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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Carolyn2008
    Carolyn2008 Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2009
    nene2059   well I just had my exchange done 6 days ago and what a relief to get the te out and to feel the softness of the implants as far as mine went I had a drain which wasn't that bad and was removed on day 5  and the only problem I had was from the anesthetic I was sick and dizzy  but other then that i am happy at this point as far as the pain goes I only needed pain meds for 2 days and some ladies didn't even need them.   The swelling on my mx side is still present but not to bad and my aug side is fine a few stitches so all in all not bad I am sure you will be much happier with the implants and the look is great to so good luck and i hope this helps.
  • nene2059
    nene2059 Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2009

    Thanks Carolyn-That is exactly what I needed.

    Love the dog in your avatar!  Too precious.

  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2009

    It was back on page 255 that I realized I wouldn't be able to catch up with all of you ~~ now it is page 281.  Whew!!  Work has certainly been interfering with my social life.

    It is nice to know that you are all here taking good care of each other whether or not I am around to enjoy it.  This is the best group and I see that it is growing bigger every day!!!

    Speaking of growing ~~ Tamoxifen is really starting to annoy me.  I know there is another thread for this but I am not moving from here.  Is anyone else fighting the weight issue with it?  Any tips??

    And am really glad to read that most of you are happy with exchange results.  Getting a little nervous but will only worry about the things that I can control ~~ which I have realized over the last year is almost nothing!!

    Take care everyone!  I will check back after surgery.

    Colleen

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited December 2009

    Laura - Love and prayers are going your way - with your lovely personality in charge, your business MUST turn around.

    As for what to expect from the exchange surgery. My surgery was a piece of cake, at least compared to the BMx. No drains, no overnight and little pain. And exchanged from hard turtles on the chest to soft, squishy foobs. What a pleasure that was. As for the look. It does take a little getting used to. I heard them described as hamburger buns, which seems apt to me. I decided not to get too uptight over the look. Certainly they looked great in bras and clothes. And over time they have become "me" to me, especially now that I have nips. Sure beats having "sick" boobs. Hang in there, it all will work out.

    We do need to mourn the loss of a big part of all of us. But at least we have something that allows us to look fairly normal after our mastectomy. I have joked with my son that perhaps the PS can build him a new pinkie. He is mourning the loss of his finger as well. 

    Best wishes to this week's surgery sisters! - Jean

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

    Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement.  I am pretty scared but with all of you cheering me on I feel at least there is a place to go where everyone understands (like "where everybody knows your name" lol -- a la Cheers :)

    Raising an invisible glass -- here's to you!

    Lilah

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited December 2009
    Colleen:  I am on Tamoxifen and I have not experienced weight gain.  I know Val is on it also and she does not have any weight gain as a result either.  But I also take Effexor - to combat hot flashes and perhaps the Effexor is keeping the weight off???  But my oncologist told me that any annoying side effects [other than hot flashes] would probably taper off after six months.  I have been on the big T for over a year now....
  • gcarter
    gcarter Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2009

    Dear Wippitmom,

    I have been on this sight since september. I cannot say that I have been w writer but just a listener. I asked timtam to let me in to see the pictures. My exchange for my unilateral is Tuesday. One week. I am so anxious and nervous. I am so afraid of disappointment and I dont know what to do. I am currently at 450cc on my left. I am petite and was looking to get to a full b Small c. This sight and all the mishaps has me real worried. Can I see pictures before I go so that I can try to get a handle on this anxiety? You seem so knowledgable. I know that the last fill was horrific. I am still in pain and it will be 2 weeks tommorro. My ribs and sides are so sensitive I did not have rads or chemo. But, I must say that I cannot even pinch a little skin. I alsoo have documented my journey, but no posts. Can you help?

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited December 2009

    Mary I am so happy that you are home and safe.  Take care of yourself, sometimes the emotional high of having the surgery over with, can encourage us to do things our bodies are not ready for.  Rest, and  let yourself be waited on just a little. 

