Exchange City
Comments
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Oh debintn, you need to send a pm to Timtam asking for access to her forum. She doesn't always grant access right away as she wants to be sure you are who you say you are to protect the privacy those who have posted pictures, so be patient. You've been around here for a little while though so I wouldn't think it would take too long.
Julie
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Alicia -- I'm sure it is individual with each person and each doctor at Sloan what implants are used. I should not have made such a flip comment or at any rate such an overly general comment. It's a conversation between doctor and patient. As I said earlier, my PS feels the teardrop gummy will give me the best chance at matching what's already there (a very specific challenge and even THAT situation is different for each woman).
Lilah
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Hi, I am the lady who's been screaming MASTECTOMY OR LUMPECTOMY, PLEASE HELP!
I was struggling over what decision to make since I was diagnosed on November 2nd, and on December 31 I had bilateral mastectomy.
I am really happy with my decision and it would not have been possible without the impute I got from many ladies on this and other threads.
My pathology report is back and they found three different cancers, two on the right and one on the left. Both breasts had Usual Ductal Hyperplasia Multi focal. Luckily, the nodules were all very small (2mm, 4mm, 1.5mm), no lymph nodes involvement, and very clear margins. So, the report is nothing to be happy about, but it is a very happy day for me because I went against the medical recommendation, found courage and a lot of encouragement on this site and went with my instincts. I can clearly see that I eliminated much pain and many sad days of my future.
I was out of the hospital the next day, and have been going on long hikes since the second day. Drains were removed 8 days later. I got 300cc on each TE's during surgery, and they're not nearly as bad as I was expecting them to be. I actually have a nice cleavage with them! Next week I will have my first fill and my PS said that I should be done with only two fills which will make me a size C cup. I was a small B before, so a C is a nice gift and I don't need to go bigger!
As for pain, I took Vicodin for 3 days but they made me nauseous and I started on 200mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours for 7 days, and now I am completely out of meds. It is still a bit uncomfortable to sleep but it is getting better each day.
Now I should proudly wear a tee-shirt that says -"Dam right they are fake! The real ones tried to kill me!"
(I didn't come up with it! I am borrowing it from someone in one of the threads on this site, and I think it is very funny!)
Thank you and best wishes to everyone!
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I never looked, but couldn't you find nipple guards in the baby product section at Walmart? There are all kinds of things for new mommies there. Certainly there should be nip guards. I know you can get those lilypad guards at Walmart in the bra section.
Erika09, congratulations on following your instincts!!! Not any easy thing to do and going against medical recommendations too. I'm so happy that it hasn't been too hard on you physically. What a relief to know you were right to do the bi Mx.
It sounds like everyone's surgeries this week have gone well. Always a great thing.
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frywoman,
My memory is terrible but never contributed it to surgery. My surgery was 3 weeks ago today and I am back at work. I call people by the wrong names, mess up when I talk and even called my boss over to introduce her to the person I am training - only to be told that I had introduced them the day before! To make matters worse, I said to a second individual, ok, I will introduce you then. He started laughing and said he was with my boss yesterday when I introduced him as well. I feel like I have dementia. I walked what seemed like half a mile to get to my car at lunch, only to realize it was half a mile in the other direction! Now that you mention it might be related to surgery, I feel much better. I am hoping it will pass.
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Dani -- this too shall definitely pass
Erika -- did you know you had cancer in both breasts? Yikes that is an amazing story. Bravo for being brave and for getting it all so small and early.
Lilah
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Lilah: I think that trusting your PS for his/her creative abilities in gaining symmetry is too important to start second guessing. Know what I mean? So go for it! Sounds like you are on the right path....
Julie: That contraption you found at Walgreens is just priceless! Oh my goodness. It might be perfect for a number of issues. I am going to get one and try it out!!!
Erika: I remember reading your thread. Good for you and glad you found your way to EC! Regarding that tee-shirt - Val here on EC is wearing that logo in her photo!
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Deborah -- thanks for that
I agree... but also think it's good to have info. Lilah
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To all of you that just had surgery - hugs and best wishes!!! Recovery softly and comfortably!
Erika - Way to go - I am glad you made the decision that works for you!! And we are glad to have you as you go through your fills and exchange.
Fairport/Kathy - How are you doing? I hope you are feeling better!
Laura - Have fun at your slumber party!
