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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Meghan
    Meghan Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2009
    Texas ~ WOW! I'm so sorry that happened. I hope it wasn't as bad as I'm picturing it in my head. Thank you for the info and I hope everything goes smoothly (very smoothly) for you in the future. My chest hurts just thinking about what you went through. Frown
  • udpt82
    udpt82 Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2009

    Meghan, Texas and anyone else whose incision opened~ My exchange was done 12/1, and this past weekend two small spots opened on the incision on the radiated side.  PS saw me Monday and today and says it doesn't appear to be full thickness.  I am just hoping it heals.  If it opens more, she wants me to use Calcium Alginate Silver to help it heal.  Unfortunately, I am having trouble finding this or finding out if my insurance covers it.  The later is secondary, because I wil buy it out-of-pocket if needed.  

    I am curious what other PS did if the incision started to open and how many people were able to heal anyway.

    Also, thanks for suggesting a bra fitting at Nordstroms.  After this all passes I will consider it, but I am a little uncomfortable going for a fitting with my foobs.  Am I crazy??

    Happy holidays to all and a very happy and healthy 2010!

    Patti 

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

    Shoshi -- there are different kinds of biopsies... most are done with a local anesthetic (like core needle or stereotactic needle) -- but there is also something called an exisional biopsy where, basically, they remove the lump and examine it (pretty much a lumpectomy).  Your niece's mom needs to ask more questions.  There may be nothing wrong with what they are planning.  But without knowing what it is, it's hard to comment here.  I do know that the needle biopsy can detect cancer but is NOT 100% reliable for the details one needs.  I, for example, had a sterotactic needle biopsy when they found suspicious calcifications at my annual mammogram... and while it did identify that I had cancer, the initial diagnosis was DCIS (no evidence of invasive cancer).  But when I had my first lumpectomy, it turned out I had IDC.  My current BS told me that the needle biopsies are ony 50% successful in identifying IDC.  So maybe what they are doing with your niece's mom is better.  In retrospect, had I known this, I might have opted for an exisional biopsy (which like a lumpectomy DOES mean going under anesthesia).

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited December 2009

    I just wanted to pop in and wish all of you a Merry CHRISTmas and a very happy 2010....

    I am praying for all of you who are having problems.  This can be a tough journey even if we do not have problems.  Blessings to all....

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

    Linda.... I like the picture... sweet sister... Merry CHRISTmas to you too.... you enjoy all the Church events and please know I am praying for dear Jordan and his parents.... We have a child ( 25 now) up the street just like Jordan... I do understand...

    Mucho blessings sisters..

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited December 2009

    I don't post anymore my dears, but you are all in my heart this christmas....

    Anyone who needs me or wants me, please give me a shout out PM and I will answer you!

    Love to all of you

    Annie

  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 266
    edited December 2009

    Shoshi: As Lilah said in her post, sometimes an excisional biopsy is needed which can require having a breathing tube and being put to sleep. When I found my lump, the surgeon did a fine needle aspiration in her office with local anesthesia. It came back negative. Because of  my strong family history the surgeon said I should have the excisional biopsy done for more definitive results. I guess they call it an excisional biopsy when they do not know if it is cancer or not. If they know that it is cancer then they call it a lumpectomy but it's basically the same procedure. For me the procedure was done at an ambulatory surgical center.

    udpt82: When I got fitted at Nordstrom's I did not have to remove my sports bra. The woman working seemed very understanding and professional. I do understand your hesitation though.

    To those recovering from recent surgeries or setbacks, I will pray for healing and comfort.

    TCK

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas to you all and a better year in 2010.  May peace wash over us as we continue this life with hope and prosperity.

    God Bless! 

  • LizziesNuNu
    LizziesNuNu Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2009

    Good Morning ladies,

    I'm here. Slept all day and night, didn't realize it was going to hurt as bad as it does. Oh well, thank God for good drugs.

    Thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers, I don't get to "unwrap" my gift until Christmas Day. Very fitting don't you think? Anyway, I'm looking forward to it. PS was able to do 500cc, so am glad for that, she wasn't for sure she was going to be able too. All I wanted was at least the same as my God given ones.

    Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas, they are calling for SNOW here in North Texas. I hope it does, will be a nice touch for a crazy year.

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas to all!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas to those that celebrate!  Happy Holidays for those who celebrate for other events. 

    I had a post about 3/4 written out to post here and the power failed and I lost it.  So I am trying to catch up.  Needless to say forgive me if I didn't welcome you if you are new and if you are having a problem, a prayer was said.  

    Firni, Thanks for the reminder of the product used as a nipple filler.  I took this to my PS and he does do this but only if the nipple goes totally flat.  So far so good, but it has only been 48 hours.  He did tell me to protect it like priceless art, as the new nip has a fragile blood supply and he doesn't want this squished or compressed.  This PS is so great.  I have never seen a bill from him, nor has he accepted a co-pay.  He does reconstuction for BC as his gift.  He really is very good.

    NAE,  Thanks for the baby bottle nipple suggestion to protect the nip.  I bought on, cut it down and it was OK but it compressed around the base of the new girl too much.  I found that if I took two corn pads, (the ones for your feet) put 2 of them sticky side together, enlarge the hole and It works and doesn't cause pressure.  The silicone wasn't soft enough for my breast.  I keep a piece of gauze over the corn pad to keep the neosporin in place.  

    Laura, I wrote you something last night from one of your posts here, but it got lost.  Have a great Christmas.  I am headed on the 3 hour tour from Ventura Co to Newport Beach today.  If we are lucky we will get there in under 4 hours.  I hate CA traffic.  Jan

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

    Jan how inventive!  I love that.  Corn pads.

    Everyone have a wonderful Christmas and Joyous New Year!  That's an order!  (My father used to call me Lucy when I was a child -- very bossy ;)

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2009

    Oh, sweet Sisters, out for a few days and so far behind on the thread.  Jan--YAY, Wendy--happy you are home.  Terri--glad you are happy!  I'm sorry if I missed other comments.

    You are all the most extraordinarily kind and beautiful women I could ever hope to stumble upon during such a scary time in life.  I wish you all Happy Holidays, for for 2010, robust health, love of our bodies, happiness, and that we all challenge ourselves to do something we may not have prior to bc.  I'm going to try and walk the Portland Marathon in October. I now have a personal trainer--so we can't afford to eat, but hey I'm worth it--I turn 50 in 2010--I will be a strong Ta Ta Sister.

    Watching the news and they just showed Bethlehem.  I was in the Church of the Nativity, 1981, it was less grand then and very humbling. We sang Silent Night--beautiful memory of an experience I was able to share with my mother.  Sorry for the digression, but makes me want to encourage everyone to make a trip to Israel, no matter what your faith is, it is a very powerful place. 

    Thank you so much for sharing your lives, I look forward to hearing more.

    Love and Hugs--Karen 

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone!!!  Six months ago I was devastated with the news of my diagnosis....then 2 months ago...I met all of YOU!  I cherish each & every one of YOU for the comfort & unity YOU all have shown.  Considering our circumstances...I feel very BLESSED to have met YOU!!!

    Many hugs & prayers for a wonderful, renewed NEW YEAR!!! 

    NAE

  • weet
    weet Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2009

    Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Healthy and very happy 2010.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited December 2009

    MERRY CHRISTMAS

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS

    AND FOR THE DOG LOVERS OUT THERE....

    http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/pdShell.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3173936/graphic1

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited December 2009

    Hmmmm.  I've a sense the boards will be quiet in the next days...  I have a question about something going on with one of my expanders (!), but I'll do some research on my own before burdening these boards.

    Wishing all of you, dear sisters, a beautiful holiday season and to all of us a very NEW Happy New Year!!!

