Exchange City
Comments
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Thanks ladies
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Cheri - As I recall, didn't your ps give you "ultra-reinforced" foobs with alloderm and a lot of extra sutures? Maybe you really don't need a bra then.....although since your implants are fairly sizable, it would seem that there would be some potential gravitational stress on them over time. I'll bet Whippetmom will have some excellent advice, as usual!
Every time I see my ps, as part of my post-exchange check-up, he checks out my bra for fit - the bra that he initially "approved". Just when I was starting to think that I was tolerating it better - probably because it's stretched out (don't worry, I actually have three that I rotate - LOL!) - he pulls the straps up even tighter and hooked it on the middle set of hooks - and this is in a size 30 band bra, mind you! What price beauty -or normalcy, for that matter - huh?
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Cheri, My PS told me not to wear a bra for the first 3 month so that I would develop a good fold underneath the breast. It worked! He told me that he made the pockets to align where my natural breast was. I do hope he is right, I would hate to be running and end up with implant on my shoulder blades! I do wear a bra, mostly to keep the implant side warm! I work/walk/run outside and when that puppy gets cold YIKES!
Johnson7599, Welcome! I have silicone implants, my sister has saline. She had silicone before the saline when the silicones were taken off the market, so she knows both types. She cannot tell the difference as they improved the saline over the years, she was strictly augmented, no BC thank goodness. Her breasts look and feel very natural, ( yes, we have compared boob and foobs!) I think NAE probably has the best comparison, she has one of each, so she is a great resource.
Mary, I am glad that the swelling went down. I hope you are feeling better today, take good care of youself.
KEW, How is your shoulder?
Jan
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Perhaps this will provice your smile for the day
Today's Victoria's Secret e-mail just popped up on my computer -I wish I could figure out how to copy it. It's for the new "Miraculous" PushUp Bra that we've been talking about....... it says, "IT'S LIKE SANTA BROUGHT ME CLEAVAGE FOR CHRISTMAS!" and "Pin-up girls rejoice!" Now, doesn't that just sound exactly like us - pin-up girls?!?
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I am fairly new to this site so I have a few comments
Johnson7599, I have bi-lat mentor high profile saline Mentor's in 750cc each. I think for the most part they feel like my own and generally don't even think about them. My PS will not use silicone or textured implants. One of his pixs he showed me before the BMX even occurred was of textured and it definitely did not look good. The only problem I've had is that the high profile is actually too narrow since my pockets have expanded through recommended massage. He is going to go with the largest diameter moderate profile to try and fill in some of the saggy places on 12-18-09. Most people think what I have is great and my DH likes the look and feel of them. We actually had a heated discussion before my last PS visit about me even asking to have them exchanged out. After I showed him the projection vs. diameter on paper he was much more accepting of having them exchanged at the same time my fipple surgery takes place. PS says it only adds an hour to the surgery and I won't know the difference since I will be out of it. I work at the same hospital in which I am having my surgery so I think the nurses and staff give me a bit more selective treatment so I should be well cared for in recovery. Looking forward to the end. Fortunately, my procedures were prophylactic so no chemo or rad. Don't worry about the feel of the saline, as I said mine are like my own.
As for the others with bra questions, I have been told to wait until everything heals for 6 months before buying any bras. I wear fun undershirts and camisoles under my tops, especially under my work scrub tops. Just protects everything and I only buy cotton ones so they are absorbent. I don't miss my bras at all. I was full 40D and now probably C.
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Nae and all others,
Thanks for your replies. I do have to say you ladies are great! One question...I am a very small person. I am 4'11" and only weigh about 100 lbs. I have a VERY narrow frame. I'm so tiny they don't even make a tissue expander small enough for my chest wall. That being said, saline is probably not the best option for me, but I'm just not comfortable with silicone. Is anyone else in that boat that has salines? If so how do they look? My PS says I will probably have visible rippling because of my size and that I might quite possibly be able to see the outlines of the implants. Anyone else have this? What does it look like? I know to some its sounds crazy to be wary of silicone, but that's just me.
Truly, all that being said, comfort is still really the main issue for me. I just don't want to feel like my chest is being crushed or not be able to get a good nights rest because of the implants. There is one surefire way to get me in a bad mood and that is no rest. I have to get a good nights sleep. I have three kids and like they say if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happY!
