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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    I ordered nipple guards from the baby section on Amazon. I figure it might be preferable to tape those in place rather than use the inch or so of guaze that my PS recommends. At least I'll have an option.

    Erika: When I had my prophylactic mastectomy on my "non-cancerous" side (the MRI and mammogram had shown it was clear the year before) they found out I had multi-focal atypical lobular hyperplasia. Since I had lobular cancer on the other breast, I was so relieved that I'd followed my gut instinct and gotten the thing cut off!

    As for chemo brain ... huh? what was I thinking? LOL

  • kerkle
    kerkle Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2010

    frywoman: I too have the same as you. I have done much research, seen many doctors, if you have questions I am happy to help.

    I am scheduled for my exchange and hysterectomy at the same time (ouch!) on April 12th. However, being in Montreal; we can get bumped minutes before even while waiting in the OR! So don't put me down, just in case...superstitious!! 

  • kerkle
    kerkle Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2010

    Also...how come the site wont accept my picture when I try and dowload it? Anyone else have this problem?

  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited January 2010

    Thank you for the laugh frywoman!  I made myself the most delicious marg Sunday nite, okay, 2;)   Anxiety is setting in, 2 weeks from today is my exchange.  We're going away for a few days for a family reunion so hopefully that will take my mind off things.

    Love that shaper, I'm going to have to find a walgreens, not only does it look like it will support my one sore side, it should help my shoulder issues!  Thanks Julie, and I can't believe you're out and about, so good to hear!

    I can't remember what I used for nipple guards, but I do remember my PS ordering special shaped silicone rings to go around areola scar after lift surgery (to prevent scarring) Sorry, this was 10 years ago, I'm sure you can find some today. It did work, in fact scar is worse where ring stopped, I should have used a vertical strip below.

    I had DCIS this time and in no way regret my decision to go with another mx, even tho it was not in any other areas.

    Tues is my meeting with PS and I'm busy making my list of ? You'd think since this is #3 it would be easy, but I tend to block out the past!  Thank you all for so much input, you don't know how nice it is to have this site, what a difference from 20 years ago when we didn't have online access!

  • smore
    smore Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2010

    Morning everyone, just getting in from my post op visit.  I a little sore on my right non cancer sore but not to much.  Right now I look smaller than I thought, I hope that changes as they settle.  My implants are 660 mod plus saline.  Anyone else have that size and how did yours turn out.  I am 5'5" and 159 lbs. if that helps

  • frywoman
    frywoman Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2010

    Smore I burst into tears after my first exchange when they put me into my room out of recovery. I took a peek down there and was so surprised that they were smaller than I had expected. I ended up having another exchange 2 months later and they are bigger now. I am 5'8" and about the same weight. My chest is 32" and they look bigger this time. I went up from a 650cc to a 750cc.

    That lighthouse pic looks like St. Augustine. Are you my neighbor?

    Also - anyone else as crazy as me and look up to see how much their implants weighed. I seemed to gain a few pounds from all of this and it wasn't due to chemo or tamox so I was trying to determine if these new foobies weighed more than my old droopies. Mine weigh 1.79 kbs. I'm going to go ahead and blame 1 1/2 lbs on the new boobs. 

  • frywoman
    frywoman Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2010

    I am a typo queen on this thing. That was supposed to 1.79 lbs not kbs. What would a kbs be anyway a kiloblam.

  • 2Xsenough
    2Xsenough Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2010

     Hi Estepp--I'm another so far successful rad sister. My radiation was 15 years ago after my first go-round with the beast. I'm five weeks post exchange after lat flap and TEs. I had the proceedure done with no back incision. I opted for a B cup so the old radiated skin didn't have to stretch too much, and so far so good. Of course, I was only an A cup before so I feel pretty sexy with these B babies.

    I will also help you new girls anyway I can.

    Good healing to all,

    bobbi

  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 63
    edited January 2010
    Katey- try not to worry the exchange surgery is a breeze compared to what you've been through!  I was soooooooooo nervous before my surgery, but the morning of surgery I felt very calm.  I went in the OR at 8:10 am and was on my way home by 1:30 pm.  We even stopped at Starbucks since I missed my morning coffee, LOL!    Good luck!
  • Erika09
    Erika09 Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2010

    I hope I'm not implying any religious views with my words. This is not my intent at all!  But I wonder about our first instincts! Is it the occult voice connecting us with our reality?  Is it the voice inside all of us telling us what steps to take in life but we've learned to disregard it in our daily world? Maybe I should blame my feelings and confusion on Avatar! :-)

    After evaluating my MRI, the radiologist smiled and said that my breasts inside looked like the constellation in the sky! His face and words kept on pounding in my mind ever since!  I wondered about all those ‘stars' and if maybe some of them were actually asteroids!  I was very attached to my so tiny breasts, but the ‘constellation' and your support  gave me the courage I needed to do BLM.

    Val61 - Sorry I've used your logo without your permission but it really made me laugh and I couldn't resist, thank you! My family loved it!

    Mykidsmom - I'm happy to be part of this great group of ladies. Thank you!

