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Exchange City

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Comments

  • looper
    looper Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Deborah~~You and your sister DeeDee have my prayers.  Sorry you have to live with such a strong medical history and make decisions like this.  I have three sisters that I treasure every day of my life--can't imagine getting through all this without them.  They now have history of mother and sister with BC, so they're all acting accordingly.  Even my 35 year old daughter had her first mammo after I was diagnosed.

    Take good care of each other, and don't forget to have a little fun together!

    Suzie

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited March 2009

    Thank you so much for the prayers and well-wishes!  Yes, Suzie, I know what you mean, 'cause I WUV, WUV, WUV my seester....I am waiting for the call from my brother-in-law once she goes into the recovery room...

    Lorraine - You and I can take the flight to Vegas together...or drive and stop off at the outlet malls in Barstow.  Hmmmm....

    Route53:  When you describe your wife's implants as not being "as round", it might be that she has a higher profile but narrower base width implant.  Were the expanders "rounder" than the implants? That might explain the dimpling or rippling effect - if they are not filling the pocket. As Sandy mentioned, did she have a uni or BM and could you take photos and post them on the picture's forum?

    Deborah

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2009

    Laura,

    Okay I will plan away with the input of all the fabulous ladies here!! I do think we should leave the husbands at home but if anyone absolutely has to bring the hubby of course there will be no hard feelings. I pretty much think that Vegas will be the location. Now we just need a date and location. I will be working on that. If anyone has suggestions dont hesitate to let me know. Also if someone can start a sign up list that would be great. I would do it but I dont know how.Embarassed How does sometime in September sound??

    BTW we love you Laura thats why we were thinking of your exchange date.Wink

    Tracey

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited March 2009

    dani42 - congrats on your fill!  My PS decided I wasn't ready yet, even though I'm now 6 weeks post-op.  Another 2 weeks unfilled....guess everyone's different.

     rock_wellgirl - I found out that my expanders are 11inches/250cc.  They seem like babies compared to the ones everybody talks about here - and I'm 5'7"/120#s.   Apparently that's all he could get in. 

    Does anybody have experience with with such tiny expanders?  I guess I shouldn't mind since I've been flat all my life; I was just hoping for a LITTLE change after going through all of this!  Am I crazy?

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited March 2009

    val61

    I thought mine were small at 450 cc's.  Did your doctor say anything about what he predicts your implant size will be?  My ps had his assistant do the fills but he popped in 3 times during the visit to make sure things were as he wanted.  He heard us make a reference to Dolly Parton before the fill started so he examined me and advised his assistant to go slow. I don't think he wanted me to get the 210 cc's today but his assistant said just tell me when you can't take it anymore.  I'm glad she stopped when she did because that was my limit. 

    I am sorry you didn't get your fill today.  Does it feel like your skin has softened any?  When I first had the surgery I was tight as a drum and hard as a rock.  By this morning, I could press down and it started to feel more like a firm balloon than an orange.   

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Luck Dani... I know what you mean about being huge,.lol.. I felt like that too.. now I love it... I am a small C and I like it! :)

    Tracey, I felt humbled you all thought to wait on me.. WOW! TY.. sweet sweet sisters..

    DEE DEE... You are in my prayers girl!!!! I admire you and you will look great !

    Laura.. gotta get back to work....eekkk

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Dani and Val,

    Since you are in the beginnings of the expansion phase I thought I would share a website that was very helpful to me early in the process.  If you scroll down far enough there is a chart telling you how to determine cup size.  http://www.justbreastimplants.com/size/

    I had my exchange this past Tuesday (I am a narrow chested person, and had 450 cc high profile silicone gel implants put in).  My Plastic Surgeon expanded me to 600 cc in advance of my exchange and I waited 3 months so the skin would be as elastic as possible.   My breast mound measures 9" which is a nice C cup.  I was an A prior to mastectomy.    My fills went slowly and started late - I was 5 weeks post op before any saline was added.  My fills took from the first part of August through the end of November, and my average fills were 50 - 60 cc.  

    Good luck!  Glad to have you in the "city."

