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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited January 2010

    Kimberly -- I have my capable BF giving me regular massage of my shoulder blade (he's very good even though not a pro and the important thing is it relieves me)... I should probably check out Massage Envy though.   Glad to know I am not alone in this very particular and odd sensation (the too tight bra you can't take off).  Yeah I prefer to be off the drugs as much as possible but agree that the first few days post-fill are definitely good ones for drugs :)

    Lilah

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Hi ladies~

    So many postings...& the concerns about asymmetry & so on have been what I have been dwelling on these last few days!  I should have jumped on sooner to see that some of you are going through the same feelings I have been having lately.  A couple days ago I really noticed that my MX side had some dimples...& that rippling that some of you have talked about.  Yet, yesterday I did not notice it as much...why is that???  I see my PS next week (7 wks.post op) & wish I was confident enough to ask more questions.  My PS is also very laid back & pretty much has said we'll see like Blessed mentioned about her PS.  For the most part...I have been happy, but for some reason I have been noticing some changes...such as the rippling/dimpling.  My aug. side is dropping/fluffing more but will still need at lift.  I have to agree with my PS, when she did the exchange & contemplated on the lift at the same time as the augmentation, the healthy side with the new implant looked even with the MX side during the surgery...if you look at my pics a day after exchange you probably would agree as well.  Thus, she chose not to do the lift right away.   Now, my aug. side has decided to drop/fluff while my MX is ever so slightly dropping.  About the rippling/dmpling...I feel like the indents are caused by my muscles.  I certainly am not trying to flex my pecs but they have a mind of their own!  LOL!  Just wiping down my kitchen table causes them to feel "weird".

    Ok...enough!   Thanks Jan1 for checking up on me.  I hope to get off this roller coaster of emotions soon!

    Jean ~

    Thank goodness about your mother's diagnosis.  Continual thoughts & prayers!

    NAE

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2010
    Nedza:  So funny that you mentioned the dimples/rippling because last night I took a good look at my progress and noticed this on my exchange side also.  I am just 4 weeks out of surgery and am wondering why this looks this way and will it get better or what the heck it even is.  It kind of looked to me almost like maybe too much loose skin possibly???  Who knows but one more thing on my list to ask my PS next Wednesday when I see him.  So surprised to hear your seeing the same thing.  Hopefully we will both get the answers to these questions we have!  I am trying to get myself to be more assertive with my PS...I always think he is the professional and knows way more than I do so don't know how I can go in and tell him what you think you should have in regards to size and profile and the whole gambit.  Let's hope we wake up tomorrow and it all looks like it should, wouldn't that be nice! 
  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2010
    don23:  Do you know why your PS says to wait a couple of months before having an additional surgery?  Is it that he is hoping it might still change and the surgery would not be needed?  I am afraid that I may be losing my insurance at the end of March and would rather have any additional surgeries I may need, done while I still have the insurance.   Agree that wine does sound good!!
  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Blessed!  I never noticed until a few days ago...about the rippling or whatever it is.  I saw a reflection of myself in a window & I actually could see the dimples on my upper pole area!  No one else seems to know it is there...like my DH.  What you said about the loose skin is what I feel  too.  It (MX) looks like an under inflated balloon BUT today it wasn't as noticeable...hmm.  Ok...you can tell me what your PS said & I will post the same...LOL!

    Trying to be patient...

    NAE

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    Welcome Psalm... :)....

    Lilah and Weet... SO GREAT TO SEE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it sisters! Wahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

    01/05 - Shoshi- BMX w/ immediate reconstruction..using 1 step (completed)

    1/7 - Celine - Exchange surgery

    1/8/10 - terrij152 - Exchange surgery

    GIRLS>>> HUGE HUGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW ARE YOU DOING????????

    Terri........ GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

  • don23
    don23 Member Posts: 213
    edited January 2010

    Blessed - my PS told me he doesn't do any revisions at least for a few months after exchange. He said that things have to settle and the swelling has to go down. He probably wants to make sure the other side doesn't need any revisions I guess. I don't think my smaller side (left side) will change for the better. The rippling seems to be getting worse as things settle....ugh!!!!!! The right side looks pretty good though! He told me to come back in February and we will discuss further so I am trying to sit tight. I am not a patient person. Does anyone know if nipples can be done at the same time of my revision surgery or do I have to wait another three months for it to settle again???????

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    NAE and others dealing with the now to perfect.reconstruction... hang in there. It does take so much more time.. than just an exchange for about 80% of us... ( from my PS)... tweaking it all is usually the norm.... You are wonderful, beautiful women..... just allow some time to get the results you are happy with.