    Geneskirt  I hope your new job goes well and that the seroma is nothing serious.  

    Lilah,   I am raising my glass to you and all of the "sisters" that are just now or recovering from any reconstruction procedure.  You are tough stuff and you will get through this because we are here to help support you.

    Nene2059  You will be in my thoughts, the anxiety is so normal, just remember this is a "fix it" trip and I hope you have an easy time and have a peace about this surgery.  Just think, you will should be feeling great in time for Christmas, what time is dinner?  Just kidding.

    Laura, I am glad to know that you are well and busy, life does get back to normal.  Are you still happy with your foobs?  Are they better now than your last ones a few weeks out from the exchange?

    NAE,  Thanks for the PM, call me if you ever want to chat. 

    Jan

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2009

    I'm so proud of my hospital!!!  Providence St. Vincets in Portland. This is the hospital where every step of my bc journey has taken place, dx, mx. PT, scans, groups, social workers--I hope this gives you all a smile

    http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9211923 

    Here is the full version without the news

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw 

    Hug--Karen 

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited December 2009

    gcarter,

    You are having your exchange surgery on Tuesday?  If so, know that the fear and anxiety you are experiencing was common with many of us.  Also, the implants are going to be so much more comfortable.  

    I am petite also but it doesn't mean our results would be the same. It depends on your height, weight and rib size, plus the implants being used.  Deborah will most likely ask you for your rib size so you may want to measure that.

    Best of luck to you!

    Dianne

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited December 2009

    Laura,

    Are you offering specials or coupons in the paper to encourage walk-in or new clients?  I am the least loyal customer when it comes to my hair.  I basically hate the way all hair stylists cut my hair.  I have thick hair and they are forever thinning it way too much or cutting it all off, even after I tell them I am growing it out.  When choosing a new place, I base it on reputation, convenience and price.  If they have all that plus a coupon in the paper, it's a no brainer!  I hope things get better soon!

    Dianne

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

    Dianne..... I have been offering all of the above...:)... Thank you for posting...

    I have a BS in Business Management.,., and some days... I feel like an idiot still..LOL..

    Mucho adds coming this week...

    thanks ladies... I saw all your posts for me... and I really appreciate it!

    Laura

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2009

    Laura--You are working so hard, things will come, remember your faith.

    Jan brought up a great point those who have recently had or are going to have your exchanges soon, your body still needs to heal, so please remember to treat yourselves well even if you feel great.

    Hugs--KarenW 

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Kew ~

    Thanks for posting the Pink Glove Dance.  I came across it on YouTube & shared it a few pages ago.  It's so nice to get the whole story behind the video.  You must be sooo proud of them...I would.  It brought tears to my eyes!!!  Thank you for sharing it too...Smile!

    gcarter ~

    I just want to welcome you to the EC!  I also want to tell you.. please by all means don't let us frighten you about this whole BC journey.  It is a tough journey needless to say.  We come from all different stages...different backgrounds...but we all come here to communicate...communicate our feelings...our fears.  I just had my unilat. exchange last week.  My last expansion put me at 450cc & I was a avg. B cup prior to BC.  Results vary with everyone.  Now I am a full C cup.  My healthy breast was augmented also. I am also petite (5'1").  I found out a lot about this whole process through the women on this thread.  I learned a lot about myself & that everything will be okay.  I hope this helps to calm you as you prepare for your exchange.  My thought & prayers go out to you!  Many hugs!

    cnemeth ~

    I've noticed a wt. gain since starting Tamoxifin...bummer!!!!  Before my exchange last week, I went on a marathan of cardio exercises but my wt. did not drop an oz.!!!  I did get toned but I'm a numbers girl & it drives me nuts that I weigh this much.  Once I regain my strength I will go back to working out!  I am hoping that  it's these "girls" that have some contribution to my wt.!!  LOL!