  • Jeansbeans
    Jeansbeans Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2009

     Hi to all, I am going on Monday to have my nipples done, My exchange was done on Feb. 4th . I am so very excited to finally coming to an end. I have noticed the last week my one side has dropped quite alot and had a rippling in it.  The BC side looks great. I will have my PS look at this. Maybe he will have a solution. I already had liposuction from my belly and underarm to fill in a large gap above my TE. It looks great, you can't tell there was ever a gap there, but now my one side is sagging down and I can see a slight indent above my implant again.  I wonder if the fat shifted?  DANI42, I am in Syracuse just about everyother weekend seeing Grandchildren, If you are there sometime, maybe we could have coffee? Anniealso, I too just had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy in Dec. it was done laproscopy and recovery was quite quick. I too had 3 sections, It was no problem to do lap. I love the " LEGGO MY EGGO'S" !!  LORRAINE:  So glad for you, I know how you felt, I just had my exchange too.  I had the sloshing, farting noise too, but it stopped after a week.  And YES, they will FLUFF,  They take a softer shape as they settle.  I am so happy with mine too!  DEBORAH, I commend your sister for this very difficult decision she has made. I have spoke to my 2 sisters about this as I am now 4th generation woman with BC. My Mom is a 30 yr. bc survivor { she is almost 87!} My Grandmother and Great Grandmother died in early 50's with bc. So, I am very worried for my sisters, and  for my 2 daughters.  They are having early screening.  SUZIE, I think what pocket revision means is FAT is injected into the area that needs filling in, This is what I had done. Although the name pocket revision was never used.. To all the ladies who are having their exchange this week.  I will be thinking of you all, You will just love the feel of the new girls!!!  Genle hugs to all.  Jeanie 

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited March 2009

    Jeanie! Thank you so much for letting me know that sloshing and farting isn't just me LOL!!! Plus nice to know that these puppies will get a little softer and settle, my PS didn't know what I meant by fluffing!! Many thanks for the response! :)

    Lorraine ox

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2009

    Lol sloshing and farting.....i need to go back and read the story behind that



    Lorraine i hope you are down for the reunion, i really look forward to meeting you!!!



    Tracey

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited March 2009

    Hey Tracey! yup, my new foobies have some interesting sound effects LOL!!! oh well!! Yup! I will be there, Vegas here we come!!

    Lorraine ox

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2009

    I'm in for Vegas BABY!.........hopefully with new boobies........fingers crossed.......I'm just praying for new boobs for my birthday.....July.....the light a the end of the tunnel is still very dim.......I need some progres........your stories all keep me going!

    Have a great weekend!

    Jax

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited March 2009

    Jax! hang in there sister! there is a light and as I like to say......its not a train!! Have a great weekend!

    L

    ox

  • PinkyLee
    PinkyLee Member Posts: 427
    edited March 2009

    I'm in for vegas. 

    My ps scheduled my next appointment for May to see if I will be ready for nipples.  So I hope that means I will fluff somemore before then.  They do look better today and I was able to wear one of my Victoria secrets bras.  So I am getting better as the days go on.  Still have ripples on the left side on the top and I hope that gets better also.

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited March 2009

    Deborah,

    Lifting your sister up during my prayers.  You are so blessed to have each other.  Praying that her recovery will be easy and fast....without problems.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Ladies. finally home and settled.... Deb, I sure hope your sister is feeling good about all of this. She is lucky to have you!.. Most of us do this so alone.. without EVER knowing a friends or family member that went through it. If it was not for this board, I truly might have lot my mind.. :)

    It is nice to see everyone liking the Vegas idea!

    Maybe Tracey and I will have more hair by then...LOL LOL!!!!

    Jax,,, you and me both... I was to have exchange March 31st... but then... rads were pushed on me.... sooo.. I will not have exchange till.. oct or later.. so... I am in the waiting boat...

    Lorriane.. so glad you are liking the sisters!!!! GREAT!

    Everyone.. God Bless and Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

    Ta Ta Sisterhood!

    Laura

  • smmr
    smmr Member Posts: 34
    edited March 2009

    Val 61 - My expanders were overfilled by 100ccs on one side and 150 ccs on the other, so even though you have small expanders, you could end up being a little larger than that.  I, too, got a little boob greedy after going through this.  At first I thought I just wanted to be the same size so no one could tell I had anything done, but now, I'm thinking.....what the heck?  I've been through enough pain to deserve a few more cc's!!!  After being an A/B all my life, I'm enjoying the way clothes are fitting now, but can't wait for some foobs that move a little!!

    Deborah - I'll be thinking of your sister as she goes through all this.  I'm sure she'll have moments when she'll wonder why she did it since she doesn't actually have cancer (like me), but in the end I know she'll enjoy the piece of mind. I already am so relieved not to have different worrisome lumps every month!!  It's awesome!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Pam my 1st PS didn't give me a card on my expanders. But when she told me she was moving to CA I got a copy of my records which had comments about every office visit and that listed the style of expander I had. I would suggest you to get a copy of your records from your 1st PS. I actually asked for 2. One for me and one for my new PS to have.

