Exchange City
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Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for!:) Hope everyone is feeling better and able to enjoy their holiday!
Blessings to all,
Deen
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Happy Thanksgiving! Peg, Karen, Laura, you made me cry reading where we were a year ago. We have come a long way ladies, but, the memories are still very poignant. Thanks for sharing and letting everyone know that the slide down the hill is so much easier than the trudge up the hill of uncertainty.
Deborah, Your and my prayers were answered when your talents and desires to help "sister" along the reconstruction journey. This forum that Jean started has grown and blessed. I am reading all of the posts but replying much but know that I am thinking of all that post and that you are being prayed and thought of on your reconstructive journey. Sandy, miss you and maybe the cool whip bowls will be used for pie toppings this year
! Have a blessed Thanksgiving
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Girls I am over on Chemo boards in my fog lately. I do read here and check in on you all ~
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving ! I'll be Exchanging in the Spring and look forward to being more involved here with you wonderful ladies.
Hugs !
Alicia
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Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Yesterday was my exchange surgery at 10am and I felt no pain afterwards or today. As soon as I lifted my head off the pillow, the nurses were like" you ready to go home?" I could barely see straight, but I did want to leave, so I was sort of poured into my car by my DH. So far I have taken no painkillers. I feel a little sore and achey but that it is really nothing. It's funny how different all PS are. Mine says no shower until out post op appointment on Monday. I am also in the compression vest like Alitman it (yes it is like an 80s tube top). I believe that can be taken off on Monday as well. I'm so happy to hear about those of you who had a successful exchange...Alitman, Geneskirt and Nedeeeza. Congratulations to you all.
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Happy Day 2 post exchange Annie7216!! What a beautiful way to give thanks today!
QUESTION: to those that have gone b4....HELP!!!
My PS instructed "sports bra til i see him next week". What am i targeting?? Compression all over, or tight band? or loose coverage? or lift and seperate?????? There is a great difference between sports bra's, and i have about six and none seem comfortable or serving any purpose?. Some are simply cotton shorties with an elastic, and some are like regular bras that contour, and don't fit my new edges. What should i be trying to achieve??? How critical is this to the implants and my healing? I tried a snug band and am getting tremendous pin prick like PAIN at the IM fold area. Takes my breath away. Is this "normal"? or am i hurting something?
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Hi Geneskirt--In my experience and what I've read this year is that the amount of compression varies by PS. I wore a only slightly snug, zip front bra I purchased at the hospital for the first couple of weeks. I was loosely bandaged after surgery, but that was probably because I kept my nipples and he didn't want to compress them after either surgery. I then found a sports bra I really like it is by Moving Comofort and called Fiona http://www.movingcomfort.com/product/101635/350003/_/Fiona_Bra
the thing I really like about this bra is that you can adjust the straps in front and sometimes I would have it tighter--at night when sleeping and I could loosen it during the day. I now only use it for work outs or at night. You can check out the website and I think it will tell you how to find stores in your area that carry it. I know that REI and TitleNine carry it. I'm not wearing a bra every night anymore, and I'm much happier with how the girls are looking--they are fuller and taking a great shape--but I'm 6 months+ out of exchange and wore a bra at night until recently and still do a couple of nights a week.
Initially, you are protecting the integrity of the pocket that the implant is in, according to my PS once it is healed things shouldn't migrate. You want to keep the implants where they are supposed to be.
I'm sure Deborah, or on of the other gals will have more and probably better advice.
I can't comment on the pain in the IM I didn't experience that.
Have a great day!
Hugs--KarenW
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happy Thanksgiving Day to all
from the famous cool whip lady lol
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Happy Thanksgiving to all GREAT women!
Thank you for all the inspiring answers.
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Okay...
I believe yesterday (1 day after surgery) was just a "teaser"! OMGosh, today I am sooo sore! I definitely feel it today! Oh...my DH just said to me the PS warned him I would probably feel it more 2-3 days later..thanks DH! Probably so because now my Q-pump is empty & my meds are giving me a tummy ache.
Geneskirt ~ I picked up a sports bra at JCP's. Their brand: Underscore. Comes in reg. bra sizes (34,36,etc.) My PS said slightly snug not tight. This one is soft & has front zipper.
Good to hear everyone with the exchanges are doing well! God bless!
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone of you at EC. I am so thankful for this entire forum. I really don't know how I would have gotten thru my dx, chemo and all the reconstruction without the beautiful women here. The support, prayers and humor have been my life line for the past 16 months. Last year I was still recovering from my Mx. and looking ahead to starting chemo in Dec. I certainly can relate to KEW about the difference in how I felt last year and this year, physically and emotionally. So many things to be thankful for this year, I could never list them all. Have an absolutely beautiful day today!
Nedeza, be sure to eat something before you take your pain meds. That may help with the tummy ache. Just know that the length of time the exchange hurts is soooo short compared to the Mx.