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Carolyn2008 ~

    I want to add...I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to go back to work this Thursday.  Now I feel committed because I feel I have responsibilities to my patients...& my boss.  I know he would understand...honestly I felt not so bad this AM but now I am SOOO exhausted!  Call me crazy!!! LOL!

    NAE

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2009

    Nedeza---Sorry I missed your post, between work and school, I sometimes fall behind!

    KarenW 

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Kew ~

    Not a problem.  Laughing  I'm glad you posted it because more "sisters" will have a chance to see it!!  It is such a wonderful thing the staff at this hospital has done to honor each & every one of us!  Catchy tune too!!!  Now I know who Sean Jean is!!  LOL!  I thought he was only a clothing designer!!  LOL!!

    Hugs,

    NAE

  • Peggio
    Peggio Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2009

    Karen (Kew) ~

    I loved the video - it made me smile!  What a great place to be cared for during your surgery!

    Best wishes to upcoming surgeries

    12/2 - BonnieK - CC surgery

    12/4 - lifegoeson - Nips

    12/4 - cnemeth - Exchange surgery

    Colleen ~ I live in San Diego too!  

    Peg

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Estepp ~

    My thoughts are with you...owning your own business can be difficult!  Many people think once you mention you have your own business...they think you have it easy...you make a "ton" of  money...you have all the time in the world!!!  Sometimes I wish my DH actually worked for a company...maybe he can truly have a vacation...& get paid!  LOL!  Since he is self-employed & I am part time...we PAY out of pocket for our medical insurance.  It difinitely is not easy!!!

    My thoughts & prayers that your business picks up!!!

    Hugs,

    NAE

  • gcarter
    gcarter Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2009

    dani42

    Okay I know my ps measured me. I also remeber he measured across and diagnol. Is it the across she will need? I know this sounds dumb but not too sure. When I saw him 2 weeks ago we spoke of the meduim to high profile because of how petite I am. I have a small rib cage and he said that I am a good canidate for the higher profile. I feel like it is flat and rounf right now. He told me that when he gets a good look at how the symetry was that I should let him choose what is best. I do trust him. I am so very uncomfortable from this last fill that my ribcage is concave now. When I wear shirts that are a littel tighter (which I wont) you can see the bottom of my ribcage popping. Do you think this is normal? I am 5 1 i usually weigh about 115 but I am up to 128 uurrgh!

  • gcarter
    gcarter Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2009

    Nedeza

    Your story sounds alot like mine. How was the pain in your natural breast? Recovery? I am fearful. I think that with all of this I have a high tolerance of pain because my masectomy went pretty well but, this last fil has been horrific. I take some pain meds before bed because that is the worst. My skin is so tight that you cannot pinch anything. Was yours like that? 

    Thanks for responding to me.

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2009

    gcarter---the last two fills were very unconfortable for me, but I didn't take any meds as I had been working with a PT once fills started after mx so she was able to relieve the discomfort, all I can say is try to keep yourself comfortable and if you have meds that work, take them.  As far as ''mishaps," I think many of us are happy with how we look. Some of our beautiful Sisters have had many more challenges than others, and they have been brave and gracious about their experiences, but this part of the journey is as much art as science and sometimes one doesn't get the hoped for result initially, or other complications occur.  I think it is important to be aware of our experiences but to realize that everyone will have their own version, our bodies are unique as are our emotions--we all respond to surgery in our own way, and sometimes things just happen, but you will have your doctors and all of us to figure anything that doesn't seem right to you.  Try not to worry, don't focus on the "mishaps" be aware of them, but don't allow them to rule your thoughts right now. You will love how you feel when you get the TEs out, and I bet you will be happy with your results as well.  Push the other things out of your mind if you can, surgery is always frightening, but this one is well worth it.  Plan on resting for a few days after the surgery, but it is likely you will be feeling great, many people have little or no pain, and if they do it is only for a few days--it ususally depends on  how much pocket revision is done.  I had a total abdominal hysterectomy at the time of exchange, I hurt from the waist down, but pretty much had no pain and full range of motion at the exchange area from the moment I woke up.  However, my PS didn't want me lifting anything over my shoulders or anything over a weight I cannot recall for several weeks.  Remember even if you feel great to give your body a couple of days to heal.  I look forward to hearing from you after your surgery next week.