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Lilah -I knew I had a very small .4mm lump in my right breast and that was all but I couldn't cope with the thought of continuous screening and scare...My instincts said BM!
Whippetmom - I will send a note to your implants thread. Great work! I have been reading and following it carefully but I wanted to wait for my pathology report. Since I'm still a bit of a novice, what's EC, and who is Val? Maybe I saw her picture! It made me laugh so much!
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Two question for you experienced ladies:
How do I get on EC list for exchange at top of thread? I should have my exchange this summer. Won't have exact date until May at the earliest.
In terms of implants, does gel=gummies? Is gel or cohesive gel ever referring to silicone?
I'm in the middle of fills, have had three. I am so happy to say that after two pretty painful fills my third was uncomfortable, tight, etc. but no pain. So excited to see the path can change! Best to all with surgeries this week. deekaay
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Deekay ~ I noticed that my fills didn't hurt as bad as I got into it. Part of it for me was just adjustment to the TE's and healing from the surgeries. Five months into it I didn't even notice them anymore, well except for the big bazooms in front of me. Was rather fond of them by the time they were removed . . . sigh Loving the implants now though. This process is all about what my new normal is for me and what I get used to.
Take care, Colleen
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Erika: I can help you out right here on EC with implant info - once you get your tissue expander data and other particulars as noted on the Implant 101 topic. BTW: EC is "Exchange City"....Val is one of our "veteran" members.......her screen name is Val61.
deekay: I'll send your info to Jean but she will probably see this before I have a chance!!! She is the one who started the EC topic..
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Julie- glad to see that you did so well yesterday and impressed that you were at Walgreen's already. I didn't venture out of the house after my exchange for a few days
Erika- so glad you're happy with your decision and it's a good thing you did the BLM! The same thing happened to my friend. She was diagnosed with cancer in one breast and when the did the BLM they found cancer in the other breast too. Good luck to you as you start this journey with expansions and then exchange. Hope you have smooth sailing as I did!
Lilah- I had the same expanders that you have. I ended up with Allergan silicone 20-550 implants for both breasts. Sounds like you're on the right track with your PS.
Deekay- I personally never had pain during my expansion process. I did feel tightness after the expansions, but found that with stretching before and after really helped! Glad to hear that your expansion process is pain free!
Good luck to all and quick healing for those having or have had surgery this week!
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Deekay -- cohesive gel does equal gummies (gummies is their nickname, cohesive gel their official name) and yes they are silicone. They are a firmer sort of silicone than the traditional form.
Cheers,
Lilah
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dani42 I am sorry to laugh but that is just so funny! I have done silly stuff like that too. My surgery was November 3 and according to everything I have read the temporary memory loss should be restored after about 2 months. Not. I will be curious to see if any others are having the same troubles. Of course, they might not remember that they are
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Fry - my trouble is I can't tell if the memory lapses (occasional) are due to surgery or chemo... hmmmmm.... which one, which one...
Lilah
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Lilah - What a hoot!
Your analogy of dog's ears to your boobs was just too funny. Must say though, it provided an excellent visual in my mind's eye. I'm in the same place as you in getting prepared for exchange. Have some homework to do. Just saw my PS today and got more info and he gave me an excellent booklet with lots of information. I'm sure it will be interesting. Have a good one!Chris
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frywoman: Cute new avatar! You look fairly voluptuous in that photo....sure they are little "C's"? Did you get my email?0
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Frywoman, Dani:
On the topic of memory loss after surgery, my post-surgical "brain fog" (consisting of memory loss, confusion, fuzzy thinking, etc.) was perhaps the worst side effect I had to deal with. I did not have chemo, so I know it was caused by surgery. My first surgery (mastectomy & TE placement) took three hours. I don't feel that my brain was working anything close to normal for at least six months. I started back to work part-time after two months, and it was rough. I could do work I'd been doing for years, but anything new just bewildered me. I am so fortunate that I only had sixteen months after my surgery until I was eligible for retirement. I am also fortunate that my boss was a kind, compassionate man whose mother had breast cancer several years ago, and he knew I was trying, I just couldn't do it.
I had exchange surgery six months later (just one hour) and it didn't seem to make me any worse. But eight months after the mastectomy, I was scheduled for another three hour surgery (lift/augment, and nipple creation). I was so afraid it would happen again, but my anesthesia doctor was wonderful! He said that some people (like me, it seems) have this problem if they receive anesthesia through breathing it in. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell ahead of time if you are one of them.
