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Exchange City

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Comments

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited January 2010

    Bonnie -  My PS told me told to massage my implants everyday for 30 minutes.  I do this but not continuously!!!

  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 271
    edited January 2010

    Geena--Wow, you had a rough time after your exchange, and I'm sure you are happy it's over and you are getting back to normal (whatever that is!).  I hope the puffiness is gone and you are feeling better very soon.  My daughter puffed up all over after she had her first, and only, child -- the nurse said it was from the fluids they gave her.  Is that what caused you to swell up?

    Bobbi and Bobcat -- Thanks for the suggestions about stretching and massaging.  I massage several times every day and try to work the scar tissue as much as I can,  As for stretching, I've been pretty lazy about it lately, but will get back to it and see if it helps!!  That would be great.

     -bonnie

  • juliempw
    juliempw Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2010
    Geena, I'd been wondering when we'd hear from you.  Glad to hear you are well and sorry to hear it was a bit rough.  You have a great outlook and that's half the battle, you'll be back to you in no time.Erika, I'm pretty much open about anything, we're all human and wonder the same things.  Yes I had to warn my husband ahead of time about my concerns for SEs as well, honestly I think it's like so many things in marriage, I think if you put your effort into your marriage, the rest will fall into place.  When I brought up this issue, my husband actually took it as a challenge (so male!) and said "I guess that means I have to come up with some new stuff".  I must say he's been clever.  :-) Julie 
  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010

    Klawless - Welcome!  So glad you found your way here!  I know you'll find ton's of info  - and most importantly - LOTS of wonderfully supportive women!  Whippetmom knows her stuff....you should have great results with her suggestions, if your ps goes for it.    Good luck with the ps visit on Monday.... I will say with your ribcage you're probably a 28 band size for bras.  (My ribcage is about 27 1/2 and I wear a 30, and you're a good 2" smaller around).

    Geena - hang in there, sweetie!  I had a tough time, too, after my exchange - way harder than I thought it would be because of wonky TE's and consequent pocket work, too.  Hugs!!!

    aj - I pm'd you......please do call me if you want....seriously.....I'll be around tomorrow.....

  • Mehere
    Mehere Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2010

     I was diagnosed with DCIS in late October, 2009, Left Breast, DCIS,3.2 cm,  Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/2 lymph nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+.  On December 9, 2009, I had a double mastectomy; skin saving/nipple sparing and currently have I currently have Alergen TE (133FX-13) width 13, height 13.5, Projection 6.7 w/suggested fill of 550cc.  I would like to end up as a full C but am not sure how much more I should be filled PS nurse said about 200 cc's more.  That will include an overfill of 75 to 100 cc's that the PS requested.  I am 5'6, 152lbs with a 32 in ribcage.  Don't know if I'm supposed to post all of this personal info here but I read on another page that this is where I could find knowledgeable individuals to help and that this info would be helpful.  So, if anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it!!  Thanks!!!!

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010
    Welcome, Mehere!!  Yes, you are definitely in the right place....  Whippetmom will chime in here quickly with her thoughts.......We're so glad you found us!
  • Mehere
    Mehere Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2010

    Thank you so much!!!! 

  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 74
    edited January 2010

    Hi everyone.

    I saw my PS today and everything looks great.  I am so pleased with what he has done and so is he.  We talked about nipples and he explained the procedure and said it was done in the office and takes about 30 mins!  I was so surprised. 

    I am going for it!  I am pretty amazed that I really scheduled it because I didn't think I would want to do this but I am.  I will have them done on 2/12.

    Teresa

  • Klawless9
    Klawless9 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2010

    Thank you so much, Whippetmom!

     I'm going to carry tis information with me when i see my PS. I think i'm a special case for him, his nurse said in the 6 years she's worked with him they never had someone as tiny as me! 

    I saw that Mentor UH website...wow.

    I wonder what 4.0, 4.2, 4.3 projection looks like...this is all so confusing to me.