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Firni ~
Yey!! The vicodin has kicked in!!! Thank goodness!! Yes...my DH scolds me for not taking my meds properly w/ food. I think I need to take my pain med separately from my antibiotics...I think this is my problem as well. I've tried sleeping upright as possible but I keep slipping down & laying flat...that's when I notice my tummy getting upset also.
DH is making dinner tonight. He is awesome! He spoils me because he is our cook. With two restaurants...needless to say he loves to cook! Can't wait for our Thanksgiving feast!
Many hugs,
NAE
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I was just thinking...how is the nipple reconstructed?? I visited the pic forum & saw some awesome results but are there different methods? What is the most common?
NAE
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I was just thinking...how is the nipple reconstructed?? I visited the pic forum & saw some awesome results but are there different methods? What is the most common?
NAE
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I was just thinking...how is the nipple reconstructed?? I visited the pic forum & saw some awesome results but are there different methods? What is the most common?
NAE
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Thanks KEW; A picture is worth a thousand words..... the Fiona bra just LOOKS more logical! NIce shape, full coverage, contoured edges. I need to go shopping.
We have the flu in our house... body aches, chills and fever for hubby and myself today. My daughter was sick on Sunday.... but we made it thru surgery Tuesday... and with anti biotics and strong pain killers I am medicating myself silly and sleeping in three hour naps around the clock.
I am thankful i have company and support and answers at my fingertips. Just me and my laptop in bed... and a sick DH beside me.... Sigh.
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geneskirt: Just wear a comfortable, supportive sports bra 24/7. It is only for one week and then ask him for specific instructions regarding what to wear when you see him next week. I personally feel that a bra that holds the implants separately within supportive cups is best. There are a number of regular bras and/or sports bras which can give you this kind of support, as well as post-surgical garments which would work. If your implants are under 450 cc's, nice and tight in the pockets and not inclined to want to move laterally - to the sides under your armpits - the concern about exacting "containment" is not as critical. Every PS has a different view of what to wear after the exchange. Some say wear nothing at all - and if your implants are in proper placement and on the smaller side - volume-wise - that is fine. You will know what you need - what feels best. It all depends on the mechanics of the implants after exchange. Mine are 550 cc's - and my skin is pretty lax - so I need to lift and separate the implants and keep them in the upper pole position as much as possible. You will get a pretty good idea next week what you might need, and if you have any further questions, come here and we can give you some suggestions. Moving Comfort - as KarenW mentioned - you can read about what the mechanics of this bra will do which will give you some idea what to look for....but this one is a very good choice.
http://www.movingcomfort.com/product/101635/350003/_/Fiona_Bra
And the Champion Powersleek - which I have. This is the style I wear to bed at night...
But go to Kohls or Macy's or Dillard and try on some different styles to see which type will support you best. Then when you have a good idea of your band size and cup size, you can order online. But I do like those sports bras which have specific cup sizes - band size and cup size.
Deborah
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Oh DUH.....Karen already linked the Moving Comfort bra in her post!!! -
I think I might have to get this one also!!! 0 -
Lol, that is just confirmation that its a good choice.
FYI: Something that JUST occoured to me is I have insurance coverage for 6 bras/year from a mastectomy boutique!!(Another small 'perk' after the BC freight train arrives in your life!) I just called them and they do carry sports bra's with zipper front and adjustable straps. I also called my insurance provider to see if they would re-imburse me for any that i purchase directly through mail order or other retailers. The quality of bra's preferred by our PS in the first few months post surgery come with a higher price tag than what I had to purchase prior to mastectomy. The insurance company is going to check into their eligibility requirements and call me back.
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How nice.....6 bras a year! Wow. I would be in hog heaven! Mastectomy stores typically do not carry the garments that would be of use for you though - although if they carry Amoena [sp?], there are one or two styles of that brand that might work. Nordstroms - if you have one - carries post-surgical bras....that might work.....many insurance companies cover garments from Nordstroms....
Well, I have done my baking and we are off to our friends house down the street for Thanksgiving dinner. Have a wonderful day everyone!
We leave Saturday with our daughter and her family for our annual vacation in Carlsbad. I will have my laptop, of course
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Beautiful!!!! I have access to Amoena at this location! I will seek it out. I am looking forward to the opportunity to "educate" the owner of this particular boutique. She was not so encouraging about the success rate of reconstruction when i was in last (3 months post MX and needing encouragement). I was quite shocked at her negative spin on implant reconstruction, but considered she IS in the business of MX prosthetics..... I know we need to have realistic expectations... but I have learned right HERE at EC, BE INFORMED AND EXPECT GREAT RESULTS. I think this is a very powerful and influential forum! Happy Thanksgiving Dinner!0
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Happy Thanksgiving to all my American sisters! Wishing all of you a great Thanksgiving weekend and hoping those who have just had surgery are pain free and able to enjoy this special holiday....
Terri x
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I am wondering if my insurance will do the same...cover for post op bras. They covered when I had my MX but it was for 2 post op camisoles which I got from Nordstroms. I wonder if there is a limit. I will have to call my insurance as well. Thanks for the FYI!
