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Exchange City

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Comments

  • LauraK23
    LauraK23 Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2010

    whippetmom  - Maybe I'll post some picks when the swelling and brusing goes away.  It's hard to tell what I'm going to end up with this close to surgery.  Thanks for the web-site, I'll have to check it out. 

    Peggio  I'm satified with the boob size, just think it's strange that I'm not the C cup I should be.  The extender idea may just work.  I'll have to look into that.  I think the band width may be from the 10 pounds I've gained since chemo that I can't seem to get rid of.  I have found some Near B bras at Kohl's but I don't quite fill the cup. It's weird that we have the same size.  How many cc's do you have?

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Jean ~

    Thinking of you & your mom.  Hope she is recovering well.  My mom is getting on in years & has had chronic pain from her arthritis/bursitis for many years.  It is difficult to see her suffer so much when her pain is unbearable for her.  Wish I could make it all better for her!  For many years I have been cleaning her home for her because I hate seeing her look soo exhausted after vacuuming/ mopping,etc.  Now...I have not been able to help her because of those darn pec muscles from the MX!  She understands but I still wish I could help her out more!

    Hugs,

    NAE

  • deekaay
    deekaay Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2010

    Deborah,got your PM and responded.  Thanks!!!!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited January 2010

    It's OK Deborah, we've all got your back!!  JUDY

  • Peggio
    Peggio Member Posts: 105
    edited January 2010

    LauraK23 ~ I was a 38A during TE's.  I have since been exchanged (May 09) and I am now a 36C. It took awhile to "drop and fluff" to that bra size.  Maybe about 3 months.  I have Allergan Style 20 500ccs.

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    I realize not everyone frequents the pictures forum, so I'll ask the same question here: Can a lift be done at the same time as nipple construction? I sure like the idea of combining procedures into one surgical experience.

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 671
    edited January 2010

    Hello all,

    Well I went to my plastic surgeon this morning with my list of questions after having come across this forum. I wish I had found it prior to him placing the TE's, because I don't know that what he has in there will result in the size I was before.

    My expanders are SSP, DermaSpan, LLP FH13, Lower Pole +4 Height. There is a chart on their website that shows fill volume as 360 - 430cc. Width 13cm, Length 11.9 and Projection as 5.4.

    He does not over fill usually. He uses mentor, smooth rounds in the exchange. 

    I am 5'8"; 135 lbs, with a 29" chest measurement and a LONG torso. I was a full c before, and I am currently filled to 260cc...which he thinks looks like a good size for me...but its definitely not where I was before. He is a good listener though and agreed to continue filling, with the next being in 3 weeks. The nurse filling today said that I could easily handle more volume as the skin was very loose. 

    I will have the exchange at the same time as a mx re-excision for clean margins, after chemo ends and my body heals a bit...so April. 

    I also am at a teaching University (Emory in ATL) and found out that I have the right to not have students in the surgery (which I now insist on...I have a very crooked incision line, and 2 extra scars with port placement problems --not blaming....just saying, GRRRR)

    l would sincerely appreciate any input.

    Thanks!!

  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 266
    edited January 2010

    Geewhiz: We are similar in stature. I am 5' 7" around 130lbs and have a 29" chest measurement also. I do not have the same type of TE as you but mine has similar measurements. W 13, H 12 and proj 5.6. I also have a long torso. I was only an A cup before. I am currently filled to 450 in both of my TE's and am a D cup. I have finished with my fill but my PS likes to wait 3 months before doing the exchange to allow the muscle and skin to stretch more. My PS and many of the women here say that projection is usually less after exchange. Therefore,I would recommend filling to the maximum volume that your expanders will hold or until you feel that you are comparable to what you were before.

    Whippetmom is a wonderful resource about TE's and implants. I am sure that she can give you  guidance so that you are happy with your results.

    TCK

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 671
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Hannahbearsmom!! Thats is definitely reassuring.