    SO since i'm at 200cc's now, i should definitely man up and hang in there with at least 2 more fills? These suckers feel like their gonna pop and the valve on the side is gonna kill a rib! LOL

     And i've only seen Mentor stuff in his office so i guess he doesn't use Allergan.

    oh and i also saw on the mentor site the Siltex implants give slightly more in projection and my TE is a Siltex so maybe he'll use one of those.  

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010

    Heading to bed......long day at the pool....but my son dropped a LOT of time  and will go to state.....

    Talk to y'all tomorrow...

  • reeltchr
    reeltchr Member Posts: 139
    edited January 2010

    Good Evening Ladies - Well, I saw my PS the other day and he made arrangements for exchange surgery on Mar 4th. I'm in the process of reading a pamphlet on implants to include info on style, sizes, risks,etc.  I feel kind of numb right now trying to process everything. When my head clears I'll PM WhippetsMom. Am I making sense? I think I'm tired.

    Geena - Glad to hear that your exchange is completed, but sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced. This too shall pass as you said and then you will be feeling better.

    Good night everyone.

    Chris

  • juliempw
    juliempw Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2010

    Mehere, Welcome.  That's sounds close to right to me but whippetmom is the opinion you really want.  

    Klawless, I think you'd be a unique/rare case for any PS, you are itty bitty but you'll get it all figured out and I'm sure your results will be beautiful! 

    Julie 

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2010

    Geena, sorry you had such a time of it! Thank goodness your PS didn't try to stretch your skin to get in a larger implant on the radiated side. That's what happened to me and I wound up back in the OR!

    BonnieK: Same here. First time I had implants, there was a lot of scar tissue. And this time it's building up again. But I've started doing all kinds of upper body exercises plus massaging, and the tightness immediately starts to ease up. Stick with it!

  • deekaay
    deekaay Member Posts: 254
    edited January 2010

    Wow, you guys do blaze through this thread!  I don't get to read every day so there is so much good stuff to catch up on when I get back.  Thanks for getting me on the Exchange list--I feel official now!

    Geena, sorry you had a tough time.  I guess each situation is so individual with our bodies.  Wishing you a good recovery and wonderful outcome.  I went back and looked at your pictures; those TEs have a mind of their own, don't they?  Mine are doing a little high/low thing, but not too bad.  I can still get my old soft Warner's bras on for work so I am happy although I am happier when the bra comes off! 

    Fill #4 is this coming Monday.  I am encouraged since several of you said the expansion process got better as you went along.  Crossing my fingers...deekaay

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2010

    Hi all,

    Thanks for all the welcome backs!  So lovely!  I caught a glimpse of these babies - they are small, but sort of delicate and lovely.  It's an odd contrast to my swollen body, but I can see it working ultimately.  Why swollen?  I don't know -- something about circulation maybe?  I've come to accept it - that I'll have it and it eventually passes - I think my body just holds onto the fluids they give you intravenously for a while.  Silly body!

    Question - The fluff and drop - do the breasts look bigger after this or smaller?  I know it's one or the other.  

    I'm wanting to exercise, self massage, get going on rehab, but now is the time to chill despite EVERY cell in my body that wants to go, go, go!  I'm just hoping new pockets can form - my doc says my implants are going to want to go where the TE's were.  I'll stop em with duct tape if I have to!

    Texas357 - I was very aware of your story when talking to my PS about my skin's lack of elasticity.  Geesh, you went through the mill.

    Val - Thanks for sharing the difficulty of your exchange - it helped me feel less odd.  

    One thing I'm really getting is just how different all our stories are - things can go this way or that!  We just do what we can - self educate, self-advocate, then let go, I guess!

    Geena

  • Klawless9
    Klawless9 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2010

    Thank you, Julie!

  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2010

    Geena, I'm glad everything went well for you.  I just know you're going to LOVE your new ones!  Duct tape is the solution for everything!!!!

    Deen

  • Grakenmom
    Grakenmom Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2010

    Hello ladies - so nice to hear everyone's stories - the good and the not-so-perfect surgery stories - it is amazing how different we all are, yet striving for the same goal:  wholeness!  I think I've learned more from all of you than from all the research I tried to do on my own, so thank you!!

