Exchange City
Comments
-
Hi,
I had my implant replaced due to contracture on December 2 and was back to work on December 8th with no restrictions. I would have gone back on the 7th, but had to have the dressings and drain removed that day. The recovery was more uncomfortable than the first exchange, but only for a couple of days.
Does anyone else have lots of scar tissue where nodes were removed in the underarm area? Last month I had my implant replaced due to contracture and now the scar tissue under my arm is worse than ever. It's hard and uncomfortable and makes the whole area look really odd. My PS said there's not much he can do except possibly fat injections in a few months. In the meantime I'm supposed to massage the implant and the scar tissue several times a day, which I'm doing. The new implant is already getting very firm again, so maybe I'm just one of those people who grows major amounts of scar tissue -- GRRR. -bonnie
0 -
Thanks everyone. I will find out the TE type from the PS this week. It does seem that the more I learn, the more I find I need to learn.
Whippetmom, your last post is precisely the opinion of several other doctors. The reason for the struggle here is that my onc/surgeon is insisting on re-excision PRIOR to rads...so I see it as a perfect opportunity to have the exchange done in the same surgery. The PS is onboard with this, the onc/surgeon is...and the only one giving me grief is the radiologist -which is why I was thinking of changing radiologists. I want to be conservative, but I also want to make a conscious informed decision. Based on everything my body has been through these past months, I simply don't see adding another surgery and unnecessary anaesthsia to the mix.
If the allergan 410's are not an option for me, are the allergan other cohesive's a good alternative?
0 -
Bonnie - have you considered asking for a prescription for a Physical Therapist? They are great at working on scar tissue, breaking it up and softening. They can teach you things to do at thome as well. I had axillary clearance and a thick band of scar tissue, cording etc. A PT taught me how to handle, and it's MUCH better.
0 -
GeeWhiz:
A lot of women who have implants have rads and it is not an issue.
I had rads in 2003
I had a double mast in March 2009 and the rads side was far more problematic in Reconstruction. The agreement of the doctors was that the radiation limited the density and flexibility of the skin/muscle on that side. I would follow the advise of the p/s and onc, they see the long term effects. The radiologists don't.
I had asked my radiologist for long term data on atrophy and he was very honset and told me, look we really don't do follow up, that is what the surgeon and oncologist do
On the rebuilding Wendy front:
It looks like the p/s may or may not be able to put just an expander in the side where the infection was. He may wind up doing a DIEP and adding skin to the bottom of that breast from my tummy and making a breast from some tummy fat. I might wind upkeeping the 410 gummy in the side that has not had a problem. The shape is very nice,its firmer than I would like,but if he can build a breast that looks like that out of tummy fat, that would be fine.
I don't have enough tummy to make two breasts and given my latest run of luck, I sort of don't want to take chances.
Does anyone have a 410 boobie and a non-implant breast? Does it feel strange having two breasts that feel so different?
Wendy.
0 -
The Allergan or Mentor smooth silicone rounds are excellent choices. Most of us on EC have them or will be getting them at the time of exchange.
0 -
It's fun to see new faces!!!
Just an update - I had two appointments today.
First, I had a biopsy for this thyroid lump - doc will give me results in a week. She said, "Even if it's cancer, it'll be NOTHING compared to what you've already been through." I think this breast cancer experience will always serve me that way...
I also had my pre-op for my exchange surgery!!! Woo-hoo!!!!!!!! I brought in some posts from a few women here about sizing - especially Deborah's - and doc agrees - she's thinking 375-400cc for me. She still thinks HP and measured me and said the dimensions in cm I could do would be around 11.4 give or take. It was funny to be measured with the same sort of calipers I use in my metalsmithing. Worlds colliding. Anyway, she's going to order 300-400 for me and try them out in the OR. (Yes, I imagined Wendy's wonky bangs when she said this...) She is also going to take the pics I gave her of the look I want and have them up in the OR so she can closely match the "aesthetic" I am looking for. Very exciting. Oh, and as for the expander trying to peek through - she said yes, I will have a small scar where she will need to close a little something up. The skin is not broken THROUGH, but it is close. I've still be given the cabosh about working out - NO jostling. I've gained 8 pounds or more since Maybecause of not working out -- I can hardly wait to get "back to my body" again....
