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Exchange City

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Comments

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010

    I'm really not hogging this thread....honest!  Just finally had a few minutes at the computer, but my tamoxifen-affected brain is just too schizophrenic to remember everything that I wanted to say....

    I was cleaning out my dresser yesterday and found the one bra that I occasionally wore - probably less than 5 times - when I had my TEs. I usually just wore camisoles or little "bralets," but because this bra has a little soft padding, it covered the rather square edges of the TEs when I needed it.  Long story short.....not really.....it doesn't fit now, so if anyone would like it I'll gladly send it your way.  It's a 34C. http://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pf_id=Warners2003&source=gbase&term=Warners2003&cm_mmc=GLBS-_-Bra-_-Warners2003-_-NA

    Just PM me.......    I also still have several quite new  - one still with tags - 32AA Wacoal padded bras if anyone has a flat-chested friend who needs bras........ Wink

    Val

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited January 2010

    Val- what a great idea- we should have a swap shop forum- I have a bunch of stuff I am holding onto to give to someone else one day!!  I don't want to just throw this stuff out because it is so expensive!!!

    Big Apple- nice photo!

    Denrulzbc- I miss you!!!  YOU look fantastic- congrats on being done- I can't wait for that day!

    I am still in training for the tri- today my group ran 5 miles and then went up and down bleachers 3 times.  I am taking tomorrow off!!!  Ouch!  :) 

  • Tinkerbell99
    Tinkerbell99 Member Posts: 193
    edited January 2010

    hi ladies,

    i went to the PS the other day & he removed 1 drain & it hurt so bad & i yelled so loud, the bext day u was a basjetcase, It wasnt 4 mwe pull it out & then once its out it feels better. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do....PLEASE any advice!!!!!!

  • smore
    smore Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2010

    Juliempw, yeah it's just a lot we have to deal with.  And I am getting to the close of the journey.  Now I feel fine but I don't look it and it frustrating.  I have been trying to get on to look at the pics, but it says I need to be validated by someone, so I am waiting on that.  Hopefully I can get on before my surgery.  I just keep telling myself this too shall pass and I get them redone if need be.  

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    Hi Liliah

    Thank you.

    The date was fun, we will see what happens.

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

    Oh my....great idea Val.  I have so many bras to give away - some never worn and some worn but a couple of times. I was intending to bring them to the next Vegas reunion. 

    kerkle:  Fat graft transfer can certainly be done at the time of exchange.  The only reason we sometimes wait a few months, is that it often takes weeks for ripples to appear and you want to zap as many of them as you can.  However, to address a step-off or "divot" in the upper pole - that is something which can be observed right away and fat grafting can help soften that defect.

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

    Wendy:  Adorable avatar!  So how was your blind date? OOPS....just looked above and see that Lilah asked you the same question.  Keep us posted how things are going!

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

    VAL:  Cute new avatar.  It is easier for us to see that adorable face!  What does the tee-shirt say?

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited January 2010

    So who is starting the Bra Bazaar? 

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2010

    I have a lot of bras I don't need anymore....I'll have to go see what size they are...

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited January 2010
    kookiesmom - i originally had 800cc Mentor Moderate Plus silicone implants. I am not a skinny person and I wasn't satisfied with the size.  Since 800cc is the largest silicone, I had to go to saline to get the result that I wanted.  I didn't have any problem with my skin stretching, my muscles were tight and sore for the first couple of days but quickly adjusted to the added volume.  Good luck with your decision - you have to do what makes you happy.
  • amym159
    amym159 Member Posts: 173
    edited January 2010

    Hi Ladies  I had a bilateral mastectomy 10-19 with expanders placed and had the exchange surgery 12-30. I know it may be too soon to make a judgement, but I am SO disappointed with how my "foobs" look.  They are just about as wide and flat as when I had the tissue expanders in! They stick out far enough to be the size I wanted but are such a bad shape. We are going to a party tomorrow night and I went shopping today to try to find a bra that might make me look a little better and I ended up just sobbing in the dressing room. Can anyone talk me down from this ledge?  Do they really look better after more time passes?

    Also, can someone tell me how to  access the photos?

