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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited November 2009

    Mykidsmom....I had skin sparing BMX but no mammos for me going forward either.  Perhpas your GYN just did not realize that?

     Good riddance to mammos, too!

    Angel40...welcome!!  Ditto to the responses already given on the privacy issue....and if you told anyone the cc's they probably wouldn't know what it meant anyway! Good luck to you!

    God Bless!

  • Breastless
    Breastless Member Posts: 14
    edited November 2009

    Wow it's 2:30 in the afternoon and I think I've been catching up reading these posts since about 9:00 this morning.  Sorry I haven't been on lately.  I'm fairly new still so just lurk every now and then.  I've returned to work this past September, so far so good, except for I managed to get the flu, doctors suspect H1N1, but they are no longer confirm with lab tests, don't ask me why.  So I have been on home isolation for the last week battling fevers anywhere from 101 to 104.2 F at the highest.  This landed me in the emergency room for about 5 hours.  As it turns out I am also fighting a bladder infection, but the meds have finally kicked in and I am able to get out of bed again.  But for today I decided to spend my time here.  It still surprises me the kind of support that is here.  It is amazing. 

    I just wanted to reply to some of the comments I've read today about some PS stating we will never look like playboy models or have breasts like those that are augmented.  I never expected to look like a playboy model but I did expect to have a couple of lumps on my chest that closely resembled breasts.  I think some PS think like so many others who have not been through this; that we should just suck it up and be thankful that we are alive.  For a long time I felt guilty for wanting to look better but that was only until I found this forum.  All you wonderful ladies made me realize that I do not have to suck it up and take what I get from reconstruction.

    I have therefore made an appointment to see my PS on Dec 1st to review my reconstruction.  I know some of you recommended that I seek another opinion but the PS I wanted to see has a 2 year waiting list.  Her office receptionist also told me that this PS may not even take me as a patient even if I wanted to wait because I am from another city and this PS has enough of a case load already.  So I decided that I would discuss my concerns with my current PS, I guess give him a chance to at least answer my questions.  After all I had complete confidence with his abilities up until the TE were exchanged. 

    Deborah - I know you had a chance to look at my pics a while ago and with your knowledge if you could advise me as to what the most important questions would be to ask my PS I'd really appreciate it.  I've read a lot of comments about smooth silicone implants having better projection than the textured implants.  Lack of projection is an issue I have.  My implants are silicone anatomical and I am just wondering if a smooth round silicone (after fluffing and settling) would give me better shape and projection.  I also think I need more width and definitely a lower implant.  Ugh I hate that I have to go through this again but I won't quit until I am happy.

    Regarding PS telling us that we can't have breasts like a playboy model because we do not have any breast tissue left this is what I have to say.  If this is really the case then how do they create such beautiful breasts for men wanting a change in gender?  The last I heard men have very little breast tissue.  Just something to make you go 'Hmmmmmmmmm'

    Thanks for listening.

    Hugs to everyone.

  • Breastless
    Breastless Member Posts: 14
    edited November 2009
    Dee1961 - do you know what implants you will be receiving during your exchange.  I had 500cc TE and was over expanded to 1000cc then exchanged with 685cc silicone anatomical implants (not happy with result).  Just curious to know what size you will be after your exchange.  Thanks.
  • Angel40
    Angel40 Member Posts: 47
    edited November 2009

    Thank you very much for ALL your responses.

    Now I know I'm not alone feeling like this about privacy isssue.

    Thanks again and all of you Have a nice Thanksgiving!

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2009

    PS told me today that we will have to be canceling surgery on Friday due to this cold that I have that has gotten worse :(   I have no new date yet, hopefully it will be in December.  I was upset but now am feeling that God is in control and maybe there was a reason why Friday wouldn't have been a good day for me.  Sure hope I get a call soon with a new date for surgery.

    Can someone tell me about capsular contraction and when this most commonly occurs?  Does this often happen after you get the actual implant or can it happen during the expander stage? 

    Saw my Mx Surgeon today and he just told me that they are changing the routine of doing MRI's for us BC women and that most likely it will just be mammograms done yearly if you have a healthy breast.  He told me no mammograms are done on the implant side.  

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited November 2009

    ((((Blessedby4)))) I agree, there must be a reason why Friday is not good for you. But is still sucks. I am sorry. I know that my BMx needed to be rescheduled and I about flipped out. Though now it is only a distant memory.

    Breastless - Man, have you had a high fever!!! I am so sorry. I hope you are well on your way to recovery.