Wendy - how are you?
Geena
0 -
Wendy -- I don't have that combo but from what I understand about DIEP, because they are using your actualy body tissue the DIEP breast will feel much more natural. I expect it will be like having a uni -- how I expect to feel, basically, when I am done -- with one natural breast (albeit lifted and therefore tighter than the typical middle-aged breast) and one foob. I can see why you would not want to mess around with the side that is fine, though. And since you don't have enough tummy to make two DIEP breasts, that makes that part of the choice easier. NAE do your two breasts feel very different (since you have one natural and one foob)? Or does the implant in the good breast make up the difference?
Can't wait to see the new thread Deborah! Will add it to my favorites as soon as I am done posting here
Lilah
0 -
geewhiz ~ I have a friend who had problems with her radiologist and she had both her PS and onc/surgeon call him directly. He ended up going with the way they wanted.
Am having some slight rippling on the right but have to laugh about bending over. When I bend over and look in the mirror to see how it looks to other people I can't decide which rippling is worse. My neck, breasts or belly. Ha!!!
Take care, Colleen
Edited for horrible spelling/typing, whichever.
0 -
Geena:
I am good,I was fitted for a "real" prosthetic today, it weighs the same as the other boobie,so It feels kind of like myself and it looks better than the foam one,plus it stays in place. I am got the rest of the stitches out today and I am going to the gym in the morning and then it looks like I have a blind date tomorrow night. I figure I can go on dates and if I actually meet a guy I like, I'll figure out the whole disclosure thing as we go.
Its funny, when they took the implant out last month and the p/s said surgery would probably be in March, it seemed like so far away, now it does not feel so far away. I had felt so derailed,and now I sort of feel like life is moving along with me.
(Make sure they push your bangs sideways and not back and up, otherwise you will look like the bob's big boy statue when you wake up.)
Wendy
0 -
Deborah ~ Do you think the moderators would set up the Implant Sizing 101 thread to stay at the top under their Photojournal thread? That way it would be right there whenever anyone pulls up the Breast Reconstruction forum.
Colleen
0 -
LOL Wendy re: Bob's Big Boy statue. And yay for you for feeling good! You should feel good! In the huge expanse that is life, this one year (or two) is a mere blip on the radar. This too shall pass and so glad you are feeling positive again.
Colleen -- lol at the ripple dilemma. I must confess it has not yet occurred to me to actually try bending in front of the mirror to look for ripple effects. Is there something wrong with me?
Lilah
0 -
Wendy ~ You are the bravest woman that I know!!! Hospital one month, gym and blind dates the next. I would still be licking my wounds on teh floor in the closet. YOU ROCK!!!
Colleen
0 -
Colleen:
It might be brave or it might be stupid, had to tell in advance
0 -
SOOOOO many posts!
Bonnie, there is a GREAT PT at ST.Vs who worked with me after surgery and for minor LE, but she also helped me with scar tissue. PM me if you are interested in her name.
Jean, so glad about your mom!
Deborah, I'm going to check out the new site!
Hugs--Karen
0 -
I agree Colleen -- Wendy you totally ROCK! And I am absolutely certain you will find a man who is worthy of you
The thing I love about blind dates (or first dates in general) is the way it gets the adrenalin going and the heart pumping with hope and fear (but the good kind).
A good friend of the family who is a 20-year BC survivor (BMX with saline implants) met her current love on jdate.com and they now live together in Boston. She is in her early 70s! I believe they've been together for at least five years... let that be your inspiration
So Wendy if this one doesn't work... try Jdate... (and I know you are part Jewish, but I'd like to point out that you don't have to be Jewish to use it... my Jewish neighbor met her NOT Jewish husband on jdate as well!) It's a great site. I am not religious and neither is my BF... nor any one else I've ever met via that site! (I went on a few dates before I met my prince
Cheers,
Lilah
edit: I met my BF on jdate 5 years ago in case the above doesn't actually make that clear
0 -
Hi ladies, I just called my PS's office and asked them if they could tell me what he put in on the exchange side (I never got a card) and he put in Allergan Style 10 Moderate Profile 480cc. I measure the chest and it is 31", I am 5'5'' tall and now a large 157 lbs but don't usually carry that kind of weight (darn chemo) so average around 135 or so.