     That's a great idea about waiting 3 months...it makes sense. Unfortunately I don't have that kind of time before rads. I can put them off a few weeks, but that's about it. The exchange will be done late April/early May if all continues as planned.He also said that nipples will have to wait until after rads - to see what the tissue does. 

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

    geewhiz:  TCK is right.  I would fill to 430 cc's - to full capacity.  I think you are going to want at least 550 cc's in a high profile style - Mentor HP - 550 cc's, which, off the top of my head,  I believe will give you a width of 13.6 cm and a projection of 5.5 cm.  You will want to go over these details with your PS NOW....start preparing him for where you want to go at your next fill....and let him know you are looking at a volume of AT LEAST 550cc's.  I do happen to like the SSP tissue expanders.  They are low height TEs essentially - meaning that they expand in the lower pole where projection naturally occurs. 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010
    Texas:  I would like for you to see your PS about the rads implant.  I want to make sure this is not capsular contracture.  Referable to a lift and nipple - yes - it can be done.  However, most of us wait until everything settles before getting nips.  That said, most  reconstructive plastic surgeons can do the nipples under twilight or as an office procedure.  I'm having mine done outpatient next month.  So get everything lined up and shaped up and symmetrical and then do the nips.
  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010

    geewhiz:  Wait, wait....are you saying you are going to have your exchange and THEN do rads? With implants?   I want you to research this a little more.  Why not do rads AFTER you are filled to the recommended volume, do rads and then the exchange?  I know you are trying to eliminate the need for another surgery, but you will probably need to remove the implants after rads anyway - the scar tissue development - capsular contracture - the percentage is far too high.

    http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusTreatment/story?id=3643873

    Do you have Alloderm slings? 

  • fairportlady55
    fairportlady55 Member Posts: 152
    edited January 2010

    Hi to all: had mt BMtx and TE done monday at 5pm: yea! Its behind me now. Unfortunately I had a complication: had to go back to the OR tuesday at noon. I developed bleeding and a hematoma on the right side: they ended up removing 600 cc of blood! It was scary because of the urgent nature of the situation. My hct ended up at 21 (ugh) and I needed to have a transfusion of platelets and 2 units of blood. Happily my hct went up and I was discharged yesterday afternoon. So wow those TEs hurt! I am finding the muscle relaxants work better than the vicoden but Im taking both at this point! Its much easier to get up and move around today so I finally got to my computer! I have a post op appointment tuesday. Im getting used to the drains and more comfortable every day. OK time to head back to the recliner....hope this post makes sence Im kinda sedated!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited January 2010

    Fairportlady: You  sound like you're doing fine now.  Glad everything worked out.  Heal well,  JUDY

  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 266
    edited January 2010

    fairportlady: I'm impressed that you could get on the computer this soon. Glad that you are now home and feeling more comfortable--don't be afraid to take those meds if you need them! Rest up and take it easy.

    TCK

  • kookiesmom
    kookiesmom Member Posts: 57
    edited January 2010

    fairport lady - you are doing amazingly well if you can post so soon after surgery (with complications even!) Hang in there it will get better every day!

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    Glad things went so well for your Fairportlady!

  • kookiesmom
    kookiesmom Member Posts: 57
    edited January 2010

    I had my exchange back in Aug. 09 and have some issues with my implants.  Now that they have finished falling &  fluffing my right one is a bit higher and and smaller than the left.  I have mentor silicone gels I think 450s.  I also have some scoliosis which I think affects how they appear. The left one is a B although I was hoping for a C.  The right one is a very small B or maybe even an A.  The PS said that he can put a 50 -100 cc bigger implant on the right and match them up with some pocket work.  He would do the surgery on a Thrusday and I would be good to go back to work on a Monday with little or no pain meds.  Does that recovery time frame sound realistic?  I haven't discussed going bigger with PS as I wasn't sure I wanted that.  When I got home my DH said to that if you are going to have another surgery you might as well go bigger like you wanted.  Anyone have both revised  at once & how long was that recovery?

