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Exchange City

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Comments

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Finally back...

     Suzie this site is amazing it has helped me so much on my journey.  I also was one that my onco type test came back low so no checmo or rads for me.  The exchange I hope will be fine for everyone : - )

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited February 2009

    Hello girls

    I think Laura is focusing her attention on Moody's daug Olivia just as I am.  I just don't feel like getting on the site until I know Olivia is going to be OK.....I just check ever once in a while to see if Moody has posted anything.  We continue to pray for Olivia's doctors to find out what is wrong so that she can get the correct treatment to make her all better.  We ask that God put his hand on this family......

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited February 2009
     Recent news from Karen/Moody is posted on the Prayer site.
  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 94
    edited February 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    My bilateral exchange was 11/14 to silicone 550 high profile, smooth, and round.  My TEs were filled to 480, and I was expecting 500cc at exchange surgery.  My PS felt during surgery that the 550s looked better and were less likely to ripple.  At 5'3", I am a 36C.  My PS strongly recommends high profile after a mastectomy since you have no tissue projection of your own left.  She uses round to avoid any asymmetry if the implant shifts.  It was my understanding that the teardrop shaped implants are used to try and match a more..."mature" and sloping breast.  She also strongly recommends silicone after mastectomy for a more natural feel.  She says that saline is fine for augmentation where you still have a covering of natural breast tissue.

    I had the CV flap nipple reconstruction 1/22.  I'm hating the nipple protectors but only have to wear them for 2 weeks total.  I wasn't looking forward to sutures and scabs again after the exchange healed, but they are looking pretty natural if I use my imagination.  At first they looked like little burn victims in flying saucers from my vantage point.

    Good luck to all, and feel free to PM me if you have questions.  I'm not on the site as much as I used to be.  Life's getting back to normal, but I'll be around.

    Carol(AZ

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited February 2009

    Whippetmom, Jeansbeans & soccermom96,

     Thanks for the words, it all helps me. I think it is harder now because I have all this time to think about whether I want to go through it again. At my mastectomy, after the breast was removed the PS inserted the TE at the time of surgery and had inserted some fluid, so I was well on my way. 

    I can't wait until I can feel like I'm no longer on the sidelines waiting. I want to be an "under reconstruction" girl again!

    Candi

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2009

    Hello everyone! I am new here. My exchange is scheduled for February 24, so I thought I could use some help from those who have been there and done that.  Right now I just can't wait to get this cannonball off my chest!  "Iron bra" is an all-too-accurate term!

    Diane

    Dx 8/ll/2008, Stage 0, multifocal DCIS, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes

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

    Ladies, Hello.. new and old!

    Welcome to the newbies.

    Since there are a lot of exchanges coming up, maybe you would all post your dates and Jean could put them in here original topic. I am not sure how to do that.. but I bet if Linda or others pop in, they could tell Jean,

    I hope you all have been well, I have missed you in the past day...:)  I love my Ta Ta's!

    It sure is good to see Karen getting things working for Olivia... Us moms.... we can kick all Booty if our kids are involved huh! Good Job Karen!

    I have been thrown a little curve ball as of late.

    I had  my Herceptin yesterday.. ( Us Her2+++ gals need this med)... I told my oncologist that We were all so happy around our home with the outcome of my surgery and complete response to chemo..:).. I told her that we decided no rads for me and I am ready to do my yr of herceptin and get my silicone boobies next month.

    She told me she felt I was making a huge mistake, and so did the rads doctors there. She gave me one more week to think about it and get more opinions. She did make me feel like I was  a

    " Dead Woman Walking"... sooooooooooooooo I have had a tough 24 hrs... BUT.. I am regrouping and am feeling strong again. My PS gave me two Rads specialist here to see this week... Our Tracey here gave me her rads doc in VA that told her no rads ( Tracey and I have the same type of cancer and about the same DX.. and we are the same age).. so I was written to him.

    MD Anderson just came in today, and they would  advice me to do rads if I were there in TX. But if I chose not to... they would understand...

    I am having so much fun...NOT....LOL LOL

    Anyway... I am feeling stronger today and Everything with me will be just fine. I will make a Godly Decision, soon, and NOT look back. I just got thrown a scary curve ball.. and I WILL SURVIVE it... Yes I will... ~ Smiling with Faith~

    So, I wanted to post this for all who wrote me wondering if I was ok because with my "chatty" mouth on here...LOL LOL....and I had not been around. I just did NOT want anyone worrying about me and my issue when there are WAY bigger issues on BCO lately that needed your prayers and focus.... :)

    I love you gals and I feel much better and I just have to hit my curve ball... And I will! Rest assured!

    Now. back to your fun talks about exchanges and the great boobs you are going to all have !!!

    Moody... you get that kid home soon... and give those doctors  H. E. Double toothpicks if needed sister.. I have FULL faith in you!

    My Love ladies!

