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Exchange City

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Comments

  • ngcm05
    ngcm05 Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2009

    I have a date!  April 10....got my last fill today.  Up to 800 cc in each. Holy crow!

    GG

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

    Sue - with the link Sandy sent you, you are going to want to look at the high profile smooth round or moderate profile smooth round silicone implants by Mentor.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited March 2009
    ngcm05 - Do you want Jean to list what you will be getting at the time of exchange?  Saline vs. silicone?  
  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Jean~~My PS was so pleased with my healing that I didn't want to rock the boat and ask about aesthetics right now.  My exchange was 2/9, still pretty new, so I figured he'd just say you must give it more time.  I still have nipple reconstruction and maybe some fill in to go. 

    What I should really be concerned about is the weight I've gained through this process.  I have a home-based business with very little to do right now, so I eat out of boredom, and usually not the right things.  It's not a crisis yet, but I do need to lose 12-15 lbs. My clothes still fit for the most part, they just don't look as good.   Is there a source for exercise that is safe for those of us still recovering from our surgeries?

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    GG~~congratulations on getting an exchange date--April 10 will be here in no time!   So nice to be able to put that into your calendar, isn't it?

    Suzie

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    GG and Deborah - You two will be surgery buddies!

    Suzie - I am also home and will be working from here soon. It is awfully easy to grab a snack isn't it?? Anyhow, my PS has never put any restrictions on walking. I walk 3 miles each day, even in the snow. It does help me to feel better. I started back walking fairly quickly after my BM, so I hope to do the same after my exchange. Best wishes.

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited March 2009

    Did anyone have their nipple recontruction at the same time they had their implant exchanged ??  My PS told me that I can have it done when I go in for exchange if I want it done.  I know I want it done but I was worried about once the settle looking odd. 

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited March 2009

    I have had a busy weekend with some sleepover company and what a lot has gone on here in my absence! 

    Susan - I do enjoy hearing about your gardening as I watch my DH shovel snow!  It seems like years until we are going to lose all this snow.  They are saying this is the most we have had in years so I guess it is a good year not to be able to shovel!  My poor dh..lol The temperature here in Saskatchewan was -40C with the wind chill this weekend so gardening is months from being on my to-do list. I am just a teeny bit envious!

    Linda - I love the idea of having an expander burning party!  I'm going shopping for a good bottle of wine for mine.

     I can't wait for my exchange and but I am mentally gearing myself for a bit of a let down. It sounds like most of the exchangees have been a bit disappointed. Thanks to all of you seasoned exchangees for giving some hope that things eventually get better.  There is so much waiting for better going on that in my mind it is getting a wee bit old!

    Sandy you are such a great support to everyone on this board.  I don't know how you have so much energy and so much to give, but we are lucky you do!!  I feel like a real couch potato when I read what  you've been up to.  I keep walking by my treadmill and thinking that tomorrow just might be the day to get back on it....I have had about 50 tomorrow thoughts about that and am still just eating cookies and drinking coffee.

    Kathie - Good luck at work.  I went back about 1/2 time for 2 weeks too and it was more than enough.  It is a little trying as I felt that everyone was trying not to look at my new foob but couldn't help it.  I really didn't mind but sometimes I felt like having a show and tell time, giving them all a look and then getting on with the day! 

    I work in the College of Medicine in one of our hospitals, so I do know that everybody that I see in the course of my work day has heard about my bc and are only offering their best wishes/support but sometimes I wish I had more privacy...other times I think I wish everyone knew and offered more support...Oh my goodness..what do I want??  Heaven only knows! Was there a full moon or something or is it just PMS???? 

    Fairy49 - I am so looking forward to having a nipple one day and I think Nipple City would be a great new idea for a thread.  Good luck to you today  I'll be here rooting for you!

    Good luck also to Psalmist,Cindysnewfoobs, Bukki and HuneyB2 this week. Praying for you all, so post as soon as you are feeling better!