    (((HUGS)))

    I have 8-10 inches of snow EVERYWHERE HERE... wahooooooooooooooooooo.......lol....... just want all to be safe... but I sure love seeing my home sitting in the middle of three acres of snow......:) :)

    Hubby... IS WANTING TO MOVE TO LONG BEACH, CA.... LOL...

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    Rippling...I few different ideas.

    My rippling was fixed by 90% ( now that all settling is done) with larger implants. Now..others were fixed with fat graphs done 2-3 times ( and they ARE workin on making this a one time thing)..Deborah just got this done... she will pipe in soon...

    The rippling a do have.. when I bend over at the waist.. .. "for me" would not be enough for fat grafting.

    If I had a drop off or no upper pole due to thin skin or a LOT of tissue removed at mast.... I would do fat grafting for that..

    ((((((HUGS)))))))

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    ESTEPP ~

    Thank you!!!  You & all the rest have been so comforting & encouraging!!!

    Your is on 3 acres of snow!?!!!???   Wow!  I am certain this must be a beautiful sight!  Long Beach??  I am just minutes away!  As much as I have to admit loving our beautiful weather here in CA...it must be awesome to have that much land!!!!

    Take care!

    NAE

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Estepp~

    I do see a lot more of this rippling when I bend over at waist but then I thought how often am I going to go around bent over!!!  LOL!  Ok..ok ...those of you that watch SITC...no comment!  Wink!  I cannot believe I said this!  At least I am chuckling!!! Laughing

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    NAE.. there sure are a lot of you in Cali.....:)

    My Dh loves the Long Beach Weather.. and the Catalina ( sP) Islands...:) We stated on the Queen Mary a few years back on his 40th B.day...:) He loves that stuff.... lol

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    PS... Having three Acres where I Live... Not a big deal like having three acres in Cali...:)...

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010

    Lilah:  Yes.. extensive family history of BC.  My mother was 58 at time of dx and I was 58 and it just seemed time to do it....

    Laura:  I WANT THREE ACRES!!!  I may have to wait until I get to heaven.

    OKAY.....So I posted the Breast Implants 101 thread.  Will someone who is good at proof-reading go there and make sure it makes sense and that I have no typos?  I want each and every one of you to be part of this endeavor.  If someone posts about implant sizing and they are newbies, please direct them to this thread...

    I hope this helps many other women in this very important part of recovery!!!!

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited January 2010

    Jean,

    I am so glad to hear the good news about your mom!

    I just had fat grafting for rippling and to increase upper pole fullness.  So far, so good.  It is definitely an improvement, particularly in the upper pole area.  My PS says it takes a few months to see if the fat grafts really take or if the fat absorbs, but he is willing to try it again if it doesn't take this time.  

  • don23
    don23 Member Posts: 213
    edited January 2010

    Estepp - thanks for the encouraging words.  Did you have to replace both implants or just one? Do they have to settle all over again?

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    I did both.. and went from 450cc to 500cc....

    Good Luck with the thread Deborah... it s a ministry. ...I will go check it out. I pray EC does not fall apart... it is a good thing. Love ya Deb!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    PS DEBORAH,

    Implant and rads...  if you need help at your thread.. with this.. let me know. this is a ball game all on it's own land... You can research it to death... and 25% of it is Neg. Until you live with a rads breast with implant only.... well... you get it............:)............ Let me know sister.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010

    Laura:  You are my resident "implant and rads" expert!  And someone just posted with that very issue on the "101" thread so go there and give her some help....

    EC will NOT fall apart!  Remember, the plan is that the 101 thread is for fact-gathering and informational purposes and we want women to come here and join in the discussions and post their data.  So if you guys could all put the 101 thread in your favorites and if you see someone posting information, ask them to cut and paste it here on EC.  This is a group endeavor! 

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2010

    Why can't I find the Breast Implants 101?

    *** edited*** duh - I found it! thanks!

    Kimberly

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2010

    Deborah - I think it is a good idea. Hopefully it will provide help for some of the quesitons.

    Laura - I want some of that snow! We (upstate NY) only have about 6 inches in total on the ground.

    Dani - I know your PS. I didn't end up going w/ her, but I did consider her when I selected my PS.

    I too have some rippling when I bend over, but none when I stand up. Since I don't wear low-cut anythings (LOL at my age) it is certianly not a problem. And my lovely DH says I look beautiful. He's a keeper that one!

    Our friend Fairport is getting a bit nervous as her BMx is coming up. I bet we can all give her some uplifting support in prep for her surgery on Monday. I told her that it sucks, but it is certainly doable! Does that about describe it ladies??? Tongue out

    Mom should come home today after they finalize the cultures. She may come home on isolation and probably on antibiotics. She is moving along pretty well w/ her walker. We will move rugs out of the way so she can get around. She is so happy to go home! Thanks for your prayers and kind wishes ladies!!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    ~don~

    I replaced both.. and yes.. they settled all over.. not so bad....

