take pics and post them.  I just came across the picture I took of me right before my exchange surgery - wow, those TEs were high on my chest!  My kids burst out laughing cuz we were all sitting at the computer looking for an appropriate facebook profile pic for my son .. needless to say, being faced with my big ol' TEs was a bit of a shock for all of us!!  ha ha ha  Hope everyone is doing well --- lots of ladies going in this week!  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    sue

  • Peggio
    Peggio Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2009

    ((((((((Laura))))))) I am so sorry to hear you are going through this.  I will be keeping you in my thoughts tomorrow and praying for you.

    Love ~ Peg

  • suegmomof3
    suegmomof3 Member Posts: 38
    edited November 2009

    Typhoon 55:  Thought I would post a response to your question re: whether to go ahead with the nipple reconstruction or not ... this is such a personal decision and everyone has their own opinion.  I was pretty set on just having the 3D tattooing done once I realized I was going to be having a BLM ... I just didn't want to have to deal with another surgical procedure ... but once I got the masc behind me, and got my fills behind me, I started listening to my dr's nurses.  They all went on and on about what an awesome job my doc did with nipple recons, and they all really encouraged me to go ahead with it ... when one of my fave nurses told me that her sister had just gotten her nips done by my doc, and how thrilled she was, that clinched it for me ... I decided to go ahead with it after all ... I had it done two weeks ago tomorrow, and I am SOOOOO happy ... they are looking fantastic, and it is awesome to look down and see realistic-looking nips on my chest ... I'm finally not focusing on the masc scars when I look at myself in the mirror .... now this is only my opinion, and you need to do what you decide is right for you ...  So best of luck with your decision and I hope you're happy with the final outcome!!!  sue

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited November 2009

    Firni

    I would hate to have hard nipps all the time.  I would go to my first PS for the nipples before I would let the new one do the hard nipps...that is just my opinion....mine are soft and can be pressed flat.

    ((((Laura))))  prayers going out for your eyes to heal.  Thanks for the reminder about Pam's surgery.  She has waited so long for this. I will send her a message.

    Celine, I went back to work (hairstylist) a week after my exchange.  I did have some pocket work done.  It really depends on the job you have.

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2009

    Celine - my PS said take 2 weeks off but even with pocket work I was ready to go back by day 3/4. I design software so have a desk job and didn't need to worry about lifting anything. I did get a rolling laptop bag due to the weight restriction.

    Laura - I PM'd you. I am sending healing prayers your way.

    Deborah - wishing you a very successful surgery tomorrow.

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited November 2009

    Laura - Hope you can work things out tomorrow and that it's nothing serious...will pray for you that it clears up like YESTERDAY !

    Deborah and Val - WOW, what a great photo of the two of you. You both  look amazing and vibrant! So great that you got to meet!

    Lorraine -  I'm so happy for you! You must be so relieved and thrilled !! 

    Terri

  • Tinkerbell99
    Tinkerbell99 Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2009

    ok, i think its 24 hrs so i can post again!! Yay

    what is TE?  all these abbreviations can drive me batty until i get them all. i am learning though. :-) 

    Deborah..i am wishing u well tomorrow. i am not exactly sure what ur having done..i dont know what fat grafting is..but i hope all goes well 4 u.

    wow, the more i read abt the nipples reconstruction, it seems that is even worse then the implant surgery.

    now what is wrong w/ Lauras eyes?  i am trying very hard to figure out who is who & who has had what done...so many forums, i am trying to remember it all. 

    i signed up w/ Timtam to view the pix & i did step 1, now i have to wait for validation from the adminstrator..all this waiting 7 breastreconstruction.com too. I understand, but its just such a  long process... 

    well it is late & i am hoping everyone does well & has a great evening & day tomorrow.  I love getting the e-mail noticfications & reading al the posts thru out the day/ 

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2009

    My PS is a very consevative type of doctor. My  job requires 40 lb  lifting capacity. He had me go back to work  six weeks after my first surgery (dbl mx with immediate recon) because of the weight restriction. I hope he understand that it's okay to go back to work in two weeks.

    Thanks for sharing how long it takes to go back to work after an exchange.

    (((((((((Laura)))))))))))

    KissCeline

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited November 2009

    Deborah, I will be thinking of you tomorrow, I hope that this graft takes in all the right places.  I hope you and your sister have a special time together before the graft.

    Laura,  I am so very sorry that you are going though this, I am keeping you in prayer, I hope all is OK and that you will soon be feeling better and that your vision comes back NOW.  Todd sure is a sweetheart to type your messages for you.

    KEW, how is your shoulder?

    I did get a date for my fipple, 12-21.  The PS states the procedure is done at the office, under a local and takes about an hour.  He did state that there is a chance that the nipple could flatten out after healing.  I figure if it does, then the 3-D tattoo is the way to go for me.  Cool Florida, here I come.  