    I spent another 6 hours in the ER doing the "Change the Dressing Dance".  Just more of the same issues I have been having but ended up needing it looked it in the wee hours of Saturday morning.  It is really scary how little the ER docs and nurses know about this stuff.  One of the ER nurses asked why I would WANT a TE and not just want to get an implant right away!!  I think I was a little cranky from sitting there for so long that I was kind of short with her.  I told her it didn't have anything to do with want but that ironically when they cut your breast off you don't have a lot of skin left and it needs to be stretched before they put an implant in.  Ohhhhhh, was her startled response.  Wouldn't a nurse have just a wee clue as to what a mastecomy was???? In the end they wouldn't even take off my dressing without consulting with the PS on call and they wouldn't think of walking the man before dawn so I went home and went back in when the sun rose!  All is patched up and actually I think is looking better finally. I almost want to take that back as I don't want to jinx the healing!

  • ngcm05
    ngcm05 Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2009

    Sure, have Jean put me down as silcone....Thanks!


    GG

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2009

    Hey ladies......made it home a few hours ago.......surgery went well.......am not in too much pain........she wasn't able to put in as many CCs as he had hoped because things had contracted pretty tight......so only 60 so far......oh well.....atleast I have a pair of TEs again.

    Lorraine.......I am still crossing fingers for a pair for you tomorrow.........let us know as soon as you can......all the rest of the ladies with surgery this week good luck.

     I thought I'd share a funny pic.........there is a shoe sale that I attend a couple of times a year......hubby thought I needed some cheering up before surgery......so we did some damage on Sunday........went for supper and then saw the movie confessions of a shopaholic.....kept my mind off the upcoming surgery.......poor Dh's empty pockets....lol

    Cheers to all!

    Jax

  • Monique
    Monique Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2009

    Jax - what a great picture - hope you had lot's of fun :) and continue to feel good today.

  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2009

    Getting ready for your exchange is both exciting and frustrating--especially as you try to imagine the right size.  There are so many factors--size, width, height, weight, etc. that affect the final outcome.  I've seen Moody's posts and she has some great advice. 

    Since I didn't join the boards until right before my exchange--I estimated my final size by measuring 200 cc per cup size.  I was aiming for a full C or small D--so I figured 700 implants would be very close.  Recognizing my PS over expands by 100 cc to allow for alittle droop & jiggle--I knew I needed my expanders filled to 800 cc.  Eureka...it worked and I'm a full C/small D cup.  As for my size--I'm 5-3/4ish and weigh 150 lbs.  My best advice....go a little larger--the look & feel of implants is very different (in a good way) from your expanders.  As for the ccs--I have Mentor high profile silicone.  My PS said they came in 50 cc increments up to 700 cc.  Then is was 100 cc increments.  Ask lots of questions....the nurses are a terrific source of information and helped to steer me in the right direction. 

    PS--if you're not quite ready or sure about your size--don't hesitate to get another fill.  I actually had one final fill a week before I was scheduled for my exchange.  Of course, we had to reschedule my exchange....but my PS wanted to ensure I was happy.  Erin

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited March 2009

    Sam1991

    I am new to this site, having had my bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders last Monday.  I read of your loss, friend and girlie parts, and the amount of time that you have been out of work.  It is a lot to deal with but I think it may be good for your spirit to be with co-workers again,  It is easier to put what you are experiencing aside when you are busy with others. 

    I will be going back to work on Monday so I am not getting too much time away.  I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago so I understand what a toll that takes on your body.  It took a long time to have energy again.  Good thoughts are with you! 

    Dianne .     

  • mom_of_2
    mom_of_2 Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2009

    GOOD LUCK TOMORROW LORRAINE!!!!

    I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU AND HOPING FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY!

    HUGS...KRIS 

  • smmr
    smmr Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2009

    Thank you everyone for your responses to my question about final size and finding the mentor website.  I knew I could count on you!!  Sandy, my TE's are 450 ccs but I am currently overfilled to 515 and 550.  My PS is planning on putting in another 35 and 50 tomorrow so my final sizes will be 550 and 600.  When I first started the fills,  the right side was smaller so we started adding more to that side, now that side seems bigger but I think it just projects more.  The left side is more hamburger bun shaped!!!  Who knows what it will turn out like in the end!!  My TE dimensions are: width - 12.7 cm  Hgt. - 10.8  and Proj. - 7 cm. My ribcage size is 31 inches.  Right now I feel like I'm a little too big, but I'm at the "over expansion" stage also.  I told my PS I liked the size when I was at 450, so he had suggested 450 on the left and 500 on the right.  It's so hard to judge when they don't move or droop any at all!!  Ideally I would like to be an average to full B cup size. Am I on the right path with that many ccs??!!  My PS is a rather quiet guy and I don't foresee me getting much input from him tomorrow!! My husband and I are going out to supper tonight to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, but I will check back here when I get home!!  Thank you for all your help!!