One thing I did mean to mention earlier is that I also have so little tissue on the non cancer side, that essentially the augment will probably look pretty much the same as the mx side does. So the saline issues will apply there too. Unlike others, probably the largest I will be able to go is about 250cc if that because much bigger would just look unnatural on me.
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WHIPPETMOM
What is "re-impantation"?. Is there a chance I will need to have the implants removed and closed and go back to nothing again? I understand that infection could necessitate the removal of the implants or put me at increased risk for contracture? The seroma built up and released again(but a smaller amt ) this morning before work. It seemed to empty, then it was fine for the day with gauze and hepafix over it. the purple coloured bruising right in tne location of the muscle 'tear' , has returned to normal,
I called to report the seroma leaking to my PS thinking that he might prefer to move ahead with the repair now , but ironically and wonderfully he got called to new york in the middle of the night for the birth of his first born!
(three weeks early!!!!)I wasn't quite ready to 'cut the PS strings', you know? I was lost!
I am seeing this as 'divinely intervented' lol, and am waiting to see if the seroma will settle, and the infection will be avoided, and surgical intervention can be delayed .... I MUCH PREFER to wait on my PS(as I'm sure most would), but unfortunately, I have alot of questions of 'what if's'.
The pectoral muscle 'tear' is along the inscision line where it(the muscle)
was sutured during the exchange(so yes, the implants are sub-muscle).
My PS's method of choice for nipples is the 'skate' or 'star' flap.
Thanks Deborah for 'pinch' hitting on the research for me! I feel well, no fever or discomfort or anything, just wishin I didn't have to entertain the idea of arriving in emerg with a fever or whatever and having to explain my entire history to some PS that has never done a BC reconstruction, you know? YIKES!!!! Sounds like a Nightmare as I write it!!!!l lol
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Cheri - As for the bra question, I wear a bra or not, whatever I feel like doing. My PS tells me that I can do whatever. I often find it more comfortable w/o a bra. Or at most w/ only a stretch type camisole bra. Seems like you should be okay.
So many new sisters posting - welcome!!
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I seem to be healing well from exchange surgery which was one 9 days ago except for one small area. When I touch that area of my breast (and it is the size of a dime) I can feel the the implant (I think). It feels like I'm pushing on a plastic bag filled with water or something like that. There is a slight amount of bruising in that same area. Otherwise everything else is normal. there is no pain or swelling. Is this a problem? Or is my skin just too thin in that area? Thanks so much for your help.
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Annie7216 ~
What part of your breast are you having this sensation? I have a similar spot but is on my MX foob..along the upper pole. When I had the TE, this area was sensitive too. It was where the port site was for all the expansions. It had a magnetic ring within the TE that allowed the PS to locate where to inject the saline. It was like a "knot" under the skin. I declare...this is the same area. It just feels different...hoping it will go away eventually!
I wonder how long for the swelling to go down? I am not sure if my foobs are big due to swelling or that that is the size. I am only 9 days out so I shouldn't be so impatient.
NAE
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Hi NAE
You are such a wonderful support...even though you are also going thru the same process! I have this spot right above my mascetmy line on the upper outer area. It's a really small spot, but it kind of feels like the implant is poking thru. I guess it kind of makes me nervous...thinking I might need more surgery for a tear in the muscle. My husband says I just need something to worry about constantly. Thanks for telling me that you have a similar spot. It makes me feel a lot better.
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Annie7216 ~
Isn't it interesting how we have become so in tuned to our bodies now? LOL!! See your PS for that area though...I didn't think about the muscle tearing....oh...another to think about?!!! LOL!
I am doing good but I think my muscles are spasing. I feel like my foobs are having contractions. I really don't want to take any more meds....Valium for musc. spasms. I hate the feeling of the Valium!
NAE
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Yes I have an appointment to see my PS on Fri. Thanks. Hopefully we are both fine. Maybe try Xanax instead of the valium. I think it may be milder.
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NAE and Annie, I can tell you that I can feel "bubbles" in my implant and that I can move the bubble(s) around. I have sub musculars so this is very wierd, but others here told me that this is normal. Kind of like the dancing breast, a conversation from many months ago. I think Deborah came up with that term. It is when you flex your pectoral muscles and can manipulate the implant to make it move. The humerous side of reconstruction is always a great topic of conversation with the "sister's" here.
Jan
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I agree with Jan...