  • MooreTennis
    MooreTennis Member Posts: 90
    edited January 2010
    kookiesmom - I originally had 800cc Mentor Moderate Plus silicone implants. I am not a skinny person and I wasn't satisfied with the size.  Since 800cc is the largest silicone, I had to go to saline to get the result that I wanted.  I didn't have any problem with my skin stretching, my muscles were tight and sore for the first couple of days but quickly adjusted to the added volume.  Good luck with your decision - you have to do what makes you happy.
  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2010
    I have so many VS bras I will never wear again!
  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    amym159

    Its very soon after your surgery. The first time I went bra shopping,I was so so so depressed. None of the stores I normally shopped in had bras without under-wires, and under-wires were a no no for me. The next time I went to a Kohl's because someone had mentioned that they had a lot of bras without under-wires. I did find lightly lined bras that helped make me look good in clothes. I went through a lot of bras and must have spent more than an hour in the dressing room. I hated being in a room with so many mirrors, but the next day, it was worth it,after I put on the new bras and looked more like me, I felt so much better, not perfect but better.

    It is so hard to be patient, believe me. Right now I am stuck with wearing a mastectomy bra to hold my temporary prosthesis till I can have the right side redone, I have to keep looking for clothes that the bra does not peek out from, I just keep telling myself, it is only temporary,and that I will be closer to me,just not right now. I am trying hard to focus on what things will be like in a few months, its hard when confronting the here and now, but it helps.

    Now, If I don't have my right side done in march and I have to lead a national conference in May in Florida still with a fake boobie in a pocket bra, i might need some ledge talkin as well.

    We are all here with you and it will be ok.

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    amym159

    If you PM TimTam, she can grant you access to the picture forum

  • amym159
    amym159 Member Posts: 173
    edited January 2010

    Can you tell me how to find her e-mail addy?

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

    amym - Here you go.....

     http://community.breastcancer.org/member/11047/profile

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited January 2010

    HI Girls - Thanks so much for your compliments on my nips.  Every time I check in here you are all going strong - I love it!  My best to you all.  HUGS, Dawn

  • kerkle
    kerkle Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2010

    I have a question tonight for those that have been filled post radiation...

    I was filled yesterday, the rad side is obviously tighter and more uncomfortable than the non rad side, but tonight i noticed that the skin is red and blotchy and warmer on the rad side. Is this a normal reaction of expanding after rads due to skin and muscle trauma or is this the beginnings of an infection (I can't imagine that one can set in so quickly and from what?!)? I feel fine otherwise, just tightness and major itchiness on that boob.

    Thanks!

    Kerry

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2010

    Fairportlady - I'm so glad you're through that surgery!  You sound good.  Get lots of rest.

    Geena

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2010

    Kerry - I was filled post rads and the skin on my rads side has responded differently from the get go.  The skin has tended to be angrier, tighter, redder and blotchier - almost like the skin was being stretched too fast and couldn't adjust without freaking out a little.  At one point I was using Aquaphor on the skin, but my doc had me switch to something less greasy - and the blotchiness got better.  However you're saying the area is hot - if it gets worse maybe give your doc a call - if it is an infection in the making, better safe than late...  I'm sure others will chime in re: their experiences too.

    Geena

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

    Wendy -- that is great re: the date :)  And how exciting about the national conference!  Here's hoping you get your new foob done in March.

    So here's a question Ladies: I've noticed that if I go out all day in a bra (some days I am working at home, braless) that because of the uneven size of my breasts atm (one large real breast, one expanding TE) the bra can pull across the TE and leave a dent, which goes away shortly after the bra is taken off.  Is this OK?  I think it's worse with some of the bras I have/better with others (they are all stretchy sports bra types)... should I take one of my old bras and remove the wire on the TE side (which my PS said I have to do if I wear an underwire).  I assume it's just the TE getting pressed into a funny shape by the cloth... no redness (that is gone).  Just wondered if this ever happened to anyone else?

    Cheers,
    Lilah

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

    LAides... PC issues... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

    Deb, PM Linda54...she has all Moodys info... they have met twice.

    Of to bed girls..... long story here... post soon

    SE are ok.. I am dealing. Thank you for asking... SOOOOOO NICE...

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    Lilah, I had the same thing happen. I think it's just a temporary dent in the TE. Nothing to worry about.

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2010

    Lilah, it is so funny you asked about that!

    Last night I was at my desk glued to the computer (as always) but I was leaning on the desk and did not realize it. When I was undressing for the night, I felt this weird dent on my TE.

    I had to go to a mirror to see it because is was on the underside of my TE. So there is this 6 inch long dent in my boob. I thought it would go away if I just pressed on it, but it took almost an hour to come back to shape.

    I even went back to my desk to make sure the dent was from the desk and sure enough the way I was sitting fit perfectly. I still woke up this morning and it was the first thing I checked. I sure do not want that wrinkle to be there when the implants are installed! OR another thing that worried me was  "what if I ruin the skin because I leaned on my desk?"