    Jan

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

    laura had VANITY surgery and now her lower BAGS under her eyes are GONE.. but she is having vision issues and PAIN... but.. I am seeing better right now.. and I am typing... not todd..:)

    Shoshi... you will ove the site here... mucho help!

    todd got me a magnifying glass to see Deb and Val.. Val is so Beaustufi and vibrant!!! I KNEW IT! And Ladies.. THAT IS OUR DEB!!! She look JUST LIKE THAT in real life...:)..

    ok.. off tobed..........

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2009

    Val and Deb -- It is so heartening to see you two together.  What a wonderful experience you must have had!  Deb ---Best of luck on your surgery!

    Fairy49 -- Did you post those pics yet?  Dying to see them!

    Laura -- It was so enjoyable talking with you today.  You are such a sweet girl.  Let us know what is going on with your eyes -- we a re all concerned.

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 629
    edited November 2009

    Whippet:  BEAUTIFUL pic !  You girls look great ~~

    ((((HUGS)))) Laura... I hope your eyes feel better really soon. MISS U.

    Alicia

    first chemo down..

  • Tinkerbell99
    Tinkerbell99 Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2009

    ESTEPP: thx 4 explaing abt Laura.



    Can someone plez tell me what is TE (tansplant exchange?) :-)





    Also what is Fat Grafting what Deborah is having.

    Thx & have a wonderful day!! I saved a few post 4 this morning....LOL

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2009

    Shoshi:  TE refers to women with tissue expanders which are usually put in months before to stretch the skin and then exchange surgery is done and that is where you get the actual implant.

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited November 2009

    Shosi, I think there is a place where all the initials are explained but  in the meantime:

    TE  tissue explander (as blessedby4 said)

    Fat Grafting  where you take fat from one part of your body (can be several places) and put it in another, usually to fill out an area)

    SE  side effects
    PS plastic surgeon
    Rad radiation oncologist
    DH, SIL  DD  DS  dear husband, sister in law, dear daughter,  dear son, (substitute the dear for whatever is appropriate at the time)

    BMX Bilateral mastectomy   MX mastectomy   LE lymphedema

    There are many more, but these are ones used most frequently!!  Wow, I forget how many there are.  JUDY

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies,

    Deborah, I hope your lipo injections work perfectly this time.

    Laura, my prayers are with you to heal fast.  I'm sorry you're having these problems.

    Michele, I'm praying that your chemo goes quickly and SE free.  I didn't do Taxol, but my advice is take your meds BEFORE you need them!

    Alicia, hope you do well with your chemo, my prayers are with you.  I did my chemo before my surgeries, so I can't imagine doing all of this at one time.  Keep on truckin'!:)

    KEW, any results yet?

      I'm still not liking my too low foobs, they weigh me down.  Sonia gave me the name of her PS and I'm thinking about seeing them for a second opinion.  My PS says he can do another lift, but not much more than it is now.  I need to know because I can't seem to just accept it like my DH wants me to.  Part vanity?  Maybe, but it seems like if they were a little higher, they wouldn't drag my shoulders down so much, I just don't know.  I'm tired of being so aware of them all the time.  I'm sorry I complain so much, thanks for your patience and support.

    Beautiful day outside!  Think I'll join it!:)

    Deen

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited November 2009

    Deen, my DH was not happy about my second revision either.  He told me it was tragic I couldn't accept my new too high, hard and small breasts.  I was obsessed with my foobs and with getting them fixed. I went to a second PS and had the revision.  I'm so happy I did.  I'm no longer so acutely aware of my chest now.   Remember, If mamma ain't happy, no one is happy.  Go ahead and get a second opinion or even a third.  This isn't vanity.  You so deserve to be happy with your results!!

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited November 2009

    Deborah! good luck today! Smile

    Firni! I think you should have the nipples that you want....do whatever it takes to get them, don't settle.

    Pics posted on the picture forum, I actually managed to do it! Please let me know what you all think!

    L

    ox

    ox

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited November 2009

    Hi all, I'm closing in on two surgeries: Exchange is November 18th and nipple surgery is December 28th. I leave in a few minutes to have my implant discussion with my PS. Finally a surgery to look forward to instead of dread!!!

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited November 2009

    Hey Texas!!!!!   Congrats on getting close to the finish line.  What a road you've travelled!!!

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited November 2009

    Shoshi, with 25 posts you should be able to post more than 5 times in a 24 hr. period.  The posting restrictions when you first join is just a cautionary thing to make sure new members are legit.

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited November 2009

    Firni

    those restrictions was put into place when some idiots ambushed our discussions site and made a mess of it.  So have to be careful.

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