Anyhow, he gave my anesthesia for this surgery entirely through my veins, and the difference was night and day! I had no problems at all! I was sooooo happy.... I had a nice new chest, and didn't have to lose my mind for it this time! I don't know if my story answers any of your questions, but I hope it's helpful. Several sources I found later estimate it takes two months for each hour of surgery for the anesthesia to get out of your system, which was close for me. At least it does get better with time...PM if you have questions...
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whippetmom - Yes I did get your e-mai. I sent you one back! I am just so touched at your willingness to spend so much time on me - a perfect stranger - especially after what seems like a very long, hard, and wet day!
NVDiane - thank you for your story. I am so sorry that it affected you so much at work. Luckily I have very little face time with my director and spend much of my time off campus so hopefully he won't notice the temporary air in my head.I had not heard it takes 2 months for each hour of anesthesia. My goodness. At that rate at 13 months I might remember my pin number!
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Whippetmom~
I saw my new onc. today,,the one you recommended...and SHE was wonderful!!! I felt very comfortable with her & she took the time to explain to me about my initial diagnosis & any concerns I had. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! By the way...we MISSED one another by an hour this morning!!!! Can you believe that!!! I told Dr. A that you had referred me to her & she commented she just saw you a few minutes before. My appt. was at 10 am. So close!!! LOL! Well...next time!
NAE
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Oh whippetmom - if you are reffering to my boobs in this new pic - thay were actually probably tiny little b's. That is an old picture before children. My boobs grew a cup size - more in the south direction - after children. I know. It might seem weird to put an old pic of me on there but that giant margarita and the glean in my eyes is just too hilarious and perfectly sums up my new motto -
~~"Sometimes life hands you lemons, and sure, you can make lemonade....
Of course, sometimes life pulls down your pants, runs a power sander across your naked butt, then pours lemon juice on your raw, abraded buttocks.....and in that case, a cool, vodka laden citrus drink wouldn't really help but, darn it......you've got to HANG IN THERE ANYWAY!!~~ And nothing makes that easier than a GIANT margarita.0 -
Nedeza if you don't mind I might send you a PM if you wouldn't mind. I still have tons of questions and big concerns about my diagnosis - DCIS - and I noticed that you were DCIS also.
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How in the world do you girls keep up with this site. This is a fast moving place. Do most of you do it through your phones? I still have an old fashioned flip phone that doesn't even take pics let alone give me internet access. I am so out of the loop with technology.
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frywomen --- That was so funny! Keep laughing girl, and you'll get through all this !*#!
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LOL Fry -- love that quote (so true)
Lilah (who is starting a BCO addicts anonymous any day now)
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Frywoman ~
Bring it on! Hope I can help1
NAE
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Okay. Thanks Nedeza. Look for it tomorrow. My hubby wants to snuggle! Can't say no to that.
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Erika09 - Welcome to EC! I'm happy to have provided you with a smile over my t-shirt!
Julie - Thanks for the tip on the "contraption" at Walgreens. Will check it out - might just be the thing to keep my left from from sliding - again, that is!
Well, ladies, one year ago this morning I was losing my breasts....... I can turn it into a sad day...or a happy one......I'm (trying, at least) to choose "happy" because I'm cancer-free and that's the important thing, isn't it? I almost thought my dh had forgotten...was already starting to be mad.....when as he kissed me goodbye before he left for work said, "I know today is a sad day for you, but I'm happy because you're still with me. Besides, I just couldn't find a card that said 'sorry you lost your boobs.' " (btw...he has a rather dry sense of humor.....and my boobs weren't so great either.....)What a sweetie, huh? Think I'll keep him....
I plan to have a "ME DAY" including Zumba and Pilates classes, delivering pink ribbon cupcakes and thank you notes to my bs's and ps's offices, maybe lunch with a girlfriend, then will have the first massage of my life! (an about-to-expire gift certificate from my bmx prompted me), and will end the night with champagne! For all of our newcomers to EC, it's been a heck of a year, but you CAN DO IT - especially with all the fabulous support we find here! (thanks, KEW, for the ideas!)
I couldn't have made it through this year without all of you wonderful ladies!!!!
Val
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