Exchange City
Comments
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Allison ~
How sad that your stepmom was/is so insensitive to you esp. after having lost your mom to BC. That is just so cruel of her to behave this way! As for my own mom... she had a hard life growing up & it is difficult for her to show emotion. What matters now is that she is the most wonderful grandma to my boys!!! Totally different person from the person I was raised by! LOL!!
Annie7216 ~
I love the way my foobs look in a bra/clothing. It is going to take some time to feel comfortable with my body as I stand & look at myself in the mirror w/o clothing. I am hoping that the reason my aug. breast looks bigger is because of it being still swollen??? My MX foob does not match up in projection as I lean over...of course. My DH says I am being TOO critical! He says they look beautiful & not to put myself in that emotional place when everything is going so well! Besides it's still too early to tell the outcome....right????
Kimberly & Geneskirt ~
Part of the soreness comes from the "port" I found located along the fold of my aug. foob....I was wondering where my PS put it. I am switching back & forth with the surgical bra they gave me & with my sports bra.
Hmm....someone mentioned they too were getting some rashes. Called my PS office & was told to use Benadryl cream....nothing else.
Bonnie ~
Prayers for you this week!
NAE
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I really appreciate all the support regarding my stop mother - I like the word TOXIC to describe her - I am not sure which of the wonderful women in here used it - but it really fits.
Carolyn - yes - getting the drain out is a big relief. I worked 1/2 day today and will be back full time tomorrow. I still can't believe how much easier the exchange was in comparison to the mx - night and day!!!
Allison
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My CC/smaller implant surgery is coming up on Wednesday. I'm getting a little nervous, but am eager to get this "thing" out of me. It is always uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful. I'm taking Wednesday-Friday off work and expect to go back on Monday next week. Will see how that works out -- LOL!
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Well all the best on Wed Bonnie
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Ladies.. I miss you and love ya! Work and Christmas are wonderfully crazy... but I miss you all!
Sternum pain... I HAVE IT>>OUCH... PS said.. normal...:(
Cleavage.... 1/2 inch to 1 inch.... I think... this is what I was told... I am 3/4 inch... so far... my boobs are staying in place... they have dropped and fluffed... ( well the non rad boob did...lol... rads boobs never drop...really)... so far so good though...
Ladies... I wish I could read more... I was lucky to get my bills paid today....
... come Jan... I can breathe...:)... 0 -
Ladies.. I miss you and love ya! Work and Christmas are wonderfully crazy... but I miss you all!
Sternum pain... I HAVE IT>>OUCH... PS said.. normal...:(
Cleavage.... 1/2 inch to 1 inch.... I think... this is what I was told... I am 3/4 inch... so far... my boobs are staying in place... they have dropped and fluffed... ( well the non rad boob did...lol... rads boobs never drop...really)... so far so good though...
Ladies... I wish I could read more... I was lucky to get my bills paid today....
... come Jan... I can breathe...:)... 0 -
I'm back. And I'm caught up..Whew...7 pages!!
Laura: Glad you are so busy..that's good.
Deborah and Baxter: Great story and what a great outcome..so encouraging.
Mary- Same to you. Great story and great outcome..really great.
To the girls who just got implants: Hang in there. They never get comfortable, but they become bearable.To everyone who just got exchanges: YAY..Hooray..Hip, hip..Wahooooooo
And a little late, but Happy Thanksgiving. It's nice to know everyone is here and progressing..
Love ya all, JUDY.
To anyone I missed:0 -
JUDY... I AM BAD and so behind... where did you go ? I am sure I know.. but I am lost right now... my mind is gone...:)
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Estepp ~
We've missed you here at the EC...I've missed you!!! Take it easy!
Happy thoughts & hugs,
NAE
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Thanks NAE... it is so not like to to not be here for my girls...:(... my business is not doing to good... I am busy....but the "walk in" business is not too good... recession is hitting us... so... if ANYONE wants to ask God to help me... I would so appreciate it...
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I'm having fat grafting around my foob tomorrow morning so that it looks more like my good boob. I will check in with you as soon as I can to let you all know how it went.
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(((((((((((JOYCE)))))))))))))
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Judy -- when you said the implants never get comfortable, I hope you mean the TEs (not the final implants)?!?
Wonderful inspiring stories of courage from all of you. So glad to be a part of this wonderful group. I'm due for RMX and immediate reconstruction a week from Wednesday but all I can think is: December 9 they cut off my breast. It's so hard not to think of it that way. Some days I think: I don't know how I will bear it. Other days, I remember: that's what I thought about chemo and losing my hair and I got through it with far more cheer than I ever would have expected of myself. I find myself getting mad at stupid things (can you say displaced anger?) -- and full of hope that somehow after this is done I will be okay with what remains.
Good luck to everyone having surgery this week... here's hoping the pain is minimal and the results excellent.
Cheers,
Lilah
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Lilah-The implants are comfortable, so don't worry about that. The TE's not so much!!! I had a BMX in March and you are going to have some bad days at being sad. It is a new normal to get used to. People will inspire you and some people will surprise you, some in a good way some in a bad way. You will get through all this and it will be OK! I try and think- next year at this time my nips will be on and my boobs will be all normal looking and life will get back to normal! Just think "a year from now" instead of short term!!! It is a marathon not a sprint!!!
You will be in my prayers!
Cheri
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Bonnie -- good luck with your surgery!
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Hi all,
I agree with Cheri2, Lilah. There are going to be some really sad days -- and then some unexpectedly "absolutely fine" days. I was really fab (told I had "grace") during the surgery and into a few months later, but starting at about 5 months post surgery (October) started to feel the sad. It's still here with me a bit - and irritation - but I'm just trying to flow with it, ride it out. I've also noticed that many women seem to have their true period of mourning after the exchange, which makes sense to me. It has been helpful to be able to read the stories of those who have gone ahead just to get a sense, a rough guideline, of what might be to come.... All in all I find underneath it all I have great acceptance, which is the gift.