    Annie I will continue to pray for you and all of my BC family

    dani45 wow you really got a good fill : )

    You need to know more than just the cc size of your expander, they come in several styles. I would suggest to ask your PS which style you got. This will help to pick out a implant

    Tracey I will just share the one time we went to Vegas we stayed at the Flamingo which was a very good location because it was in the middle of the strip. One day we walked one way the next day we walked the other way and the 3rd day we took a bus down to the old town area. It doesn't have to be the Flamingo but I would suggest something in the middle of the strip.

    Val61 which brand expanders do you have, Mentor or Natrelle. Do keep in mind many PS do over expand by 50% so he could possibly put in 375cc. Thank you for finding out the width but I would also suggest to find out the hight and projection. If your PS tells you the style you can figure the rest of the dim from the web site. I'm guessing you must have a small rib cage since he put that small of a TE in. If you want share how many inches you are right under your TE. If you just had surgery you might be a little swollen right now. Your not crazy at all. After you get expanded and if you think the width looks good most likely he will use high profile on you because they have the smallest base. But you can still get very good projection ; - )

    Jeanie/jeansbeans I just wanted to share I'm waiting 4 months before I get my nipple done just in case they drop and don't be even. Not here but I had read on other threads that sometimes the fat thing only last so long. I wonder if your PS could maybe look at adding some allerderm instead.

    I just wanted to share I know some gals said they started to write a post and lost it. What I started doing when I have a lot of post to read through I bring up word perfect and type up what I want that way I can go to the next page and make sure nothing gets added before I paste my reply.

    Deb that's so nice that you sisters have been there for each other

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    I hope psalmist doesn't mind me saying she posted her exchange pix on the private pix forum and OH MY GOODNESS DOES SHE LOOK GREAT : - )

    She had some pocket work done and her PS taped her up so to help keep things where he wants them.  I thought it was so great for her to share this because that sounds like a very smart thing to do. 

    I think she went with the 450cc high profile implants

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    if anybody has the link of the u-tube video where they cut it in half and it doesn't really run out could you post that.  I wanted to share it with someone but can't find it now.  Thanks : - )

  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2009

    Here is the video where a saline and silicone implant is cut or punctured and the result.  Made me feel much better about the decision to go with silicone.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vFyAEgqJSw

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    thanks for helping me find it.  I just found it and was going to post it but you beat me too it.  I had no idea silicone implants changed from years ago.  That's why the 1st exchange I had I went with saline because I do a lot of trail mountain biking and was worried about all my falls I have on some of the tricky jumps I do sometimes.  Everyone has to choose what they feel comfortable with.  I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to push silicone but for me I was happy with that choice after seeing this video.   

  • Bukki
    Bukki Member Posts: 103
    edited March 2009

    just checking in... got nice soft foobs....yeah.....stayed overnight in hospital for better pain control... and was glad I did....unwrapped them last nite...still have lots of fluffing and was very surprised bt how long the incisions were..... ps had to do some revsions and guess they were more extensive than I expected....I am sore  but nothing like last time....got taken out to walk around the car show and did pretty good keeping up..... family was teasing me to pick out a new sporty type car to go with the foobs....... they say I no longer have "mini" van  boobs....lol....I am just amazed how much softer and real they fee....got silicone...will update ya'all later....pain pill is kicking in.....hugs and prayers o all of you special ladies....Elaine

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    In Vegas... I LOVED downtown.. LOVED IT!

    We stayed at the Stratosphere because we are crazy like that... but I really liked the downtown hotels.. plus.. for 5 bucks a day.. we took the Deuce... all the time.. walked some.. but rode most.. from the time we got up until 3 or 4 AM,..

    Anywhoo.. I am off to see psalmists boobs....I want the 450's too.... :)

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited March 2009

    Elaine - I'm sorry you had pain, but I'm so glad you like your nice new soft foobs! It's great to have breasts that feel real again, isn't it?!

    I think I'd like to get a red Mustang convertible to go with my new girl!  What do you want?! Laughing

    Congrats!

    Diane

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist.. can I say first.... I wish I new your real name....LOL....  and second.. your boobies are going to look amazing!!! GREAT cleavage!!!!!! They look good now in the healing...

    Why doe you have to have stitches out? My PS puts them inside .. I wonder if I will have any stitched after exchange?

    Anyway.. congrats and thank you for sharing with us... It is a great place to see that women can look really good after.