    I guess the closer I get to exchange, the more obsessive I am becoming. Up until now I have been a work in progress and the final results are getting closer... I am excited but nervous too.

    Thank you for asking about this! I am so glad to know I am not the only one!

  • fairportlady55
    fairportlady55 Member Posts: 152
    edited January 2010

    hi to all my new sisters

    Im day 5 post op and doin ok ....last night was my worst pain-wise and I have figured out why: my onQ pain ball is now empty. Wow this means it was a God send in my pain management so far.... yikes it was soooo painful last night: I was actually crying. Happy to report the muscle relaxers kicked in and Im much better this morning. I now understand what you all are talking about: the TE's are so hard and unnatural in placement. But thanks to everything I have learned here I know they are nothing like my final foobs will be. I just got a look at myself for the first time today: jeeze my chest looks like a truck ran over my former boobs: it is quite a shock even though I was prepared. Im kinda scared about one thing: I had nipple sparing mx and my nipples look black , it must either be necrotic or bruised, I will be seeing my PS tuesday so I'll see what he says. Even though it was a shock when I looked at myself, I am so happy to report that I didnt have a OMG what have I done? moment, not even for a second! My boobs have served me well all these years, but it was time to say goodbye. Good luck and HUGS  to all you ladies having exchange surgery this coming week!  

    t    

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2010

    fairportlady,

    My nipples are black too!  Don't worry, it is ok.  I also had the nipple sparring mastectomy, reconstruction and now a revision and my nipples have been black every time.  They don't look like it right away but they are scabs.  I am 2.5 weeks after surgery and still have some left. They aren't thick as if you skinned your knees but a thin scab, which makes it hard to tell its a scab at first.  Keep an eye on it and leave it alone, no picking. 

  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 671
    edited January 2010

    Hello all!

    Thanks so much for the kind words and support!

    I am in for the bra swap!! I bought the no underwire bras from Victoria's Secret, (pricey little buggers) and I would love to think that someone would get use out of them. Some still have tags. I got the padded ones, so you can be completely flat and still look like you have a bust. 

    Whippetmom- THANK YOU for the plastic surgeon referrals. One is just around the corner from me. He has a great local reputation, and an impressive bio (Thaddeus). 

    I will definitely be asking other doctors opinions. That was reinforced this morning when I was speaking with my sister about the whole radiation/exchange dilemma. We had a friend who was diagnosed with bc, 18 positive nodes, and mets to liver and bones. She was pregnant. The doctor said she was beyond the point of chemo...told her to enjoy her time with the newborn, to get to know her for as long as possible and gave her hospice contacts. She sought out lots of other opinions and finally found a doc who blasted her body with a major round of chemo after delivery of the baby/rads and surgeries. A friend that was with her at the first chemo said she had never seen a colder, more steely determined kickass look on anyone's face. My sister just attended the "baby's" 7th birthday party, and sat with mom, in remission now for 7 years!!!!!!!!!!  HOWZTHAT??????!!!!!!!!!!

    I hope anyone that has any questions in her mind about her body and her treatment, learns to trust her instincts and doesn't think twice about stepping on a doctors toes. We have to be our own advocates in our care. 

       

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Well...I saw my PS yesterday.  She suggested removing some cc's from my healthy side to see if it will change some of the asymmetry...IT DID.  Projection got better but now my healthy side feels more squishier/softer, less fuller (?) vs. my MX side.  The good thing is...since that side has an adjustable saline PS said she can always add the saline back if I was not satisfied...phew!  Looking at it this AM...I will probably have her put back 15cc's of the 25cc's she removed.

    Can someone answer this?  Having had a single MX...those  who have had a aug. & lift on their healthy side...did it help with the fullness of the upper pole to somewhat match with the fullness of your MX side???   My PS said by doing the lift it still will not add a lot of fullness to the top as the MX side...the procedure on me will bring the nipple up higher & lift but really will not bring a lot of fullness to the upper pole.  Hmmm....  I have decided, as I mentioned above, I will have PS add back some of the cc's because it does not feel as firm as the MX side now.  Please let me know your results/opinion...THANKS!

    Fairportlady55 ~

    My thoughts exactly about the pain pump depleating!  I thought I was doing pretty good until...the meds ran out!  Then I stayed on Vicodine for about a week.  I asked for the pain pump on the exchange & she placed one my aug. healthy side but was not needed on my exchange side.  Anyway...heaven again!

    Thinking of all of you who are going on to the next step (exchanges,etc.)!!!!

    NAE

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