    My PS tells me that cc can happen to any of us at any time. So far I have been six months w/ no signs of problems. She did suggest that I sleep on my stomach at least part of the night to move these girls around. No problem for me since that is my preferred sleeping style. Others may be able to provide more information.

     Thanks for the mammo info ladies. I will speak to my oncologist. But I think it sounds like mammos are not needed for those of us w/o any natural breasts.

  • annie7216
    annie7216 Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2009

    Thanks to all of you for your wishes of good luck. My exchange date is tomorrow and I feel like I'm more anxious about it than I was about my bilateral mastectomy. Anyway, I will post more photos once I am done and give my account of recovery, etc, because I know reading this information from others was invaluable to me.

  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 48
    edited November 2009

    Annie7216,

    I know about your anxiety.  I am more anxious over the exchange than the BMX.  I think it is the unknown, not knowing the exact size, wanting it to be perfect.  Well best luck tomorrow.  My date is not until 12/11.  Let me know how it goes.

    Janet

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 629
    edited November 2009

    Girls I probably won't be popping in here until Spring when I get ready to make my decisions for these TE's to come out and have my foobies put in.  I am now filled to a short stack of pancakes 290 cc's.  My TE's are 500's.  I hope everyone is doing well here, feeling good, and getting nice foobies and nippies.

    Happy Thanksgiving Girls.  I think of you all often ~

    :)
    Alicia

    PS.  I am lost in the world of Chemo fog for now.  :(

  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 53
    edited November 2009

    Hello All,

    I have been out of town for the last little while so I have not had time to read up hope everyone is doing well.  My day has finally here and I cant sit still so I will catch up on everything once I get home so take care and wish me luck...................I will post all my pics when this is all finished.Wink

  • annie7216
    annie7216 Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2009

    Carolyn

    We go together tomorrow. Good luck! I noticed we also have identical diagnoses.

  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 53
    edited November 2009

    Thanks annie all the best to you as well.... good vibes our way talk soon.

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited November 2009

    Alicia...fellow NY'er...hope you are doing well!  Hope you get through the winter one day at a time....and wish that you (and all my tata sista's) find yourself with much to be thankful for this Thursday...

    And regarding chemo fog as I understand it....this too shall pass....hang in there...hugs!

    God Bless!

  • Tinkerbell99
    Tinkerbell99 Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2009

    hi ladies,

    i hope those of u whoo had ur exchange today that it went well & for those of u that r having it..i wish u all the luck!!!!

    i luv Joni Mitchell...wow i havent heard her stuff in a long time..i should download some of her stuff!! Thx for bringing back wonderful memories Estepp

    sorry dont know why the font went so big...so what is "step off"? now for a silly question...once u have ur implants if a young child who is strong if they come over to u running & "jump" on u, can that hurt the implant?

     Now as far as mamo's fo, i have been told that if u have both breasts w/ implants u just go for an mri not a mamo..a mamo can hurt the implant i have been told...

    now not sure if i read this next silly question on this site or somewhere else or even read wrong...but are u allowed to fly while u r getting the expanders?

    I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

  • VolleyGirl
    VolleyGirl Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2009

    Nedeza, Alitman and Geneskirt - I hope your surgeries went well and you are not in much pain but soft comfort. The difference is amazing, yes?

    Blessedby4-So sorry your surgery got delayed. It must have happened for a reason. I also got a sore throat 2 days before my exchange surgery but weirdly enough it never developed into a full-blown cold and it usually does. I like to think that it meant that my surgery was meant to be.

    Firni - Congrats on asking for and getting what you want. Good luck on Dec. 10 for your nipple surgery.

    Nedeza - I also had my surgery time changed from early to late, then back to early. I also wondered about eating after midnight for a later surgery but I didn't take the chance. I was STARVING by 2:30 in the afternoon. But I survived withouth eating.

    Angel40 - It is totally up to you to talk or not talk about your experience. I thought Peggio's comments were right on. Personally, I don't mind talking about it to close friends and family but there is a line each of us has to draw for ourselves. I drew the line on Halloween night when I went to a costume party dressed as Marilyn Monroe. I had pretty large (for me) TEs and some woman I didn't know came up to me as soon as I walked in the door and said, "Are they real?" Where do some people learn their manners? Geez! I was so shocked that I just looked at her and said, "Sort of. Long story" and walked away. Maybe next time I won't be so nice and say something like "No, but they're my consolation prize for getting breast cancer" and see what they say then.

    Mykidsmom - I think my BS told me no mammograms after BLM. I am still not sure about how often for the MRIs.