    Welcome to EC.

    Hugs--KarenW

  • don23
    don23 Member Posts: 213
    edited December 2009

    Colleen - I have been on tamoxifen for four months and have not gained any weight.  I have stepped up my workouts and try to eat right since starting. When I asked my onc. about weight gain he said it does not cause weight gain and if I gain weight it is due to my age (I'm 51) and my metabolism is slowing down.

  • gcarter
    gcarter Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2009

    I always thought that a pt would be a good idea. Thanks for the imput. I appreciate it.

    Gcarter

  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited December 2009

    I have been on tamoxifen for a year now & have been battling the weight gain!!!  Also I want to encourage all you ladies & agree that this is a long process.  Longer for some of us than others.  I'm over a year out and still am not finished with the reconstruction journey, but as they say...this is my neew normal!  

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Kew ~

    How lovely what you posted to gcarter.  You have a way with words! Smile

    gcarter ~

    Up until I had my last expansion I felt pretty good until I decided to have that one "extra" expansion for "good measure"....LOL!!!  The final expansion (500cc) I approved put me over the edge!  I was in so much discomfort.  I felt like a small cannon ball was attached to my chest wall!  My skin looked over stretched/taunt..Like an overexpanded balloon is how I would have described it.  After 5 days of agonizing pain I went back to the PS.  She took out 50cc's.  It was like night & day!!   Maybe the little over-stretching loosened  the skin  so when she took out the 50cc, it made the skin a little looser??!!  Once you have your exchange you will feel sooo good!!!  It is soft & comfy.  I am still recovering & my PS this AM said I am doing extremely well.

    Hang in there!

    NAE

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    As I mentioned...I saw my PS this AM.  She said it looks great.  She does think I will need a lift on my augmented side.  At the end of surgery, she said "they" looked very good/even but now it does appear that I will need some additional work on my healthy breast...maybe take out a little saline since it looks much fuller than my MX side.  She is very pleased.  I am too although when I got back to my car..I bawled my eyes out Cry!  Emotions are running high lately!  I see her again in 6 wks. 

    NAE

  • mbtlcsw01
    mbtlcsw01 Member Posts: 250
    edited December 2009

    Karen and Nae, I just watched the video and it found myself laughing and crying at the same time.  Looks my emotions are sticking out, too.  I'm so very glad to have this info and my sisters on this site.  Last night before bedtime, I took a good look and was a bit disheartened, but remembered comments made before.  I looked lumpy and one projecting more than another.  This morning, they look much better and seemed to have fluffed out some.  I realize I'm swollen and it will take awhile for this to all get like it is supposed to.  They are soooo soft and I love that.

    Thanks, Karen for the link to the video.  It made my day.

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

    Gcarter... I agree with the other gals.. and want to add.. that I am almost exactly your size. I am 5ft and normal weight 108-115... So my advice... HIGH PROFILE!!! My PS would not even consider using midrange at your/my size. I have HP and I like them a lot. I have 500 HP Mentor Silicone. I am a C cup. If you have any questions..PM me... plus.. My pictures are on the picture page... God Bless!

    NAE..... emotions do run high in "our" world...hang tight girl! :)

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

    Gcarter... I agree with the other gals.. and want to add.. that I am almost exactly your size. I am 5ft and normal weight 108-115... So my advice... HIGH PROFILE!!! My PS would not even consider using midrange at your/my size. I have HP and I like them a lot. I have 500 HP Mentor Silicone. I am a C cup. If you have any questions..PM me... plus.. My pictures are on the picture page... God Bless!

    NAE..... emotions do run high in "our" world...hang tight girl! :)

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