Exchange City
Comments
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Sorry I didn't post yesterday when I got home but I couldn't hold my head up or stay awake. I felt like they gave me enough anesthesia for 10 people.
I only took one pain pill and switched to ibuprophen since my stomach began to act up and that is working fine. I feel sore but no pain. I am wrapped in guaze and a large amount of ace bandages so I can't see a thing. I usually went home with a surgical bra so she told me I could switch to that after I take my first shower on friday, which is also new. I of course am trying to peak and I can see that they are touching and showing awesome cleavage but I am retaining a lot of fluid in my face and hands so I imagine they are swollen too.
I don't know about the rest of you but I am so happy to see the end of 2009! I welcome 2010, when life can begin anew!
laura, I am sorry I missed your anniversary date. I am so happy for you to have crossed that milestone. I bet you felt like a medal should have been placed around your neck after the long hard battle, you won the race!! Hooray for you.
Diane, I am going back a few pages but I think the friend of a friend that went golfing two weeks after surgery was not a good person to measure your progress against. She was taking a huge risk, especially with all the arm movement golf requires. Don't beat yourself up for taking some time, you will have the best results for doing so.
I am hoping all of you who are experiencing pain are able to get some relief.
Happy New Year! I feel it will be a year of healing and continued life and many blessings for all of us! Jean, thank you for starting this thread.
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Hi Nedeza, I am here on Exchange site: I remember your words. Hope to see you there...
You gals are still well ahead of me with terminology of this site, however, I wanted to say PS mentioned March, even though he could not give me 2nd fill due to little scab, we will try again in 3 weeks, but should not effect the MARCH date. PLEASE, MARCH, HURRY.
I hope I am not repeating but I have blogged on quite a few of these threads:
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year.
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Ronqt1: I'm holding on for a March exchange too
--we CAN make it!! Sorry to hear your fill was postponed again but glad to hear it won't interfere wtih your timing for exchange.Take care. Dani42: I'm glad that you are home and feeling well.
Laura: You have come so far since last year! Thanks for offering your love and support on this site. Your posts give hope to so many here. I pray that 2010 brings relief and renewal for you.
Whippetmom: Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge with us here. It's great to have someone here who takes the time to help us sort out the info on the implant websites and make sense of it relative to our individual situations.
Happy New Year to all of my EC sisters!! May it be everything we hope for!
TCK
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Diane - I can guarantee I will NOT be moving for months after surgery! After having these TE's end up practically on my back, I'll do anything to keep the new implants, when I get them in place! (Months is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean).
Dani - Congrats! Sleep, sleep, sleep. Heal, heal, heal.
Terri and NAE - I also like "Barely There" at Kohl's. It is very soft inside, stretchy, I was able to adjust it very tight for my unradiated side and very loose for my radiated side and it was comfie.
Jan - Thank you for your kind words. Zowee. And I happened to read them when I was feeling kind of low - so (((((( hug to you))))).
Karen - I hear you about the "cancer job". I've wondered about that for myself. I was just diagnosed with a 3.8 cm thyroid nodule (biopsy on 1/8/10) taking up the majority of the right lobe of my thyroid and my first thought was - "I gotta find other work". I do think there is something to how stress and frustration and the cortisol levels in our body can affect us over time. What else is the body to do? I know I spend so much time talking myself into this and that because I have to pay the bills- but I also know how unfulfilled, frustrated and sadI can feel.... I too have vowed to make vocational changes this year. I'd love to make my living as an artist, but there's that BILLS thing!! I must say I liked the idea of you in a natural food store.... felt calm and kind...
I'm off to see a friend of mine in NYC for the weekend. She was a friend who was very upset with me when I "wouldn't let her" take care of me after my bilat mx. I love her, but she is pretty high anxiety and I knew that wouldn't be good for me post surgery. We're over it now... hope to have some fun for a change.
Geena
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Dani - SO glad to hear you're home and doing okay
. Laura - I've been thinking about you and wondering how you're doing! I'll pm later, maybe tomorrow 
...I hear ya about now wanting anything more done for awhile, I'm right there with you too!I wanted to wish my older son, Matthew, HAPPY BIRTHDAY today, he turns 16! I don't know what I'd do without my two amazing boys (Aaron's 14). I always tell people I wish I had four more just like them, they're the best!
I am feeling better this a.m., sat and massaged all night, stretched, and I do feel a little better (who'da thunk??). SO nice to sleep in the next few days....as Laura says, WOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!
As for everyone else, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! WISHING ALL OF YOU A HAPPY, JOYFUL AND BLESSED 2010! I'm with a lot of you, let's put 2009 in the past and here's to an awesome 2010!!!
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Sorry Geena, the surgery I was referring to was my bi-mx, not exchange
it was a friend of a friend who had a bi-mx right before me.... my friend was always telling me, so-and-so went back to work already, so-and-so feels great, so-and so- is golfing, I just wanted to punch her already.... ok maybe not really. Off to a day of mani, pedi and pampering for the mama (that's me
), then dinner with the fam! 0 -
Happy New Year!!!