    Angel10 - Good point on not mentioning the cc amount of the implants. How many of us really knew how much 500cc actually was before we went through BC?

    Breastless - I am so sorry that you have the flu and hope you are feeling better and stronger. Good luck when you meet with your PS. Explain your concerns and expectations and see what solutions he offers.

    Carolyn2008 and Annie 7216 - Good luck with your exchanges tomorrow. Think happy thoughts. You won't believe how soft you will be when you wake up. Smile

    Take care and soft hugs all around.

    Jeana 

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited November 2009

    Jeana -- I am thoroughly impressed with the thoroughness of your replies!  I don't know how you do it :)  I try but usually am only able to single out a few (like here, now). 

    I had consent signing with my PS and BS yesterday and today.  Yesterday when I woke up and realized the time had come to sign consents (which means only a few weeks away from surgery), I became so nauseous I actually took one of the anti-nausea pills my ONC had prescribed for me for chemo (which I hardly took during chemo)!  But then seeing my PS put me at ease (which made me feel I had chosen the right PS).  Oddly enough, today I was just angry in the morning and, again, the BS really put me in a good mood (if that's possible to be cheered by the person who is going to cut off your breast).  I feel I am in good hands and hope that all works out on December 9.  I can't bring myself to spend the next two weeks being either anxious or angry so I have let it all go and put myself in their hands.  Say prayers for me all of you for a good result (I will probably post again with this request in two weeks -- hope you don't mind :)

    Happy Thanksgiving to all!

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • mantra
    mantra Member Posts: 189
    edited November 2009

    I was told that I would still need a mammogram even though I had a mastectomy. My surgeon told me that some breast tissue is always left since it is impossible to get all of it. I was shocked when she mentioned the mammogram but after doing some research, I have read several education articles that specifically talked about mammo being recommended post mastectomy. I haven't had one yet (still have tissue expanders) but the thought of it makes me weak in the knees.  It's interesting how there seems to be so many differences in our doctor's recommendations. I guess there really is no right answer.

    Angel40 - absolutely loved the comeback you thought of and I'm definitely going to keep it in mind and use it if necessary.

  • Tinkerbell99
    Tinkerbell99 Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2009

    vOLLEYGIRL..PPL REALLY came up 2 u @ the party & asked u if your breasts were real? OMG how rude!!!!

    ANGEL; I totally agree w/ everyone here..it is up 2 u 2 decide to talk abt ur brests or not.  I have 2 very good friends that both recently had BMX & TE & then implants...they both are very close friends & i nevr would ask them such a question...even now with what i am going thru, we have talked abt theri whole procedures & surgeries & what they feel like now, but i let them do the talking...when i ask i ask them questions, i always tell them feel free not to answer if u r uncomfortable talking abt it. 1 of them is very open abt it all.,..she talks abt it all the time & the other doesnt & i never even push the issue!!

    Breastless, i am so sorry that ur surgery is put on hold..i really believe things that happen happen for a reason, we may not know what the reason is, but G-D does!!! I hope it gets rescheduled real soon & you feel better real soon

    Happy Thanksgiviung all

  • mantra
    mantra Member Posts: 189
    edited November 2009

    Here's the other side of the coin. A neighbour of mine had breast augmentation. Another neighbour (a friend of mine) was over at her house. The woman was talking non stop about her breast augmentation and suddenly whips up her top and says 'feel them . . . they feel so real!!" My friend said she wished there was a camera in the room because the look on her face must have been priceless. So of course, my question was . . . "Did ya??" She hung her head and said "well, what was I supposed to do when this woman throws her boobs in my face and won't put her shirt down until I felt them!!"

  • geneskirt
    geneskirt Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies'  I'm Exchanged!!! :)  Couldn't be happier with the process yesterday. It feels SO different in every way from the last two surgeries; comfort!, softness!, no drains, no home nurses, no stay, no morphine, no blood pressure drop and a wonderful positive  environment with NO talk of 'cancer'!   The surgeon seemed genuinely happy for me - and glad to be a part of it

    I was awake with my husband and daughter 2.5 hours after I walked to the O.R. table and was on my way home 1 hour after that recovery.  That suited myself, condition and family with GREAT joy!  I have LOTS of help at home and a retired husband to boot! I haven't been out of bed since i got home, cept to pee, and me kids are eager to help(for today, anyway lol) I couldn't wait to get into my own sweet bed! 

    It's been abt. 16 hours since surgery, can't sleep, and feel like sitting upright in bed for a while.  I am SHOCKED by the softness, and delighted with the ability to take a long deep breath without the tissue expanders restricted my ribs.  It's so good!