    Terrij152, Texas357, Firni - Thank you for your good wishes!

    Whippermom - Here is the information on my TE:  REF133SX-12, SN 14395037, 350cc Allergan, short height, variable projection, saline filled, biocell texture, magna-site injection. I asked my PS about the questions you posted. She said that she does not do measurements prior to surgery, and uring mastectomy she evaluates the total mass taken off each breast and that determines the size of TE. My left breast total removed was 285cc, and the right was 275cc. She filled both TE with 300cc each.  I was a 34 B cup prior to surgery. Right now my TE's feel more like a B+. My PS thinks two fills will do it for me as I don't want to go much bigger.  I nice C+ would be nice, though!  Does the fact that the TE's specifications say 350cc mean it can't be larger? I wonder if 350cc will give me a nice C+ cup! My PS seems to be very willing and is encouraging me to go larger! My height: 5'3.5", weight: 127.5 lbs, ribcage: 29.3". Thank you so much! Erika

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010
    Erika - it certainly wasn't MY logo - just on the t-shirt from our local bc support group - I say spread the love!  Your TE's are short-height like mine, but just a bit bigger.......let's see what Whippetmom says, but you should be able to go bigger than 350cc for implant size......
  • Erika09
    Erika09 Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2010

    Whippetmom -Also, I've been taking pics since prior to surgery and will post results on TimTim pics forum. I want to contribute to that site as it has also helped me tremendously!  I can send pics of myself in TE's to you if necessary.

    Question: Is it better to post pics all at once towards the end of full reconstruction, or start now and update them as I am being 'developed'?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010
    Erika:  By all means start your photo journaling right now!  Yes, you can overfill with your TEs - and I would tell your PS that your ultimate goal is to have Allergan Style 20, 425 to 450 ccs. When I see your photos, I will be able to confirm these numbers more accurately.  Definitely no less than 425 cc's each breast.  With breast reconstruction, you need to go larger to obtain volume and especially projection.  With your height, weight, ribcage - this is what you will be happy with.  Depending on how your skin responds to expansion, you might not need overfilling.  You need to find out if your PS will be willing to put you into implants 50 to 100 ccs greater than the TEs.  Important question to ask.  I like the style of TEs she used....you are on a great path.  Just get informed!
  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010
    frywoman:  I sit on my power-sanded butt on the computer to post on EC.  That was so funny!  I cannot wait until my DH comes home from the gym to read that to him!
  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Member Posts: 223
    edited January 2010

    Well, I've been lurking on this thread for a while, but now I have a date for my exchange surgery - 2/26 - so I feel like I've finally arrived!  How do you ever keep up with all of the posts?

     Val - could you please repeat what is written on your t-shirt?  I missed it and I'd like to know.

    Whippetmom - I'll be asking for your implant advice once again.  The PS said he'd bring in implants ranging in size from 350 cc-450 cc, both medium and high profile, and will choose the best during the surgery.  I want him to tell me the model numbers so I can start thinking about this, but right now I'm so sleepy from the Darvocet (last fill yesterday), I need to take a nap.

    Frywoman - you are cracking me up!  I've got a margarita photo of me that I might post, too--

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

    Kristinka:  I like the way he thinks!  Great sizing but you want to ride herd on him to stay with the high profile style implant.  I think you want to confirm, confirm, confirm that these are SMOOTH silicone round implants.....not textured.  If he uses Mentor, look here and write down the catalog numbers for the sizes you mentioned....

    http://www.justbreastimplants.com/implants/memorygel_smooth_round_hp.htm

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2010
    Lilah:  I'll bring donuts to the first meeting.
  • sunnyhou
    sunnyhou Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2010

    Whippetmom

    I posted this but re-measured my rib cage and it is actually 34 inches not 31.. you recommended style 20 with 500cc or 550cc. Would u still recommend this with a bigger rib cage?

    here is my original post.. below..

    I wonder if someone can help me.,

    I am getting my exchange Feb 10th. I had a double skin sparing, aerola sparing mastectomy.

    the DCIS was on the left and I had two lymph nodes taken out. My left expander is falling a little so I have to wear a push up bra to hold it up until surgery.

    I am 5'9, weigh 155. My rib cage is 31 inches.  I have  133MV-13 Naturelle Allergan expanders in. Their capacity is 400cc

    I am filled to 560cc.

    I was hoping to be a big C and have some projection.

    any help or advice would be so appreciated

  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2010

    frywoman,

    Yes I think I gained weight from the implants also.  I researched that silicone weighs this

     Everyone,

    1ccsilicone=0.0375 ounces

    So I took my 425cc x 2 x.0375 then divided by 16 =2 pounds

    So I figured my bilateral 425cc ones =2 lbs.  So that means I may have gained some weight since my old real boobs were smaller!!!!!

    Janet

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

    sunnyhou:  It changes my opinion regarding volume, not necessarily style.  I think you could still use the Style 20, since "projection" is your focus, and also because you have TEs with a width of 13.0 cm. However, I would up the implant volume 650 ccs.   Have you discussed size with your PS?  Ask her if she will use an implant with a volume 100 cc's greater than your current fill level.  That is where I feel you need to be....