    Ta Ta Sisterhood!

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

    Candi.. I have not had the honer of meeting you . Hello.. You have had  a really big curb ball too friend. Well... I will just say it... THAT SUX!

    I would, personally try again one more time. Don't give in if that is where you heart is leading you. This is what I would do if I were you.

    If I cried and mourned my breasts after TE did not work out the 1st time. If my heart hurt... I would try one more time and suck up all pain and take all pain pills they gave me... and give it all I had , one more time to the Ta Ta Sisterhood.

    We will back you an whatever you choose. It is your body ! Your call!

    Love and blessings,

    Laura

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

    Ps Candi.. if I have to have Rads.. I will be on those sidelines with you... and we can do it together... I will be there for you if you want me to be!

  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2009

    Hi Girls,

    I didn't have tissue expaners at the time of my bil. mast. which was on 1/9/09.

    I was lucky enough that my BS did skin sparring surgery and my PS went right to implants.

    I have silcone implants. The brand is Allergan Natrelle. You might want to check out their web site www.natrelle.com They have a list of Dr's who use them incase you need a PS. Just enter your zip code.

    Good luck to you all and be well,

    Ann

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Hi Laura,

    I am praying you make a decision that you can feel comfortable with. One that will allow you to not look back. Every one is different. I take tamoxifen because I am hormone receptor+ as well as her2+, and my tumor grade was a 2. We do have a few differences but not extreme. I would go back and talk to the breast surgeon as well as the other opinions, pray, speak with Dr Arthur, sleep on it, then make a well informed decision. I am in your corner and praying for God to give you answers. What ever you decide...your gonna be fine!

    Tracey

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited February 2009

    I just posted an update on Olivia over on the Prayer topic.

    Keep praying

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited February 2009

    Laura,

     It's an honor to meet you too! Don't you hate having to continue making decisions about BC? Right now I am living in the frozen tundra, but I really think my outlook about trying this all again may change as spring approaches. It's hard to feel optimistic when it's dark at 4pm and it's -16!

    I think I'm leaning more toward trying again. I turn away when I change my clothes so my husband doesn't have to look at it any more than he has to. I can't see doing that for the rest of my life. I will know more at my next appointment in two weeks, but my PS said I was healing ahead of schedule. I nver had to have chemo or rads so that is a big plus.

    I hope they will find that you don't need rads. It's a tough decision to make, but all we can do is get the most information we can and then make the right choice for ourselves. I'll be prayinig for you in this.

    Candi

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

    HI ladies..and thanks for your thoughts.

    Tracey.. Dr. Arthur is awesome.. you were right. He was so kind. Who to me twice... looked at my information. He gave me one more Rads. Doc to see here, but did tell me that Dr Wall... who I see now, is one of the best of the best of the best.

    Today, I just received word from Dr Arthur that he agrees I should do rads. He said there really are not % out there they can give ladies with my exact situation.

    So.. I need to talk to my BS and find out why she told me no rads.. no way... She is also know here in KC for being..." the best"... Dr Arthur knew her too...

    Anyway.. Tracey, thank for for your help and all ladies for your encouragement. We really do all have it tough in our own way with our own cancer....:(

    We CAN do it though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Love!!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Laura I think you got ladies fighting for you in every corner so no matter what you decide it all will work out.

    I just want to share the other night my friend called and said to turn the news on.  They were going to talk about radiation and breast cancer.  I guess there is a new clinical trial being done about a 3 week radiation instead of 6 weeks.  Just thought I would mention it since you might be doing it.  I'm not sure if this is a stronger radiation and would maybe more be for gals that had lumpectomy.  I'm not really sure just want to share any knowledge I have.

    Laura if you do rads I'm really hopeful everything will work out for you...

    I've heard of other gals that had the TE and had rads and all worked out just fine

    I know I don't have to say this but keep your chin up and never loose that great smile of yours

    if your sad at times it's ok to cry or be sad but just keep that faith

    Love all my ta ta sisters : - )

  • soccermom96
    soccermom96 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2009

    Hey Baxter----I keep thinking about the comment some friends made to you about the infection and "recon just not meant to be." I don't know why it nags at me, but it does. If you follow that logic, then recon should not happen for any of us.  And then what about the women with unilateral mastectomies?  Having only one breast is then completely against the laws of nature where symmetry rules all. Since the cancer was only on one side, the argument falls apart right there. Cancer can be one sided, recon can be one sided to realign with nature's symmetry; therefore, recon is good!   I sound like a total idiot (and I failed logic in college) but I hope you know I mean well.

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

    Sandy.. you are a DOLL.. you made me feel better too... My PS said my implants will be good... Most woman with Mast. do not need rads.. I fall in that really grey area. So I need the 30 day rad.. I did ask about it though.... you know I did...:)

    Soccermom.. you do not sound like an idiot!!! Not at all!..... and.. actually.. you sound smart and funny...:)

    Ladies... I wish Karen and her family was not hurting like this and so fearful... doesn't this just stink for them...:( I feel soooooooooooooooooooooo bad as we all do, and I do not even live ANYWHERE close where I could go give Karen a hug... eeeekkkkkkkk...