    I am feeling a tremendous amount of a bruised feeling across my lower ribs... although i don't see bruising... it has me struggling to sit up from a lying position? I may take two oxycocet instead of the   one I have been.

    Whippetmom; the surgeon did exvhange to both a larger width and volume from expander.  I'm not sporting the Menotr CPG323 495cc,  from Mentor 12.5 overexpanded TE (to 490cc). He commented, as you suggested, that he wanted them as 'tight as possible'.... and he 'closed', so.... i guess communicating well  benefits both us and the surgeon.  (Originally he was leaning towards the 450's to leave ample room to close)  So, thank you for you efforts to educate us! :)

    I have NO idea of the asthetic results, as i am taped as one very large package.... I think of it llike a present.  I have no idea where i'm going from here as my surgeons office will call in the morning.... but, i am elated to be on THIS side of surgery, entirely thankful to be moving along in this reconstruction process.  Thanks for all your prayers you warriors! xo

  • geneskirt
    geneskirt Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2009

    Volleygirl:  I just read ur post bout someone asking you "are they real?".... somewhere on BC.org I saw one of our girls sporting a sexy, cute, football jersey in pink and brown that read 'YES, THEY'RE FAKE... THE REAL ONES TRIED TO KILL ME!"  i loved the direct humour and truth in that..... that will be MY response from here on in....lol!

    p.s. It sported a sweet little breast cancer ribbon between the two lines.... the word FAKE was enphasized for that 'one punch' effect! hahahha

    Don'tcha wish you had that one liner to hit them with?....! :) xoxoxoxoxo

  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 1,155
    edited November 2009

    OMG - my mother inlaw has a woman in her office with a shirt with that saying.  She wants to get me a shirt that says that! 

  • geneskirt
    geneskirt Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2009

    WoW! Do they actually retail somewhere? I would love to order one:)

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2009

    Good morning everyone.... Good luck on your surgery: Alitman,, Geneskirt and Nedeza today and also to Caroloyn, Annie, Blessedby4 and mbticw01.

    I got a phone call from my new PS and will have my exchange date on 1/07/09 instead of the 12/08/09. I was very excited when they called me yesterday. 2xenough, I too will ne monitored for 23 hours. I think it's his protocol. It will be one year on Jan. when I found-out that I have DCIS.

    Take care. Celine

  • Celine
    Celine Member Posts: 44
    edited November 2009

    Good morning everyone.... Good luck on your surgery: Alitman,, Geneskirt and Nedeza today and also to Caroloyn, Annie, Blessedby4 and mbticw01.

    I got a phone call from my new PS and will have my exchange date on 1/07/09 instead of the 12/08/09. I was very excited when they called me yesterday. 2xenough, I too will ne monitored for 23 hours. I think it's his protocol. It will be one year on Jan. when I found-out that I have DCIS.

    Take care. Celine

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited November 2009

    I guess I'm the only one with a BMX whose doctor says mammograms are still needed. My BS wants one every 2 years to check the skin tissue just below the surface. I don't want the extra radiation and I'll talk to my radiation oncologist before I agree to any more mammograms.

  • johnson7599
    johnson7599 Member Posts: 10
    edited November 2009

    Hi Ladies!  I am new to this thread so forgive me if I'm asking a question that has already been discussed.  Can any of you tell me what its like to go from TE to Saline implants?  Is there much difference as far as hardness goes?  Can you sleep on your stomach once you have implants and not the TE?  I very close to having my exchange and was just curious about the saline implants.  I see more talk about silicone than saline so any info would be helpful.

  • Alitman
    Alitman Member Posts: 95
    edited November 2009

    Good morning - my exchanges went well and I was able to get them BOTH done.  Unfortunately, I don't knnow too much about the surgery other than when he opened up one of them to drain it - it pretty much gushed our all over him - I find that amusing.  Anyway - I do have one drain but at this point I don't care - the implants feel sooooo much softer - there is some pain, but it isn't too bad.  I will get more info about the surgery when I call today to make my next appt.  Thank you again for all your prayers and gentle hugs.

    Allison

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited November 2009

    Caroloyn2008 and Annie7216:  Hope your exchanges go well today!

    geneskirt:  Congratulations you are done with this part and it must feel so much better than expanders.  Yeah for you!!

    Alitman: Congratulations on getting your exchange done also.  Rest and recover quickly!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited November 2009
    Breastless:  I PM'd you...

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