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    Well, I went smaller with both of my implants a month after my initial exchange. I was pretty sore the first night. I work from home in front of the computer and was able to go back to work the next day. I got a little tired but it wasn't too bad.

    The biggest hassle is that all of the lifting/pulling/pushing restrictions start all over again.

  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited January 2010

    Thank you for all your advice Whippetmom and mykidsmom! 

    My chest measure is 31, height 5'7", weight 135.  I have Allergan 133mv 400cc tissue expanders and alloderm. My exchange date is 2/4/10 to 420 silicone implants.

     I've been worried that this is too small, but have gotten used to size.  My right side was originally reconstructed in 1991, implant replaced in '01 with a textured McGhan style 153 450 implant (along with lift of what was at the time my healthy breast) That implant was removed in Sept '09 because of encapsulation along with left mastectomy (new cancer) with these 2 new TE's placed.  

    Problem: Right side is firm, higher and seems smaller than left (which is loose, a bit sore and heavy) (never had rads)  I am worried after all this that I will be uneven after final surgery.  Has anyone else had any similar experience? Any advice before I go in?  I keep telling my PS that I just want to be even for the first time in 20 years!  Anxiety is setting in as surgery approaches!  I can't imagine having a revision surgery if I am uneven, just too much to handle.  Kookiesmom, did you have any inkling of problem before your exchange?

     I don't remember ever having any "fluffing or falling"  with first 2 implants. What does that mean exactly?  Maybe I didn't notice because they were completely under muscle? 

    Thanks for any advice!

  • kookiesmom
    kookiesmom Member Posts: 57
    edited January 2010

    Katey - my right side (the smaller one BC side) had a strange look to it even as a TE.  It still has a ridge at the bottom which the PS made look better after exchange but I still have an little indentation there.  I have very little pain on the right one which doesn't look so great and then my left one (which looks good) still gives me daily pain.  I told the PS that and my BS  about it and they tell me it is just nerves regenerating.  I worry that it means something wrong but they don't seem concerned.  I can't wear a bra for an entire day due to pain and I am self conscious about the way they look w/o a bra.  My under arms, side of chest where bra goes and shoulder blade area all are in pain. Can other people wear bras all day w/o pain?  its been 5 months since the exchange.  I am at work with my bra undone!  What does encapsulation start out feeling like?

    Fluffing is when the implants fall into place in the pocket.  Maybe the old style implants didn't do that?  I don't know. They start out higher and then kind of stretch their way down.  I never thought I would be talking about revision either but here I am!

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited January 2010

    Welcome back Fairport! Glad everything went well. Rest up and take your meds when you need them...the worst is over!

    Terri

  • Delilahbear
    Delilahbear Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2010

    Just wanted to say Hi! and send warm wishes from Sunny (but cool) FL.

    I just posted some pix on the picture site to show my journey to the 3 week post exchange to 960 MPP saline implants. The Pix show my TEs at either 700 or 750 fill (I can't remember which amount I ended up with but think 700cc) to the HP filled to 750 and marked for surgery for the MPP exchange and nip/areola surgery. The nipples are looking quite natural at this stage and PS told me yesterday that at about 6 months he wants to take care of some discoloration and "pretty them up". Each day is better in this journey and I am sooooo happy with my new "girls". I can't believe how they can take a piece of scar tissue and turn it into a nipple and a piece of skin and fat from my thigh crease and make an areola.  The new ones are actually an improvement over the old ones, especially due to the scars in the areola region after many biopsies prior to BMX.

    Nancy

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010

    Welcome back, Fairportlady!  You have the worst behind you!  And those muscle relaxants are awesome.....my Soma was my best friend after my bmx.....admittedly I used it after my fills a few times, too, so you might want to save a few.....

    Geewhiz - my TE's were just a bit smaller than yours (12's) and a similar style (the low-height).  As Whippetmom said, they expand primarily the lower pole, so you have the pretty much the whole upper pole to fill with implant.  My implants ended up being about 70% more in volume than my TE's.  Perhaps your ps has a similar plans......  Otherwise, fill those TE's up so you get what you want.....