    God Bless!

    Too all ladies healing... I pray for you.. and for all ladies awaiting exchange... I pray for you..:)

    Love to all!

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 761
    edited March 2009

    A quick check in here.

    Deborah- I hope your sister is doing good today.

    Sounds like everyone is doing pretty good with their Exchanges from this past week.  That is great!

    Sandy- Thanks- I do have my Records & re looked at them

    I had Mentor  Expanders 354-6213

    What does that tell us?  Im not sure where the expander sizes are...are they right on the mentor site?

    Thanks,

    Pam

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Hey friends,

    Ok.. first... let me say I am sorry for being "soft"...Embarassed

    Now... I have been talking with stage 4 ladies. .. this week.. I have been giving them my love, here in KC..

    I  am going to be a volunteer at the Breast Center here soon... help ladies get wigs that really look good.. not like wigs.. ya know..

    Anyway.. I have been such a mess.. sad... seeing these GREAT ladies.. just like us.. but are stage 4... I hope we never see that stage. but we might... we do not know...

    Anyway.. it makes me think of what Tracey when through in TX last week... it makes me think of if ANY ONE of you tell us you have stage 4.. it makes me think of my Dear beautiful friend Diana, that they think is stage 4 and are treating her accordingly.

    I do not want to continue as to bring anyone of your beautiful ladies I call friend down. I just wanted to make it a point  to tell you.. as most of the ones I have come to care for are on this thread... minus a few... I hope read this thread... that I love you all. For the women you were... the women you are and the women you are going to be.

    You are all so strong! When you have weakness.. you deal and move on.. get stronger.

    It reminds me of an old Helen Reddy Song... " I am Woman".. <<---- check it out on Itunes if you have not heard it... It ROCKS! I am saying it should be "our" song... we are the Ta Ta Sisterhood and our song is "I am Woman"... just my thought...

    I am not trying to be too soft... as I believe we cannot be too soft during and after BC... just soft boobies..... :)....

    I just wanted you all to know, I admire and love you.. even though we all do not really know one another yet... we are the same.

    God Bless you and I do admire you and PRAY so hard I never hear you say the words... Mets.

    God protect us all.

    Di, if you read this... I still believe you do not have mets. I will not really believe it unless you ever have progression.. and YOU WILL NOT!

    Love and Blessings.

    Laura<---------------- hoping she is not freaking you all out with my "sharing" lol...

    I think I will start a new thread soon in the "building relationships area" called... Ta Ta Sisterhood.

    Where we all can "hang" after our hell years are up! Amen!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Pam here's some info for you:

    http://www.mentorcorp.com/breastsurgery/reconstruction/tissue-expanders.htm#

    this link above should take you right to the expander samples if that doesn't work try the link below and click on the expanders on that page.

    http://www.mentorcorp.com/breastsurgery/reconstruction/breast-implants.htm

    check out style 6200

    Siltex® Style 6200 Medium Height Contour Profile®
    Breast Tissue Expander

    354-6213 450 cc device volume 12.7 cm width 10.8 cm hight 7.0 cm projection

    I think this was the same expander I had put in.

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Laura I love you and I haven't even met you or talked to you

    after reading your post I had to do a google search and find that song

    here's the link if anybody wants to check it out

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmExAiCcaPk&feature=related

    here's the lyrics also:

    I am woman, hear me roar
    In numbers too big to ignore
    And I know too much to go back an' pretend
    'cause I've heard it all before
    And I've been down there on the floor
    No one's ever gonna keep me down again

    CHORUS
    Oh yes I am wise
    But it's wisdom born of pain
    Yes, I've paid the price
    But look how much I gained
    If I have to, I can do anything
    I am strong (strong)
    I am invincible (invincible)
    I am woman

    You can bend but never break me
    'cause it only serves to make me
    More determined to achieve my final goal
    And I come back even stronger
    Not a novice any longer
    'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

    CHORUS

    I am woman watch me grow
    See me standing toe to toe
    As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
    But I'm still an embryo
    With a long long way to go
    Until I make my brother understand

    Oh yes I am wise
    But it's wisdom born of pain
    Yes, I've paid the price
    But look how much I gained
    If I have to I can face anything
    I am strong (strong)
    I am invincible (invincible)
    I am woman
    Oh, I am woman
    I am invincible
    I am strong

    FADE
    I am woman
    I am invincible
    I am strong
    I am woman

    I do believe what I have been through this last year has made me a stronger person and I've had many tell me I'm a inspiration to them.  I gave gained so much through what I have been through.

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