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    Laura, add another Southern California girl to your list. I grew up in that area and was married on the Queen Mary.

    It's 3 weeks post op (2nd time around for my exchange -- this time with smaller implants) and the rad side is assymetrical already. But it's also still a bit swollen so I'm hoping that it will settle as the tissues relax. My camera stopped working but I want to get everyone's opinion on the picture site.

  • weet
    weet Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2010

    Estepp and Texas 357

    Just wondering if the down time is the same when having the exchange the second time around and are there restrictions on exercise weight etc.

    Good luck to Fairport on Monday,often the lead time is worse than actual....

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 671
    edited January 2010

    I seem to be chasing all through these threads :)

    Hi Ladies - I am open to all opinions here.

    I have TE's and will have implant exchange after chemo in April, in conjunction with a re-excision for unclear mx margins (UGH!!!).

    I see my plastic surgeon this week and want to be ready with questions. I believe he uses Allergan/Natrelle..so I have been looking at the 410's, the cohesives. I am not sure that is an option.I did go to the refrenced links above-hugely helpful. (What is "pole" area?)

     There are so many shapes...it's one thing to look a the implant itself, and something entirely different to understand what that will physically translate to on the body.

    I am 5'8, 135 lbs and have a chest measurement of 29" at the bra line. I was a b/c cup before and would like to be a full c this time (why not :) ?) if possible. I realize NOW, that it might depend on what size expanders I have in. It might have been nice for my PS to discuss this with me prior, eh? 

    I have only had 2 small fills, so I am early in this process.

    I have made numerous calls about the radiation/implant situation. I got numerous opinions from several major cancer centers. The basic theory that makes the most sense to me....you can radiate with no issues through implants and the beams disperse better than through expanders. As a matter of fact, they "block out" the area around expanders...so it receives nothing whereas if an implant was there, radiation would go through it. I am node positive, so my rad doc wanted the expanders deflated...but after numerous other opinions, it seems I might be at bigger risk with complications after radiation and surgery. It also seems that the cohesives might not be as big of a deal with capsular contracture (big radiation issue).  

    Thanks everybody for being such a great resource!  

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited January 2010

    geewhiz:

    The basic theory that makes the most sense to me....you can radiate with no issues through implants and the beams disperse better than through expanders. As a matter of fact, they "block out" the area around expanders...so it receives nothing whereas if an implant was there, radiation would go through it. 

    I never heard of this.  Several of us have had expanders through radiation, without deflating.  If an X-ray can go thru the expanders/implants, why not radiation?  Expanders are a silicone shell with a saline fill.  As I understand it, there is no blocking of the radiation through it.  So I would not worry about that.

    As for having complications after radiation, some do and some don't, but you must wait longer after radiation to have the exchange-- 6 months to a year is possible. But we've had excellent results after radiation with expanders.  Yes, capsular contraction is possible, but not all of us got it.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do.  JUDY  

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2010

    For the new girls: I had a single mastectomy in August 2008, and have finished reconstruction (I think/hope!). I had two surgeries after expansion: exchange on the cancer side (four months after last fill); and, three months later, nipple was created on cancer side, and non-cancer side was augmented and lifted. I'm happy with my results. My pictures are on the picture forum. If I can answer any questions, or help in any way, just let me know.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010

    geewiz:  Find out about your TEs when you see the doctor and get this information posted here.  Answers to some of your questions:

    Allergan 410s - Available only to plastic surgeons part of clinical trials in the U.S.  Widely available in Canada.  So make sure you have access to these.

    Definition of "pole" :  The breast mound has an upper pole and a lower pole.  Actually, lower pole is where projection naturally occurs.  Sometimes we discuss "upper pole fullness" which is sometimes difficult to achieve, especially in the thin patient or patient with a bony ribcage.

    Laura [Estepp] can help you with the rads questions. 

    Deborah

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    Down time and restrictions were the same for me. In fact, after having the incision split open four weeks after the first surgery, I've been SUPER careful this time around. My PS said I could remove the steristrips after 2 weeks. I don't want to remove them until I see her which will be 5 weeks after surgery.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010

    I think that the key about radiation with tissue expanders in place is that they need to be at the  recommended fill level or close thereto prior to rads.  There have been some studies performed which support that underfilled or partially deflated tissue expanders may present angles or uneven portions which would be a hindrance to radiation beams - essentially allowing the beams to bounce off of and be deflected by any uneven surface of the TE.  So I would want to have a nice, filled, even mound created by those TEs prior to rads...

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