    Whippetmom - thank you so much for your opinon, it means so much. I don't know your background, but obviously you are the "foob guru" (if you'll pardon the expression). Wish there was a better way for me to demonstrate my thanks - but please know that you have my gratitude and appreciation!

    Geena - Hi, we've never met either, but it's nice to hear you're back. I hope your recovery continues to go well - and hey, you might want to save some of that energy, you'll probably need it sooner than you think!  (And I didn't see your pics, but laughed out loud at the "whack-a-doodle TE's" - too funny!)

    Julie - thanks also for your experience with Tamox - I liked the oven/microwave analogy too! I forewarned my hubby about SE's too, and he had the same type of reaction (we'll just have to "experiment", lol)  I've lost 23 lbs since my surgery so maybe that's what's helping me in that department - a little body confidence goes a long way for me.

    Hope everyone is well - stay healthy! xo, Erika (Grakenmom) 

  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Member Posts: 223
    edited January 2010

    Geena - best wishes with your recovery.  I hope that you are feeling closer to normal now.  You must be so relieved that your surgery is behind you!

    I am pleased that after my 3rd and final fill that my muscles aren't spasming anymore.   Just the regular TE aches making me feel like an old lady.  I will keep on exercising and stretching - so many of you say that this is the way to prevent scar tissue from building up.  Excellent advice.

    I'm wondering if quantity of skin helps to explain why some PS under-expand the TEs (and go with larger implants)and some PS over-expand the TEs and go with the same size or smaller implants.  I'm expanded to 200 and the implant will be around 400. Since my mx was areola/skin sparing, my skin isn't tight and he won't have to stretch it to get the implant in....(I can hear my muscles' high pitched screaming, though!!!!)

  • pkb143
    pkb143 Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2010

    Hi, everyone, I haven't posted on this thread (that I can remember) but I think I'm ready to now, as I have the date for my exchange surgery, March 16. I am so happy to get this scheduled.

    I'll be trading out my (1180 cc's) TE on the right side for a saline implant (probably, but could end up being silicone gel). On the left (natural) side, I'll have an augmentation (if needed to match) and a lift. The augmentation will likely be an adjustable saline implant which we can 'tweak' after surgery. I'll discuss all this again with my PS on Feb. 25 pre-op appointment, but I have changed my mind about the type of implant I want after I discovered the max he can put in using silicone is 800 cc's. I can go a little higher with saline (I'm 5'10" and weigh 182 lbs). 

    And yes, whippetmom has been incredible. I don't know where or how she finds the time, but she has helped so many of us with foob sizing, it's unreal. There is no way I would have plowed through all the literature and come up with anything meaningful. I hope she knows how much it is appreciated!

    Patty

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

    Klawless:  The next time you see your PS, you need to pick his brain about his plans for you.  He has already overexpanded you 50 ccs and I personally feel that if he has 200 ccs or even 225 ccs in mind for you, there is no reason you would need to fill any more at all.  You would just be in a holding pattern for at least two months - three preferably.  There is no rush for the exchange.  So ask what size implant HE has in mind for you.  Then we can discuss this further and determine if you need further fills.  When you asked about numbers such as 4.0 or 4.2....we are talking millimeters difference between the projection of your TEs currently and the proposed implant style. 

    Mehere:  I had the same TE style as you.....but mine was a 12.0 cm width  - yours is 13.0 cm.  You would probably be very happy with 600 cc's in Allergan Style 20 - smooth silicone rounds.  However, you had a nipple sparing so we need to continue to watch to see how they position out - so let's revisit once you get to your maximum fill of 550 cc's.

  • juliempw
    juliempw Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2010

    My PS mentioned once that he uses mentor silicone because he almost never sees capsular contracture with them.  I'm just curious, of the people who have had CC, did you have mentor or allergan? 

    Welcome Patty!