    Whipppetmom - I wonder why my ps does nips under general?  Have you heard of other ps's who do that?  Guess I'll ask him next week.....

  • DiDiT
    DiDiT Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2010

    Hi Ladies!  Thought I'd share my post op recovery - or lack thereof - story:

    Had bmx w/ te's Dec. 18   -  Returned week and a half later for fill - at that time ps instructed me to put vaseline or lotion on incision before shower to soften the dermabond glue.

    I was a little leary about this, but did it anyway - Don't know if that had anything to do w/the infection I acquired, but I gradually became very ill - at first, just not feeling well, but no temp.

    Was very sick last Wed, high fever, chills, nausea, ha - So, as my breast in ? was not red nor warm to touch - thought maybe just picked up a 24 hr virus -

    Anyway - went in following morning for my appt. for another fill and have drains pulled, but on this day - the drainage increased, was cloudy and had an odor AND entire breast was red!

    I was admitted to hospital and IV antibiotics started.  Although infection seemed to be healing, there was much concern the TE may be seeded with infection and that it would pop up again when off antibiotics  SO,  I agreed to have it removed, which they did yesterday.

    Fortunately this is the non cancerous breast - the one to be radiated is on track - filled again today, now at 400cc 

    When I'm finished with radiation - will go back have TE put back in - and as surgeon will not do exchange until 3 months post radiation - both should be ready to go by then.

    HUSBANDS THEORY - that this breast is getting back at me for treating it the way I did, after all it didn't do anything to me - it didn't deserve to be hacked and discarded...Ha!

    I also have to have my port removed Monday, as they're are afraid that due to close proximity to infection, could also be seeded with infection...So, guess they'll be sticking me for the 9 months of herceptin  -- But, this scar will be healed by summertime   -  For each negative, there's always a positive!!!    Surprised

     

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 671
    edited January 2010

    Thanks everyone for the input.

    I am a researcher by profession...and I have logged countless hours trying to find the answers to implants before or after radiation. I am beginning to feel like it has been a comlete waste of time and I would have been as well off just flipping a darn coin. The data sure seems to be 50/50.

    I have had 4 separate plastic surgeons look at my file..including one from Sloan Kettering who now standardly advises implant exchange, then radiation.

    Hopefully the new gummy bears will not provide as much instance of capsular contracture with radiation as regular implants in the future so ladies won't have to agonize over these decisions!

    So that is today's opinion. By the time my reexcision surgery rolls around I may have changed my mind 1000 times --PLEASE bear with my indecision :) And please continue to offer your opinions...I am all ears always!!  Sometimes I feel solid in my path with this disease that I have now been coming to terms with for only a few months, then other times I am holding back tears feeling 2 steps shy of crazy.

    Whippetmom--do you have any names of any PS in ATL that are recommended by others?

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 671
    edited January 2010

    DiDiT ---OUCH girl. That sounds like quite a ride! I am so sorry. I have never heard of putting vaseline on a scar line. My PS had me keep mine taped with surgical tape and replace constantly. I hope the next phase is smoother for you. Congrats on finishing the AC/TH ..grueling line. The herceptin in the veins will not be too bad ..and its nice to be rid of that port. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!! 

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2010

    (((DiDiT))) - Wow - you certainly have a wonderful attitude!

    Kathy/Fairportlady - Wow to you too. Transfusions, hematoma, follow-up surgery. Just what we all DON'T want. Heal well and take plenty of pain med my dear.

    Delilahbear - All I can say is awesome!! You must be so pleased w/ your results!!!Laughing

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Oh my!  Welcome to all the newbies who have joined us!!!  You see what you've started Jean!!!

    Sending a huge welcome hug!

    NAE

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    DiDiT

    I am so sorry you had to go through that,I just lost an implant from an infection.ironically, the infection only appeared after a visit to the Dr., I was good till then,and a few days later boom.

    Fairportlady: Wow,I am amazed by you.

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