Hey Laura, I saw somewhere that you read your radiated side didn't drop like your non-radiated side. Is that typical? I guess it makes sense. My non-radiated side is sooooo ready for the exchange (actually flopping around - NICE!). My radiated side is tight as a little drum. I'm massaging it, doing stretches. Ultimately have to just let go..... (I know you may not get this soon - know your Salon is happily crazily busy.... whenever.... just curious.....).
Thoughts and prayers,
Geena (Providence, RI)
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Blake1960: Hope your surgery today goes well and you have a quick recovery!
Bonnie: I bet you can't wait to get your surgery over with! Hope you get a good nights sleep tonight and all goes well tomorrow!
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Laura great to have you are back with us.. Sturum pain sorry to hear that let's keep praying they stay in place. I understand now about the rad breast as the days go on now my non rad foob is looking larger and maybe dropping now just a bit
I see my PS tomorrow so I will see what see say's.Judy Glad to have you back
Hood1981 Good luck with your surgery!
Lilah Well i just had my exchange done and yes they are much softer then the te. So hang in there you will get through it and we are all here for you.
Texas357 I seen way back when i was trying to catch up you had posted something about exchange after radiation I had radiation and my exchange just done so if you have any questions feel free to PM me
Good luck to all having surgery this week.
Hugs to all
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Geena we must have posted at the same time.. My PS told me my rad side will never drop like the non rad side just because of tissue and firmness but I am 6 days out now from my exchange and see a slight change one being softer and a little higher but all in all I am happy with my outcome if you would like you can PM anytime. Laura will chime in on this one when she has time I am sure it and will be able to give you more info then I can but I hope this helps.0
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I went to visit my sister in Chevy Chase MD for the holidays...
Yes I meant the TE's heaven forbid the implants!!
So, a question. If the docs know that the radiated side wont drop...why not raise the pocket on the non-rad side to match?
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Judy I am thinking the same thing why? is it that maybe everyone is different how much the other side drops.
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Hello everyone. The exchange surgery and oophorectormy went well. I did have to spend one night as the surgery started late and I was really nauseous afterward. It was a good decision and I slept all night, ate a big breakfast and came home. My PS put in 700's instead of 800's because he took 100cc's on each side of my abdomen (200 altogether) of fat and put it in. My foobs are soft and I am satisfied. I am so glad to have this thread. It helped me to have a much better understanding of what to expect . My PS told me this morning he has more plans for more fat grafting, shaping, etc when we put on the nips. I trust this guy and am now really looking forward to that. Abdomin feels like I've done 1000 crunches (probably have never done more than 20 at a time before) very very sore. Didn't need the full hysterectomy and I'm thanking God. I did not have any type of surgical bra or tube to wear home, but also did not have drains either. See the PS again next Wednesday. I'll ask about bras, etc then. Moffitt is a training hospital and I must have had 12 docs come thru this morning to "look." I have no problem with that. All the training PS's were asked if they knew what the name of "these" are and I pointed to my new breasts. They did not. I told them we call them our "foobs" and one female doc almost peed her pants laughing. I'm feeling great and hopeful and satisfied. with the outcome so far. Don't even need pain meds.
I will await the "fluff" now. Take care. Mary0 -
Mary- Who is your doc?
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Mary ~
Glad to hear everything went well. Take it easy & keep us posted!
I am especially sore on my aug. side vs. MX side as PS said I would. Will be seeing PS tomorrow AM at 7am...what was I thinking...7am!!! Basically, my whole left side aches.
How are all the rest of you???? Hope you are recovering well. I go back to work on Thurs. I hope this is better by then.
NAE
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Judy, my PS is Dr.Paul Smith.
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Hi Ladies
MARY : So glad you are on this side of your exchange surgery. Sounds like your PS is attentive and thorough.
I see my PS tomorrow evening and just in time-it seems I am developing a small seroma ar the incision site, towards the midline end, and have some purple discoloration surrounding it. I am hoping it will turn out to be 'normal' and maybe drained, as it feels a bit uncomfortable. Its too bad, cuz the other side is healing well, and his incisions were like fine cut crystal.... so fine. Hope this seroma reverses soon!
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Mary glad all went well for you.
Nae I am feeling sore on my mx side at the fold area very bruised (that is the only spot I can feel) but my aug side feels good sorry to hear about the whole side aches hope you feel better soon. Wow back to work already that is quick shouldn't you rest for a little longer? I also see my PS tomorrow hope the bandages come off and the okay for a shower this shallow bath thing just isn't cutting it good luck with your appointment and keep us posted.
Carolyn
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Geneskirt Oh so sorry to hear that I hope everything turns out okay for you tomorrow keep us posted.0
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Thanks for your thoughts Carolyn:) Poitive thoughts are good! I know its super early, but i'm off to bed. I started a new job today - it went very well and relaxing. But, 5 a.m. comes SO early, and I think rest might help my body deal with this seroma! Good nightxo
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Hi all. I was just informed today that my PS will be out of town for the last 3 weeks of December so my exchange date of Dec 17 has been moved to Dec 11 and to a hospital farther away. I am nervous because I knew it was coming up but now a week from Friday seems so SOON! Can anyone tell me what to expect when I wake up from surgery as far as pain, swelling, drains, etc. I hated the drains after BMX and am not looking forward to them again. Do many of you like your recons or were you disappointed? I hate the expanders but am used to them now. I have been excited to see my implanted Foobs but don't want to end up hating the look. Any advise you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks! Oops almost forgot I am planning on going back to work (surgery is a Friday) on Tuesday....doable?
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