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Jax - Glad you're home and doing well! Your picture was great!

    Lorraine and Psalmist - It's your day tomrrow - best wishes!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Suzie/Looper I just thought I would point out if you reach your goal and loose those 12 - 15 lbs you may end up with 2 B's.  I will also share I never really realized my boob's didn't totally match until I went to the PS and she said my cancer side was bigger.  It's weird how now I and probably everyone want to do there best to get them the same.  I didn't know if you were considering a lift on your healthy side which if so and if you lost weight and was still bigger they could make that side smaller or you could always try a bigger implant on your cancer side if you really wanted them to be the same.  I just wanted to throw that info out there.  I agree walking is good exercise but I would suggest to wear one of those darn sport bras you hate lol.  I think it's important to avoid running or anything that would shake them around.  So also tell hubby to be gentle Surprised.  Things may look good on the outside but we are still healing on the inside.  After 4-6 weeks you should be able to do anything as long as it feels good.  It's up to you if you want to share that with hubby ; - )

    Jaimieh I've heard it's best not to get nipple done at the same time of the exchange because things came drop and possibly not be even.  But some gals did do it but I choose to wait.  I will be talking to my PS tomorrow about the nipple procedure

    sorry ran out of time will try and add more later...

  • KinAZ
    KinAZ Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2009

    Jax, so glad to hear your home and not in too much pain.  Do you have drain tubes?  Loved the photo.....what a sweet hubby!!  Hope the TEs do their job for you!

    Hugs, Karen

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited March 2009

    Girls, I'm back from the "great foob unveiling", and all I can say is, "my cup runneth over!". It is so wonderful to have a breast again! I do think it needs some settling, dropping, fluffing, whatever, before the shape is quite right, since it's been squished in a bandage/bra for a week.

    Do ccs mean anything?! When my expander was filled to 800 ccs, my ps said we could stop, or if I wanted to be bodacious, we could go for 200 more.  I decided to go for the gusto, and we stopped at 1000 ccs, which sounds like way more than anyone here went for. Yet, the bra I fit into nicely (and almost overfilled) today is the same one I wore before surgery, which is a B cup! Maybe it's just that cup sizes don't mean anything?

    Hugs to all the exchange ladies this week!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    ok hubby isn't going to cut my fingers off so I will continue : - ) 

    Jax thanks for sharing things went well and for the funny pix.  I just want to know your shoe size and if you want to get rid of any old ones : - )

    Dianne I hope you don't over do it with going back to work so soon.  Are you able to get a paid medical leave and could you ask your PS for another week off.  If you don't get paid I understand with wanting to go back.  I just couldn't imagine going back until it was at least 4 weeks after my surgery.

    Sue if your fine with being a average to full B you may not want the high profile.  Maybe the moderate plus would be good for you.  A moderate plus would give you 13.6 by 4.2 @ 450cc

    500cc is 14.1 by 4.3.  This won't give you as much projection so you may end up as a B but if that's what you want that's what I hope you get. 

    my rib cage is only 29 and my implant is 550cc high profile which is 13.6 by 5.5 which gave me a D.  I just wanted to share that width looks ok on my rib cage so I think what I mentioned above may be good for you.

    I forgot to ask...do you like the width of your TE or do you think they could be a little wider and still look good.

    Another important question when you were at 450 in your TE did that give you a B cup size

    if there is a little part of you that is thinking I want to be a full B maybe even a C I would say go with High Profile to get that.