    Thank God she has a prayer chain and  Church family! NOT TO MENTION you beautiful ladies here.. you all rock!

  • AngelaD
    AngelaD Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2009

    Hello all -

    Exchange went very well today.  Steri-strips and white tape over the incisions.  Look good already - not sure what size implants went in, surgeon had a very busy day...will find out at the post op in 2 weeks!  

    Surgery was 3 hours, an hour in recovery and then back on the road to home.  Implants are much softer and more comfortable - nice to be rid of the iron bra feeling for the first time since 10/13!  Hope all other exchanges go well and I'll write more later!

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

    ANGELA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Happy you did it!!!!! It is over , and in a few weeks... your bobbies are gonna be the best. Thank you for coming to us and letting us know you are home and ok!!!

     You are the leader of the exchange city here... let us know what all of us will go through....

    I Hope you do hang here with us forever... our sisterhood!

    I hope you have little pain in the next week.. and after a month. love the results!

    Your Ta Ta sister!

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    YAY Angela!!

    Your done..mission accomplished. Glad to know there are "softer" days ahead for all  of us!

    Tracey

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited February 2009

    Laura,

    You have got to be one of the sweetest people I think I have ever met! I am so glad you got word from Dr Arthur I trust his judgement. The conflicting opinions can be frustrating. I would really talk to the surgeon and find out why she says no rads. I got a 2nd opinion from a surgeon after surgery who told me the same thing. I had 3 docs who said I should consider doing rad and 3 who said that I should not consider it. But when it is all said and done I think you have to do the thing that will not have you looking back. If you do the rads there are plenty of women that have had the expanders in and had no problems with rads. I have faith that you are gonna be fine no matter what. Your BC sisters are here for you and that includes me. Keep us posted.

    Tracey

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2009

    Angela - Way to go lady! You are our inspiration! Soft boobies here you are! Congratulations!

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited February 2009

    Laura, hoping you'll post us that all is well xoxox

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

    Awe, thank you Tracey, that was a very nice thing to say... I can be sweet... but I gots me a little ornery side too...LOLTongue out

    I had another rads doc call today and say he could not tell me 100% that he would have me do rads... so.. I am two and two. I am waiting on one more call to make up my mind,.

    Dr. Arthur said rads., Dr. Terry Wall said rads... MD said they would offer them... Dr. S. said he is not sure he would offer... Dr. Neblock said no rads.... so... 2 no's 2 yes's and one "offer"... this last call to come today or tomorrow will help me decide.

    BUT... Dr. Douglas Arthur and Dr. Terry Wall and the two highest respected Rad Onco's outside MD and places like that....

    Anyway.. I will let everyone know. Either way I have come to be ok with it.

    Thanks for the contacts Tracey and for offering up the complement to me....

    I feel so blessed to be part of a group like this.. all you women ROCK!

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited February 2009

    damn, I keep on screwing up...Laura, glad to hear you are doing well w your decision process, and I know you will do just fine with rads.....many ladies do, and get the ta tas anyway.

     I am unbelievably stubborn on this one...I had prior rads, and when I got my mtxmy, the skin broke thru.  I had potholes in the boob.  I said "damn it, they will heal" and they actually began to.  I had to get chemo, so was on the clock.  My wonderful PS stepped in and gave me a patch job with skin from my c section scar....bennie, I got a mini tummy tucky and a better looking scar.  The foobs healed up great, I do have some slight discoloration from the patches, but I am not telling you this to freak you out,,, rather to give you some understanding that, even when it totally doesn't work out, and they tell you it's not going to, that yeah, it still can be just fine.  Chances are GREAT that you will have nothing of this sort whatsoever, this is a worst case scenario....but here I am, foob and all.  So let it rain, just open up your umbrella.  And you know it's going to be fine, so many women gets rads with expanders, it's AOK.  Will be praying for you to get the best ever outcome.

    xoxo

    annie

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited February 2009

    p.s. laura, just posted when you did............get that ornery side up and going gal, whatever you decide is whatever YOU decide, right?  No right, no wrong, just info from good sources and when you are faced with that: well, take awhile, sleep on it, pray, and go with your gut.

    We are all rooting for you, whatever you do.  AND you will have your beautiful boobies. 

    xoxo

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

    You all are so crazy kind to me...... THANK YOU!    xoxo

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited February 2009

    Update on Olivia at Prayer site

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited February 2009

    Angela so happy things sound like they went well for you

    I'll continue to pray for all my friends

    I won't be home much this weekend with going to my friends benifit Friday night

    So if you don't see me posting know I will still be thining of all of you

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

    I hope the benefit turns out great Sandy!

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