    Peace and love,k

    Geena

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited December 2009

    What's going on Geena?

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited December 2009

    Geena:

    Post the question, I'm sure someone will answer, that is what we are all here for.

    Wendy

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited December 2009

    Glad to know I am not the only one who thought that coming out of exchange surgery I would look like I did before bc.  I also, am waiting for this "drop and fluff" that others have talked about.  I am not thrilled with the difference in the two sides although my PS just told me this week that it takes time for the exchange side to settle and the augmented side to lose some of the swelling (although I am not sure almost two weeks later it would still be swollen).  I am trying to move on and except what it is and be patient for results but that is very hard for me to do.

    Merry Christmas to you all!  Hope you all enjoy a wonderful time with family and friends!

    Thanks to you all for the support that you offer to each of us as we travel this path!

    Here's to 2010...Cheers!!!!!! 

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited December 2009

    Geena!

    Not all of us have lots to do for the holidays! 

    There is always someone on line!

    My TE's are giving me much discomfort this week and maybe someone will have a solution?

    Kimberly 

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

    Kim have you tried taking Advil?  Rubbing some lotion on the skin?  (Not sure what sort of discomfort you're having).  Stretching also helps.

    Today I fully embraced what you all mean by turtle shells :) 

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited December 2009

    Lilah

    I have not tried advil yet today, I am trying my best to stay off the Lortab I have. I usually allow myself 3 days of Lortab - then use tylenol & bayer after a fill. I guess this is getting harder the more fills I have. I have lots of back muscle pain & under my arms & on my sternum. I have figured out if I get queasy the pain is too much and I will take the Lortab.

    All that plus I am not at home this week so getting comfortable is not as easy... YEA for the internet!

    Hope everyone has a good evening & a Merry Christmas! I will be watching Sherlock Holmes at the theater tomorrow!

    Kimberly

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

    Kim -- the nurses in my PS's office told me advil is better for the muscle pain, for what it's worth.  I'm sure you're right that it hurts more as they fill more.  When I was going through chemo my ONC told me to take 600 mgs every 4 hours (instead of the 200 mg recommended on the package) for pain I had from the SEs.... so I've been taking that much now and haven't had very much pain.  I do notice that if several hours go by without the pills, I do feel pain.  So it must be doing something. 

    Also, if you put lotion on your foobs, don't put it on the scars (that's what my nurse told me so just passing that along).

    Oh yes we are going to see SHERLOCK HOLMES this weekend too!  Can't wait!

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited December 2009

    The PT had shown me a simple stretch, using a weight less then 5 lbs, lay on your back and extend both arms directly in front of you, slowly bring your arms above your head and as far down as is comfortable. Do it very slowly,and take little breaks in between, I found the stretch offered some relief, also gently massaging the skin in between the breasts and at the collar bone helped. Stay away from heat, as I am now the walking PSA for the dangers of the innocent looking heating pad.

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited December 2009

    Thank you! and I am so sorry you lost the implant. I was on the phone with a friend this morning who is also a victim of a heating pad and is losing her TE from it.

    My heart is breaking for both of you.

    Kimberly

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited December 2009
    Kimberly:  Hope you are taking these fills VERY SLOWLY and with minimal volume each fill.  There is no rush through this process.  The slower the better. 
  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited December 2009

    Thanks!

    I think I am getting 50cc each week.

    I love my results but now that I am over 600cc I am feeling the pain!

    I just took the 600 mg of advil suggested, hoping this will work tonight.

    Kimberly

    Geena? any questions? see people are still here on the holidays!

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited December 2009

    Lilah, why did your PS say not to put lotion on your scars?  My PS told me I should put lotion on them.

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited December 2009

    Kimberly

    Thank you for your kind words.I still don't know how to feel about it, its kind of not real yet. I hope that once I know what the time frame is for putting an expander in,that I will be able to feel the ground under my feet again.

    Wendy

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