    Edited to state:  I want you to be happy with the results and I think you just need to impress upon your PS that you need to go as large as possible with your current level of expansion, and I am afraid that 650 ccs might be the highest volume you can achieve with your TE status. 

  • BUDDY48
    BUDDY48 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2010

    Hello Ladies,

     Been following the EC forum for several months.  Just joined and posted today.  Visited PS today.  Scheduled exchange for 2/1/10.  Was diagnosed one year ago tomorrow and had bilateral on Jan 27, 2009.  Finished expansion Oct 2009.  Looking for sizing advise/opinions.  My expanders are Allergon 133MV-15.  Filled to 575cc, Height 5'4", Weight 150, Rib cage 33 1/2.  At PS meeting today we chose Allergon, model 20, 600cc.  I'd like to be a full C or small D.  Does the selection sound reasonable to achieve the size I want?  Deborah?  Anyone's suggestion will be appreciated.   

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

    BUDDY:  Allergan Style 20 - 600 ccs sounds good to me.  Just one suggestion: Have her take in the 20-650 ccs as well and try to make this volume work for you.  You might be happier with the additional 50 ccs.

  • BUDDY48
    BUDDY48 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2010

    Thanks for the info whippetmom.  I understand cc's versus dimensions when sizing.  My expanders match the 700cc's dimensions more closely but my PS feels 700 is going way overboard and out of proportion to my body size.  He first suggested 550, style 15.  Thanks to the information gained here I was able to discuss sizing more on his level.  He stated he had never had a patient who walked in understanding the sizing.  He was impressed thanks to you guys!!!

  • juliempw
    juliempw Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2010
    Chemo is notorious for memory loss and  I frequently work with memory issues in patients who have had anesthesia.  It's quite common and yes it should pass.  It helps to challenge your brain (word puzzles, sudoku etc).  Stress also adds to the memory loss so finding a way to manage the stress is essential.  I had no idea about the difference with different types of anesthesia so that's good to know. Erika, What a beautiful success story you are.  Thank you for sharing and congratulations on following your instincts! Frywoman, Love the margarita analogy!!! Val, Happy foob-aversary!  So glad to hear you're doing great things for yourself and what a special guy you've got!Smore, mine seem a little small too but it's only been two days and I'm trying my darndest not to look all the time so they have time to settle before I become worried about it.Ha, so funny out of curiosity, I weighed myself the morning of surgery and then the next morning.  I only gained 1/2 a pound--does this mean I went too small!??? :-) Glad so many found the crazy bra of possible use.  I wore it all day today and I think it really helps with the healing on my sides.Julie 
  • sunnyhou
    sunnyhou Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2010

    Thank you for responding.

    . I cannot be expanded anymore because my left implant is too heavy and falling below the mammory fold. Do you think since I am expanded to 560cc that I could possible get an implant that is larger than my expanders?  Do you know if PS's typically do that? I have a meeting with them on Feb 4th a week before my exchange. I can talk to her then about this.. Thanks for all of your help. You have no idea what a God send you are helping us.

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    Val ~

    You do have a special DH!  How sweet of him to remember!  My DH still has hard time remembering dates including our anniversary!!!  It took him quite a while to finally pin it down....but I think I will still keep him!  LOL!!!  He's a good guy!

    Julie ~

    Hope you are doing well as with all the other ladies recovering from their surgeries!

    NAE

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

    Julie -- I think it means that your implants weigh only 1/2 pound more than your TEs :)

    Kristen -- welcome to EC!  I know you and I post on another thread (just don't ask me which one!)... glad to see you here.  And yay on your exchange date.  I tell you right now I'm wishing I did the BMX instead of UMX if only to have two the same size ...  the TE foob is just so cute!  I can hardly wait for exchange as I'll not only get my permanent implant but also my MUCH needed reduction/lift.

    Deborah -- mmmm .... donuts!  I wish we weren't on opposite ends of the country!

    Janet -- I love that you did the math on the weight of implants -- you go girl :)

    Laura -- I have to say I always love your posts.  So wonderfully cheery.  Hope you have a fab slumber party. 

    Cheers Ladies!

  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Member Posts: 136
    edited January 2010

    kerkle ~ I had that same problem and kept shrinking my photo file size until it took.

    Went to see my onc today and he loves the new implants.  Since I was bitching about the 10lb weight gain he is having my thyroid checked ~ he says that I act like he is my primary care dr.  I had better be fine because more issues are really going to annoy me.

    Good news is that I might get to stop taking Tamoxifen after a year and I am already 3 months or so into it.  Yeah!

    Take care!  Colleen

    (wish that power sander had taken a little more off my butt)

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited January 2010

    Sorry I didn't get here sooner and share the good news.  My doc said everything is stable on my MRI, no changes.  The 2 little spots 4mm are still the same which she shared is good news.  I will see docs next Tues and do my complete blood work.

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    2X

    How did they do the lat w/o an incision on your back?

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