    Deborah, Given the newness of my exchange, I'm obviously anxious to know how they'll change.  Do you happen to know off hand anyone that I could look up who has posted pictures just after exchange and then updated a few months later or when things have settled? 

    Geena, I am so right there with you.  I feel like I could be doing so much more than I'm allowed to do and it's a mental challenge to not want to stretch this tightness out.  I love that you keep positive about it!  I think if it hadn't been for my extra pocket work, I'd be feeling pretty darn normal now.  Did you see the post for that bra thing that I put up a couple days ago, I wonder if that might help keep things in place for you?  http://www.chicshaper.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

    Julie 

  • Mehere
    Mehere Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2010

    Whippetmon:  I'm currently @ 500 cc's and will be going this Monday for another fill which will bring me up to 550 cc's.  When you mention the Allergen 600cc's smooth silicone rounds are you referring to the implants because my PS will be using memory gel implants.  Are these the same or is memory gel just the type of silicone in the implants.  Can the TE be overfilled by 200 cc's? Boy, this can get confusing thank you so much for all your help!!

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

    julie:  Do you want to email me your photos?  PM me if so....

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

    Mehere: Yes...memory gels are one and the same.  I gave you the Allergan reference b/c you have Allergan TEs so I assume your PS intends to use Allergan implants?  And the style for you would be the high profile, Style 20.  Okay, for reference:  My TEs were 400 ccs overfilled to 425 ccs and I was exchanged to Allergan Style 20 - 550 ccs.  We are focusing on dimensions - not volume.

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010
    Julie - on the pic site, I have pics just after the drains came out (8 days post-op) and then at 14 weeks post-exchange.  I can see the difference, but I'm not sure if anybody else can.  Check them out....
  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited January 2010
    Kristinka - the amount of skin probably does factor some in the over-expansion decision, but I think mostly it depends on the style of TE the ps uses.  Over-expansion seems to be more common with the medium and tall height expanders.  Sounds like your ps has a similar style to mine - I was expanded to 245cc and have 425cc implants.  It's not very common here, though.  Unlike you, my skin was extremely tight (I was quite flat before bc, so not much left after bmx), and it still worked fine.  I think it may take longer for the "drop and fluff" (settling of the implant into the pocket and relaxing of the pecs to allow the implant to soften) when there's a big difference between TE and implant sizes though.....just my opinion.....   Do keep the stretching and range of motion exercises going, though - it made the world of difference to me.
  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2010

    Julie - Hmmm.  Thanks for showing me the chic shaper.  I have an old sort of bawdy black demi bra that I tried to use for that very purpose earlier -- I just can sense I need something to keep these babies not just compressed, but medial.  I'll check it out.  I'll also check out what the goddess, Deborah mentioned -- the bra with the heavy duty side seams on healme.com.  First though, I'll go see my doc next Wednesday to get the OK.  I tend to be pretty willful and I don't want to be doing myself harm.... Foot in mouth

    Geena

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2010

    Val - Yahoo for your son!

    Ladies - I have tried to keep up w/ dates, let me know if I missed someone's upcoming surgery. You can PM me. Thanks. - Jean

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

    It is 12:30 am here and I gotta get to bed..LOL:

    GEENA.... SISTER I am so glad you are doing ok... I cannot wait to see what she did with you girl... SO HAPPY for you

    TERESA.. WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT?

    Oh I better be off work.. I WANNA COME WATCH....LOL... Yes... Dr. R. is know here for 30 min nips in office ...LOL.. I  HAPPY FOR YOU! GIRL... call me..lol ( I actually will be calling Ta Tas about next weekend.... WAHOOOOOOOOO.. I will call t=within the next two days...

    Ladies.. I love ya and I am lighting a candle at Mass tomorrow for you all. I am remodeling my Salon ( uggg) and am there a LOT.. and MISS YOU..:)... but you are never away from me.

    Kew, where are you girly?

    Vets and new sister....  Something a little sweet angel here on BCO says...

    " Be well, stay strong"         ((((((( SAINT))))))

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