     If you love your TE I would than say go with high profile which would give you 12.8 by 5.2 in 450cc and 13.2 by 5.3 in 500cc. There is just a little part of me that is afraid you may end up a C if you do that.  Wow can you beleive it I'm worried someone may be too big.  Now we don't hear that too often : - )

    Happy 25th

    I'm happy to share today I got with my friend Kim, it was so great seeing her again.  She went through chemo over a year ago and is doing it again.  She's a amazing gall and has worked almost everyday.  I think she only took time off after her surgery and that was about it.  And if your wondering yes we went in the bathroom and I left her take a peek Surprised

    ok hubby just made a comment so I better get to work catch you gals later tonight maybe...

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited March 2009

    Thanks everyone!! I have kept busy today, trying not to think too much! did laundry, groceries, washed hair, shaved my bits etc LOL!!! finally sitting down and checking in! I don't know what I would do without you all, your prayers, just the fact that you are thinking of me means the world, thank you!

    Jax! I am so happy you are doing well!! you will have a full foobie before you know it!!

    Lorraine ox

  • Jeansbeans
    Jeansbeans Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2009

    Hi Girls, Just want to wish all of you exchange girls GOOD LUCK!  You'll LOVE your new foobs!  Also. JAX, What a great picture!  Sounds like you have a sweet Husband!  Have fun wearing your new shoes!  I'm going shopping at VICTORIA SECRETS for a few new bras on Sunday.  I need to get fitted properly since I am way different size than before bilat. mast.  I threw out all my old bras. I haven't worn one in 9 mo. JAIMIEH:  I was suppose to have my Nips done at same time as exchange, but when I woke up, Dr. said He wanted to wait so everything settled.  I am glad we waited because things did settle and now my nips can be even.  I get my nips on the 9th of March then tatooing on the 30th,  !!   Gentle hugs to all, Jeanie

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    Fairy49 and psalmist.....Good luck tomorrow. I'm so excited for you both. Lorraine....fingers toes, eyes and everything else crossed for double trouble!!!!!

     xxoo Kathie 

  • Jeansbeans
    Jeansbeans Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2009

    Hi Ladies, Can some one guide me through PM Timtam , I'm not a computer wiz, I would like to see the photo forum, as I am getting nips done soon. Thanks, Jeanie

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    Hi everyone,

    Went back to work today. At the end of my little 4 hour shift it was like I never left! I was glad it was only a half day though. My TE's were screaming at me to get in my car and go home. Got home and started to rest. Best laid plans...had to take my son to MD's and then to outpatient radiology. He hurt his foot playing basketball. Just gotta roll with all the punches....and the injured ankles!!!!

    Thanks to all you special women for your support. It helped me get through the weekend. And then of course to my delight..more support from Yvonne and Dianne when I logged on tonight.

    Thank you  Thank you Thank you........... 

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

    Jax  so glad it is going good!!! Fingers and toes crossed !!!

    Diane... glad you like the unveiling!!! SO HAPPY for you!

    Lorraine and Psalmist... YOU ARE GOING TO BE FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited March 2009

    rockwell_girl

    My ps said it would be a week out of work, then he said it depends on the individual.  I took one week of sick and a week of family medical leave (without pay).  With the family medical leave I can take up to 12 weeks within one year, without pay, for the same medical condition.  I figure that will cover fill appoinments and exchange surgery. 

    I am getting nervous about being ready next week but we will see.  If I get a fill on friday, I'm not sure what Monday will hold.   I haven't tried driving yet and worry about that.

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

    Lorraine and Psalmist - Praying for a peaceful, restful evening tonight and for skillful surgeon hands tomorrow.  We cannot wait to hear back from you!!

    Diane - Yes, what good news....we all want to be that happy with the outcome!

    Jeansbeans:  Oh absolutely - we must wait for the implants to settle!  Horrors....otherwise those nipples might be pointing due south!  I'll go get that link to Timtam for you....be right back...

    Deborah

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

    Here is the link to PM Timtam:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/member/11047/profile

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Jeanie/Jeansbeans

    to get a hold of Timtam go to top of page and hit search

    where it says member name put in Timtam

    hit search

    click on Timtam's name

    to the right hit send member a private message

    fill out subject and type note and than hit send

    should should send yu a message back explaining how to get in

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