I am eating prunes like crazy & taking stool softeners but no success yet!!! Yikes!!! No wonder I am feeling uncomfortable right now...esp. with having Thanksgiving dinner!
NAE
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Hi All!!! I haven't been here in so long- I was on page 242!!! There is NO WAY I can catch up. I am wishing all of you a very happy Thanksgiving. This time last year, I was not diagnosed. Boy do I have so much to be thankful for this year. I had my exchange surgery in late August! I have some weird flap of skin (looks like I lost a ton of weight or something) under my arm pit so I am going in for yet another surgery to take that off and also getting lipo at the same time, just to help my own self esteem!
I am waiting until April though because last April I was supposed to do my first triathlon and missed it due to my bi lateral. So, that tri is haunting me and I am going to do it this year and then go into surgery after that.So good to see everybody and to read through some of the pages.
Just wanted to wish you all a happy thanksgiving!
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Alitman and Nedeza:: How was day three for you? I unveiled myself today. It is so strange to adjust to my new contours. I think I have some swelling all over as they appear wider and flatter than the TE...One side appears slightly smaller than the other, i think. It was a shock of sorts as the TE were so projected and compact. Now that volume is SMOOTH, gently and less extreme. I may try to post some photo's tomorrow. I am feeling unsure, but i will be patient
I take it its too soon to judge too critically 0 -
Geneskirt ~
I posted to you on the other thread. I do know I will have to work with my "lack of equal projection". ...something my PS warned me. Cleavage-wise (frontal view) it looks very "normal". I am hoping that as time passes it will look more "even" in projection esp. after the nipple reconstruction. Otherwise, I am pretty happy with my results! I feel like my augmented side looks larger but maybe I am being critical too. It is probably some swelling that is going on right now.
Take it easy! Bless you!
NAE
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Yes, makes sense that two different procedures(augment and exchange side by side) might have different healing requirements. Makes sense that the augmented side would be more swollen as the pocket is new...I;m finding the sports bra is feeling supportive, especially along the sides where the volume seems large to me(spread out). I enjoyed a shallow bath tonight and washed off some of the tape residue and red stain from surgery. Felt like an hour at the spa. It all helps with it feeling less 'foreign'. Here;s to day four tomorrow!! I hope to loose this 10 instant pounds of water I gained over the last 48 hrs! That will make me feel.... fresh!
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I let my best friend take a squeeze last night -- gotta have some fun with this stage right? It was also fun to hug friends without being so self-conscious of the very hard TEs.
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Val - I cannot imagine the scare of seeing all those lights and ambulances in front of your house. Thank goodness no one was hurt. Get well fast - you have surgery coming up!
Karen - Your PT has the bedside manner of a ___. What a jerk. Of course you "chose" to have a bilateral oophectomy! I hope your shoulder pain improves. I had a serious bout of bursitis in one shoulder when I went through menopause, but it calmed down significantly after a year that included PT, stretching exercises and lap swimming.
Laura - Way to go girl! Finished all treatments!!!!!!
Annie - Congratulations on your new soft foobs!!!
Geneskirt - My PS only had me wearing a surgical bra after my exchange. They are soft and comfortable and I can sleep in them just fine. Your pain doesn't sound like it is what you are after. Deborah provided a lot more detail.
NAE - Pain meds sound like they are in order my dear! As for nip reconstruction, the methods seem to vary tremendously. Many ladies have 3D tattooing only, no reconstruction surgery. Others have the nips surgically constructed (commonly from the Mx scar) and then tattoo around the nips. And others (like me) have both the nips and the areola surgically constructed. My nips were surgically created from the Mx scar and my areola was grafted from my lower stomach area. My nips are very small, but the overall visual image is very natural. I am happy w/ my results.
Deborah - Have fun w/ your family and on your vacation!!!
Cheri2 - We will all be cheering you on for your triathalon!!!
One year ago in December I had my BMx and was terminated at my job the day before my surgery because my ex-business partner and I were not getting along. Needless to say, it was a totally traumatic time for me. Fast forward one year later - I am done w/ my reconstruction, no longer have those cancer causing boobs of mine, and I have started my own business and loving it! What a difference a year can make! Meanwhile seven others from my last firm of only 22 employees followed me out the door over the past 11 months. I think I have been vindicated!
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I so remember all this Jean....You HAVE come so far... HARD WORK and DETERMINATION! I for one can hardily remember that girl back then ( me)... I just wanna hold her in my arms and tell her that it really will be ok.. I loved that girl...Jean.. THANK YOU for starting EC! Love you!
Deborah... have a glorious time on your vacation ! WOOT!
off to work... ladies.. I will check in sometime in the next few days... Holidays are crazy for me at the Hair Salon... I have little time. If anyone has a question they need me to look into..PM me... I might not be able to read all there over the next month.. but I WILL CHECK ALL PM's and respond... Love you!
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Cheri: We are so glad you checked in with us! We have been wondering where you have been and how you are doing! Please don't stay away so long....
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