( btw.. HI sweet Jan!!!)I can make my muscles move like I WAS THE ONE WHO won Mr. Missouri 1991.. not my brother...LOL... Cracks my dh up... LOL
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Jan1 and Estepp
Thank you so much. I was so sure that I had a tear in the muscle. I can rest a little easier tonight knowing they are just "fubbles." All of you ladies are wonderful.
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Val- yes they have extra stitching because of my swimming and 2 sheets each side of alloderm. I haven't worn a bra at all except to run. And I do have a nice fold like Jan said. I guess I won't worry about it then. Since there are no nipples it looks good even with a tight shirt. The only thing I need a bra for is that stupid under arm fat flap and the back fat flap that happened with those TE's!!! grrrr....nothing is hiding that.
Jan- I too get cold boobs when I run outside. It is so funny because I don't really notice it but when I take my jog bra off- it is like I have two ice packs on my chest!!! Do you sweat more around your boob area? I sweat horribly now but that might be from the alloderm. Maybe since it is living tissue it sweats more? I am going to ask my PS this next Thursday.
OK- I DO have to say. This is such an odd thing to miss about my real boobs. I used to be able to gage when my period would start based on boob tenderness. Now I start with no warning!!! It is so bizarre that I would miss them over that but it does stink. I started my period today and wasn't prepared for it AT ALL! That is the second time and it is because there is no boob tenderness.
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Hi Ladies,
My CC surgery was done on Wednesday and I'm starting to feel like a human again. It was more invasive than expected -- lots of scar tissue -- so I have a drain and lots of bandaging that will be changed on Monday. Fingers are crossed that the CC will not recur. Happy weekend everyone. -bonnie
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Saline vs. Silicone: My PS explained that saline are fine for augmentation but don't look as natural as silicone when there's no other breast tissue.
Bras: I was told to wear a sports bra for 4 weeks then I could wear any kind of bra I want. My radiated side is still tender and swollen, partially because I keep massaging it I'm sure. I want to perform one of those "miracles" and get it to drop a bit more.
Fipple surgery is December 28th! I haven't heard if it's under a local but that would be wonderful. My exchange was surgery #7 and I'm sick and tired of being knocked out.
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Annie7216, Fubbles? I thought I would choke! Don't take a sip of coffee while reading a "fubbles" word, trust me on this.
Cheri, I have one natural breast and one foob, and the cold thing is really noticeable on the foob side. It will get so cold that the ribs ache. I have thin skin around the implant maybe that is part of the problem. I don't notice any more sweating, because I am always outdoors I always seem to sweat, baby powder is my beast friend along with sun screen. I think that the ta ta sisters could come up with a foob alert invention for those still having periods, you know a little light that could come on, a buzzer, or hook it up to your cell phone.
.Bonnie, I am glad that all went well, how long did it take for the CC to come on? Did your PS have you do implant push ups? Mine had me push the implants up towards the collar bone and he wasn't gentle about it. I had to do this 3x daily for 6 weeks and once a day for the rest of my life. I think every PS has their own little instructions and he told me that no matter what some women do they just get CC. I hope yours stay soft and "loose"
Texas, I get my fipple a week before you, I will let you know how it goes. Mine is a office procedure under a local and he has allowed an hour for the procedure. He did warn me that the "bud" could go flat over time, but sweet Judy will do her artwork and make it look like there is a bump there even if it does go flat. This forum is so blessed to have sisters that have knowledge and talents to help everyone here.
Laura, I missed your posts when the computer was down. I am glad that work is keeping you busy and hopefully in $$$$. The $$$ are needed for drummer husbands and cute grandkids! Then again pay the DH in singles so that when he watches the foob dance, he can pay you
Jan
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Jan - speaking of sending coffee through one's nose,,,,,,An early warning device built in....... I scared my dog with my outburst of laughing..... Funny, I just realized that I haven't been laughing as much as I used to..... Hmmmm being here is good!!!
One other funny incident - my work peeps and I went out to lunch and we talking about G-D knows what when someone mentioned barbie dolls and the fact they (and Ken) are not truly anitomically correct - Someone at the table said - Hmmmm - Just like Allison - No nips - My new nickname at work is Barbie......If only I had the rest of Barbie's body!!
On the foob front - mine seem to slip to the sides when I lay down and I am not sure if I am having swelling on my sides under my arms or if it is just fat - I feel fine in a sports bra so I wear those to work - but nothing at home. I have noticed when I take the sports bra off- my sides seem less fat somehow - does that indicate swelling?