Deborah, does that give you enough info to tell me if you think I got the right size put in?? I was a B cup prior to bc and didn't want to be bigger. He also lifted my other side and put a 150cc implant in on that side. My exchange side does not look as big as my augmented side and I believe it is noticeable and just trying to understand this whole process better.
Thanks for your all your help and support!
0 -
Liliah:
I am Jewish (I have a hebrew name and everything), my mom is, my dad is not. Looking very Irish does make it interesting, I will definitly take your advice.
Wendy
0 -
blessedby4: Well, I would have preferred the Style 15 over style 10 - for the additional projection. Did you post photos on the pictures forum? Are you assymetrical enough to want to do something about it, b/c if so, I would certainly go with a different style next time. But things might settle and "fluff" out and so you would want to wait two or three months anyway. If you or anyone is reluctant to post photos on the pictures forum you can always email them privately to me.
Wendy: Holy moly! A blind date? You go girl....and we want to hear all about it!
Colleen: Wouldn't that be great if it could be a permanent link? I should ask the mods about it....
0 -
Lilah ~ You are probably the normal one between the two of us!!
It is like having an implant obsession at this point for me. Checking to see how they look all of the time. Watching them while you are opening wine bottles to see if they jump around (like someone else said their's did). Trying on all of your bathing suits to see how they fit. Actually trying on all of your tops to see which ones should go to the Goodwill now.
Not to mention constantly feeling them to see if there are changes or sore spots. Staring every morning to see if they are dropping or fluffing. Good thing my husband loves them or he would have had me committed by now.
Colleen (They look pretty hot in this t-shirt today in case you were wondering. HA!!!)
0 -
For all of you wanting snow, please feel free to drop by and pick some up from my driveway. In the last storm we only got about 6 inches, but the wind keeps moving the snow and refilling my driveway.... 3 ft drift... not fun. On the positive side, we are supposed to be setting new temperature records tonight - air temp (without wind chill) between 20 and 30 degrees BELOW zero... Welcome to Nebraska - this is my second winter - lived in AZ for 21 years before this. I really do love it here except for this recent cold spell - I live on a lake and it is beautiful - even when frozen over with snow on it,... I am going to learn to ice fish this winter if it kills me...
Allison
0 -
Wendy - congrats on the date and everything else....by the way.... Is there a place I can go to donate my excess tummy fat for those less fortunate???
Allison
0 -
Hello Ladies! I had my exchange today and all went well. I was in the OR at 8:10 am and in recovery by 10:45. Left the hospital around 2 PM. I believe my PS went with the Allergan 550's, but I will confirm with him on Thursday for my follow up. This surgery was a breeze compared to the BMX and Lat Flap reconstruction. I'm home and resting comfortably on vicodin and ambien for sleep. For those of you with an upcoming exchange, relax and don't worry! You made it this far, the exchange is a breeze!
0 -
With the "squeeze test" both my foob & aug. feel pretty much the same (one has saline, the other silicone). With my aug. side it feels normal with the exception of the "port" I have under the breast...I can feel it rubbing against my ribs along the fold. On my MX side with the silicone..it feels a bit tight or something...I think it is the muscle under the skin vs. the aug. side which still has breast tissue between the skin & muscle.
Blessed ~
As I've been saying...I am definitely asymmetrical...my aug. side larger & dropping vs MX side. The lift would have been nice when I had the exchange but I would have agreed with my PS the symmetry was pretty even...& then it began dropping a week later!
My goodness...miss a few hours & there are soo many postings all ready! Well...made a last minute decision to go to Vegas tomorrow for the weekend. Taking my mom & leaving my family behind...wooohooo! My young boys are excited that it is going to be a manly weekend with just dad! I won't be reading or posting until I get back Sunday. It's all good Jan1! I'm going to go do something for me....& thanks for checking up on me!!!
NAE
0 -
Terri - Congrats on the exchange! I'm so glad it went smoothly!
Wendy - We must have been writing at the same time today. I'm so glad to hear about your "real prosthetic" and blind date. I've done some dating during reconstruction - two decent enough men - but no one I really wanted to get very close to or vulnerable with. Something about this bc experience has made me feel more protective of myself and my body - I feel more precious somehow - this is a good thing.