For me 2009 has been the worst year of my life and it is only fitting there will be a blue moon tonight. I have high hopes for 2010 and am going to kick 2009 and all it's memories to the curb!!! ADIOS jerky year!!!!
Hoping all of you have your best year ahead of you. Blessings.
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Hello Sisters! Glad to say bye to 2009, and ready to embrace 2010!
Geena--I hope the biopsy goes well. Yes, we must find work that cares for us and feeds us as well. I"m reading a book right now for school, my micro human behavior class, called "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers." Interesting. Have a good time in NYC, and maybe you can work towards making a living as an artist.
Laura--You do so much! I hope you have a relaxing celebration with family and friends.
Deborah--- Just thanks for being you.
Jan--I agree with Geena, those words you wrote were perfect.
Dani--So happy all seems well. Looking forward to hearing how the unveiling goes!
There are so many of you that have touched me during this year. I thank and love all of you, and wish each of you healing, health, and happiness in 2010.
Love and Hugs--Karen
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To all my new friends...I am feeling more like myself these days...finally. Here is something I want to share....
2009 brought compassion from all who cared. It started a journey that should'nt be shared. Lucky for me I have such great friends. They were there at the beginning and up to the end.Being grateful and humbled in something I have learned. Becoming a survivor is something I've earned. I couldn't have done it without all of you. Paying it forward is what I will do. I have angels in heaven and angels on earth. I can't put a value on what that is worth. All my prayers were answered from up above. I could'nt have done it without all the love. I can't wait to get going and back to the norm. I've weathered the worst, I got through the storm. Somethings are better if they are left behind. That's how I feel about 2009.
Cheers to all. Be safe. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!0 -
To all the Ta Ta Sisters: May you have a Happy and Joyful New Year. It's wonderful we get to start over again and put 2009 behind us.
I am a better person because of all of you. I am forever grateful because of the love and kindness you have shown me. Here's to 2010 !!! Raise a glass!! JUDY
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gcarter ~ Could not have put my feelings into words any better than you did!!!!!
Cheers and Happy New Year to all!!!
Now that I think of it, for me 2010 can be the Year of the Nipples . . . .
Colleen
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Here is to nipples 2010....okay heres to one nipple..lol
I am so grateful for everyone here. I have learned so much from all of you. You all inspired me, gave me hope and never asked for nothing in return.
Thanks
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gcarter ~
THAT was BEAUTIFUL!!! So many of you are so eloquent with the most expressive kindness in each & every word!!!
Laura, Deborah, Rockwell, Kew, Jan, Geena, Janet, Angel10, Alitman, Lilah, Kistenka, Ronna, Diane, Colleen, Peg, Cheri TCK, and to all the others...so many to count...& remember all the names. You know who you are!! I could not have done it without any one of you. I feel like I went back to school & became educated again...with love & compassion..& came out with a certificate of a life more wonderful than can be imagined!
Thanks for HOLDING MY HAND THROUGH THIS WHOLE JOURNEY!
With love & respect to all of you! XOXO
NAE
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...and yes...here's to NIPPLES 2010!!! Like gcarter...one anyway!
!NAE
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I am looking forward to nipples too!
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Beautifully put gcarter! My sentiments exactly!
Blessings in 2010!
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Hello I am brand new to this so forgive my lack of knowledge about the lingo here. I am 55 and single and will be having the bilateral mas. and begin the process of expanders followed my implants soon. can anyone tell me how long I might need someone to stay with me at home those first few days post op? This whole process sounds soooo long till I get the final foobs, I am glad I found this place as I think it sounds like a complicated prolonged process. I dont have cancer I have atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia and a very high risk family history ...obviously a big decision to do this but Ive made up my mind and just want to get going now. thanks to anyone who might be able to tell me: this is hard to do alone.--kathy
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Just stopping by to wish everyone a very healthy and happy New Year. You've all been an inspiration and an ever so dear lifeline for me. I couldn't have walked this journey without you holding my hand and keeping me steady and focused when fear and uncertainty took over. We are all in this together, sisters...........
So many thanks to Deborah, Laura (for your never-ending enthusiasm), Kew, Judy, Rockwell, Cheri, Geena, Mai, Dani, Colleen and all the others who make this site so powerful and healing.
Dani: Glad you're doing well. Rest and take care. Hope your unveiling tomorrow is AWESOME!
I'll be thinking about all of you at midnight. About all the trials we've all been through this past year and praying for a healthy 2010 for all.
Cheers,
Terri
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Kathy!
Welcome and you made a good choice!
I had a bilateral mastectomy 10/15/09 and I had some one stay with me for two weeks as I live all alone... by Halloween (2 weeks post op) I was driving my stick shift car all by myself and just stuffed the drains in my pants pockets!
I am doing the expansion thing right now and it does seem like it will take forever! but when it is over I will have perky boobs that are not trying to kill me!
Let me know if there is anything I can help with!