Allison
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Hi Ladies!
Took me quite a while to catch up on the pages! I hope everyone is doing well with their exchanges and revisions.
Just my opinion! Wear support for your foobs! I didn't wear any after my exchange, and mine have fallen a lot! They were low even with the TEs, but now even more, and I have had fat grafting which helped a little for the stepoff, but they still look saggy to me. I am very active:aerobics, kickboxing, walking, etc., and I seem to get the best support from my sportsbras, but I actually have deep indents on my shoulders from my bras trying to hold these girls up!
Deborah, I have been giving myself time to think carefully about what I will do, and I am at the point where I am thinking about going smaller and getting another lift. Before I do that, I will get a second opinion. I have been busy with other appts, but the problem is not going away, I am uncomfortable with these, and I don't know what to do. I know I complain a lot about this, but I don't have anyone else to complain to, my DH doesn't want me to do another surgery, and I'm scared of complications, too. You seem to be the closest to me in issues, which is why I always whine to you:). Thanks for all that you give on this site. It is appreciated.
Laura, I'm saying a little prayer for your salon business. You sure don't need this on top of everything else.
On a lighter note, it snowed here yesterday!!!! That just never happens here! It is beautiful! I posted a pic on FB under Dena Engel, if anyone is interested.
Have a great weekend!
Deen
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Hello All,
Well yesterday I finally had a breakdown moment I was shopping for a bra and noticed rippling near cleavage area so something you just cant hide needless to say didn't buy anything left the store sobbing and thinking here we go again one day I will look somewhat normal wont I.......
I am trying soooo hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but cant seem to right now sorry venting I guess.........I thought I seen this a couple do days ago(maybe I didn't want to admit it) but the swelling is going down and becoming very noticeable now does this get worse with time? Welcome Johnson7599
Mary I hope you are feeling better today
Annie7216 I had that with my te poking out at the bottom of it near the fold area
Bonnie I am glad all went well for you
Hugs Carolyn
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I just watched the Pink Glove Dance - I burst into tears...... Funny, just when you think you have cried all your tears - you find more...
Allison
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LOL~~~ will have to think of a fun ringtone for that cell phone hook up!!!! YOU are so funny JAN! I can't run outside year round, so when it is colder than 50 I go on a treadmill, so I have not noticed the rib pain yet. And I have both my boobs so it is hard to compare but they stay pretty cold for an hour or so....another invention! We could be a cooler! A new beer commercial for October football!!! LOL- I guess I will find out more on the ribs on our annual ski trip! I'll let you know.0
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Hi all,
I'm amazed how many very active women are on this site - skiiing, running, kickboxing, etc. - yet.... cancer. I remember after my first cancer dx asking my doc what I could do to avoid another recurrence.... he basically said "Nothing" since I was already vegetarian and exercising.... craziness....
Carolyn2088 - my heart goes out to you. I haven't even had my exchange yet, but I could see me having the same reaction amidst the bras at a lingerie store. Keep venting. It is important.
Jan - your humor is soooo appreciated - LOL!
And the word "fubbles"..... again, thanks for the beautiful humor.
Prayers are out for your salon Laura! I'm sure you do beautiful work! And Karen - how is your shoulder?
Peace,
Geena
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Carolyn2008 ~
Why is it that it that we are crying so much?? I remember as I would go to check out bras, I would stand in front of the mirror trying on countless styles to see which one made me look the most "normal"... I sometimes would just start crying & head for home not wanting to "deal" with it! I believe we think we are invincible to our emotions but we just have to realize we are human.
This is why we are all here...we are here to comfort each other! Hang in & I will try to do the same.
Many hugs!
NAE
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Hello everyone,
I've been busy lately and now have 40 pages to catch up with! My nipple surgery which was scheduled for 12/4 was postponed because the PS had a family emergency. So now I am on for this coming Friday 12/11, and I'm getting nipples and also fat grafting to try to fix some rippling in my left boob.
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Deen: Could you post some new photos? I just wonder if you could have a little pinch pleat lift? My PS told me that you can tweek the implants upward and tighten the pocket by taking a tuck at the outer edges of the mastectomy scar. Did I mention that to you previously?0
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Estepp ~
That is hilarious about how the muscle contractions remind you that of a bodybuilder's. I felt like I was doing the "pectoral" dance...& good ole Arnold (Swartzenager) came in to mind! LOL!!
Hope business is going well...better.
NAE
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