More online dating sites: match.com, dharmadate.com, greensingles.com, veggiedate.com...
Peace,
Geena
0 -
Deborah - I agree with Colleen - is there a way to get your thread at or near the top of the Reconstruction Topic? If newbies are coming in blind, it would be great for them to be able to see the thread and read it right off the bat...
Geena
0 -
I'm going to ask this question here because I can't find anything on it anywhere else. The sutures on my left breast have dissolved and the scar is pretty flat and healing well. My right breast is still "cinched" and the sutures don't seem to be dissolving. The scar is healing well but I'm still bunched up. Is there anything I can do to help this process along ...?? Hot baths? Vit E oil???
Terrij152 - Glad everything went well...you sound quite chipper for someone who just had surgery!
Wendy - Good luck on that blind date...you got "gumption" girl, go for it!
Terri
0 -
Nedeza -- Have a blast in Vegas! One of my favorite places on earth -- so fun there
Wendy -- have a wonderful time on your date! (We'll talk if you want to check out jdate
And oh yeah you ARE Jewish! LOL sorry about that. Geena -- dharmadate.com -- really? That sounds hilarous! Am I reading it wrong? HARM a date? LOL Maybe if they misbehave...? ALSO: Woo hoo on pre-op for exchange!!!!!
Alison -- that's a riot about donating excess tummy fat (I hear you -- wish I could blame chemo -- ha! I've actually lost a little weight from chemo... working hard to gain it back now, though, alas).
Colleen -- it sounds like you've had your exchange. I have a feeling I'll be there doing the same -- touching it, trying clothes on, etc -- once I've had mine. As it is, my PS yelled at me twice (well "yelled" it was gentle) this week because both times I saw her I was touching the scar and it freaked her out. I do find, though, that sometimes just holding the foob makes it feel more comfortable -- not sure why but hey if it feels good and I'm in the privacy of my home, I can do what I want! (I do it OVER my shirt though in deference to my germo-phobic PS lol).... and btw: totally jealous about looking hot in a t-shirt! Right now I am ripe for the freak show...
Cheers,
Lilah
0 -
Hi Terri, I think I'm so relieved that it's done and over. My PS even did my nipple reconstruction at the same time so I'm done, barring any minor tweaking that needs to be done.
How long ago was your surgery? If it's a month after your surgery you can begin some cross friction massage along your scar to help break up any scar tissue and help dissolve any sutures.
0 -
Ok... I am just home from work... and read fast here...SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad to see so many posts.. but SS so many new ladies are here.... ((((((HUGS TO ALL))))))
As far as RADS and TE.... HELLO????????????????????? Are you kidding me....???????????
For those who do not know me.......... Hello! ...An honor to meet you ! For those who have seen me around.. you know I am going to give it to ya!
YOU DO NOT NEED TO DEFLATE TE TO GET RADS... NOR do you need to wait . Lordy..... In the post Deb put out prior to me getting home... SHE IS RIGHT.
RADs... can get through TE ladies. AND..... TE are replaced later.. AFTER rads messed them up. BUT....... if you have an implant in.. prior to rads..... ( so many sweet ladies I know have done this)....you have a really great chance of that implant needed replaced... OR flap surgery needed....
if anyone wants to PM me about " RADS and Implant Reconstruction" PLEASE feel open to do so.!! I will talk to ANYONE!!!!
I DO NOT post a thread about this.. ( BOY HAVE I HELD BACK) because the studies are not done yet and there is no real proven theory. BUT.. I will give you my " advice".. I will give you the info " I" have gotten...
Just let me know sweet sisters.... Laura
ps... Judy is another sweety here that has dealt TE... rads... and soon.. Implants... see can add.... and... as you saw in earlier posts... she is willing to chat...
There are ladies here who have TE and Rads.. and BAD experiences... ( being 100% honest).. and those like me... who are still... hanging in there... looking pretty good after some time.. and others who are waiting to see what exchange brings. But... we are all here for ya!
God Bless us All!
0 -
Wow Terrij152, you really are done! Nipples too...! Maybe just some tatooing to do and that's it for you...you must be THRILLED !
My surgery was just 3 weeks ago so I'll hold off any massaging for another week. Funny how one side dissolved and the other didn't..
Terri
0