Kimberly
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I think Cheri summed it up pretty well, Adios, jerky year! There were many good things about the year too. Perspective, my views have changed on what is worthy of my time. EC provided me with compassion and understanding from the heart felt words from sisters who have "walked the walk". I used your experiences and advice to formulate questions for my PS. I think my outcomes were good, because of your stories on what to do and what not to do. Thank you seems so insignificant.
Anniversaries of dates: I had just gotten home this time last year from my mx. That was also the day I had the big melt down. I remember having my husband help me out of the shower. This was the first time I saw my mutilated body in the mirror. I was shocked at the scar, the flatness, and how awful it looked. I looked up and saw my DH's face in the mirror and saw pity and tears on his face. I lost it. Everything that I had held in for weeks came out, fear, rage, grief, and wondering if I could have "saved" my breast. What a difference a year makes. I am in a much better place and cancer free.
Geena, I had a thyroid tumor removed in 1992, it was turning into cancer. The biopsy was pretty easy as I remember. I had a partial thyroidectomy and so far, so good. Keep us posted and I keep you in great thoughts.
Dani, Whooo Hoo! I am glad that you are close to the unveiling of your new girls. Take it easy and have a great recovery. I really got your point about the friend that was "hurt" that you didn't accept her help. My sister was crushed that I didn't "need" her. She would have smothered me and I didn't need her then. I did need her when it came to shopping for a new bra and getting back to normal. I couldn't deal with her pity.
NAE, You made me Cry. Deborah, your research is amazing and your help is a saving grace.
Ronna, Welcome and March will be here before you know it. I can't wait for March either, I will get my tattoo and the end to a very long journey. There are a lot of sisters scheduled for exchanges and procedures that month, so it will be eventful.
g-Carter, So you are a uniboober like me? I got a new fipple 10 days ago. It looks so much like the other one. My mx side is a little wonky, but the nipple looks good. Hopefully the scar tissue will round out and the PS can tuck in the "dog ear".
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank you all for being my cyber friends this past year. JEAN, thanks for starting this forum.
Jan
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gcarter, that was beautiful. It is so easy to focus on the negative but what a gift you have in pointing out the many gifts this year has brought as well. Wishing you the best!
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fairportlad,
My mastectomy was feb. 23rd so it is a little hard for me to remember the healing process but I think my husband went back to work after 2 days and I did fine on my own. Everyone is different though. I was able to shower and get my own food, and take care of my drains and just rest. You may want to plan on more help then you think you need just to be on the safe side.
Terri,
It sounds like you are feeling good? Are you happy with your results so far? I am sure I will be happy with my results because there is no way I would ever do this again! LOL They do seem bigger but no too big from what I can see. The left is making squishy sounds! I think Lorraine had mentioned something similar after her exchange. I am really surprised at how good I feel.
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wabiwoman (and others with "wandering" TEs) -has your PS used alloderm to build/stabilize the TE "pocket"?
Alloderm may also be helpful to those whose incisions don't close well.
I don't recall reading about it here, but then I haven't read all 300 plus pages - just the last 15-20.
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CherylinSI,
Alloderm was used in my original bilat mx/expander placement. My exchange is soon, so .... letting go. Thanks for the info though!
Geena
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DANI: You have to know how excited I am for you and how I anxiously await photos of the new girls. I feel like a godmother to them.....LOL!!! Please heal and get well and rest....you are loved!!!
Deborah
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Deborah--Thanks for sending me to Linda's massage link but for some reason I couldn't get it to run. Any tricks involved?
I loved your infomercial disclaimer. Please add: but if you, or anyone you know, experience death...Honestly!
Still seeking info on the 'drop and fluff' phenomenon. Any hints to hurry it along?
Happy, happy,
Bobbi
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Bobbi: I'll try to find another link. But re: drop and fluff, which in my personal opinion is a term I wish had never come to be....it is just a matter of waiting. Some never "drop" - in fact - most breast recon patients never drop and had better HOPE they do not drop. There are only a few gals who have had a need to "drop" after the exchange and I think they number about three thus far. There are stabilizer bands to help with the drop issue. As for "fluffing", well it might happen quite a bit for some and it might not happen much at all. It happened very minimally for me.
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fairportlady55: Welcome to our group. I had BLM with tissue expander placement in Sept. I had someone with me for 2 weeks. My PS did not want me really raising/lifitng my arms until the drains were removed and after that no lifting. With careful planning (mainly for meals) I could have shortened that by a few days probably. Let us know if you have more questions.
Here's to new foobs and fipples in 2010!! Happy New Year to All!!
TCK
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Thanks Deborah, but no hurry. With your 'disclaimer' I learned I need to wait a couple of months to try the message anyway. My PS did say to start coaxing the foobs together to enhance the cleavage. When he did it, he pushed them inwards, almost to giving pain.
I could use a little drop. I look a bit like my 13 year old granddaughter. Perpetually perky. On the other hand, if I never drop I still look better than I have for years.
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Okay, for those of you who do feel that the pectorals are a bit tight and the implants are sitting high [Terri and Bobbi], the following exercises could easily be performed now to begin to gently release and relax the pectoral muscles.
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