Exchange City
Comments
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You know I will Annie.. I will be praying with you!
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my thoughts and prayers are with all you ladies ......special prayers to all you gals getting your exchanges this week..... hope you all get the lovely soft foobs you have been dreaming about.
I have so needed my conection with you ladies.... I am not sure I could have done it without ya"all.....see there is my "okie" accent ....even in my typing...
I am going to try to take it slow and easy this week.....It feels soooooooo much better without the expanders that I am tempted to over do it.....I am still sore .....but wow what a change from the expanders....will keep each and every one of you special ladies in my prayers.....Elaine
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Hi all, just stopped in to catch up. I got my bandages off last Wednesday and as many warned me I was disappointed and got VERY depressed. I expected to be disappointed because I didn't get the size I asked for (got a smaller size - not my choice) and they were mushed hamburger bun looking (less so now - 5 days later). What I didn't expect was having hot flashes day and night (worse in the evening for me). All this seems to have launched me back into a grieving state. My husband said something very astute to me today - I am at the crossroad of where hope meets reality. And I guess I am processing my disappointment with my new reality.
Does anyone know if the hot flashes go away anytime soon? (I am 47 and not in menopause yet according to my PC)
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Hi ladies - I have been away this weekend, so I am just barely catching up. First I want to wish this week's surgery the very best, Annie and the others that are having an exchange:
3/10 - Choice - Exchange to Allergan implants
3/11 - Soccermom96 - Exchange to silicone
3/11 - Daisy6 - Exchange to saline
3/11 - Mom_of_2 - Exchange
3/11 - Karen9516 - Exchange
3/11 - Anniealso - Surgery (not an exchange)
Ladyredlocks - I can't help you w/ how long. I expect the hot flashes are from the AI you are taking. I know that for myself, I had horrible hot flashes for two years from menopause! The good news is that they did get better. They are still there, but not totally impossible like they were before.
The songs being posted are very touching for me. At 54 they bring me back to a time and place in life where anything and everything seemed possible!
I am thinking of you today Laura!
All of you ladies rock!! And you know it.
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Seems like all PS have different post op advise. I haven't got the final word on sports bra from my PS but am heading to Target today to look for one that doesn't have to go over head. I have mobility problems with my right arm ever since SNB last summer. Has anyone found sports bras with closures? Anyone have any other post exchange advise?
Thank you
Kris
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Wishing everyone good luck this week. Annie I still hope they can do your surgery laparoscopically. There is a small chance : )
3/10 - Choice - Exchange to Allergan implants
3/11 - Soccermom96 - Exchange to silicone
3/11 - Daisy6 - Exchange to saline
3/11 - Mom_of_2 - Exchange
3/11 - Karen9516 - Exchange
3/11 - Anniealso - Surgery (not an exchange)
I enjoyed the songs too. I Am Women Reminds me of my Mom alot- She loved that Song.
Pam
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Kris- I know Walmart carried some Sports Bras with front closures. They were very thin though & not much 'of a bra'
Pam
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Morning all, my prayers and blessings to Choice, Soccermom96, Daisy6, Mom_of_2, Karen9516 and Anniealso this week as you have your exchange surgeries. You will be much more comfortable with the TEs out and implants in.
Kris, I found my zip front sports bras at JC Penneys for about $10 each. I would call ahead and see if they have your size - my local Penneys sold out and I had to drive to the next county to pick up a couple more before my exchange.
As for post exchange advise - mine would be "take it easy and rest, rest, rest." My PS told me no lifting beyond 5#, keep my arms quiet like after my mastectomy for the first couple weeks. Well I felt pretty good a few days after my exchange and I went out to do a little weeding - no strain - just sat on the ground and pulled little weeds ... it didn't take long for my entire pec region to spasm and pull on my stitch lines - both inside and out (I had alot of pocket revision work on both sides done during the exchange surgery). So I went back to being a couch potato for another week... last Saturday (10 days post exchange) we went to dinner and a play with friends and hoofed it from the restaurant to the theater - only 10 blocks at a brisk walk - and within an hour my chest had gone into a full on spasm again and I had to leave during the second intermission (side note - I slept 16 hours after that - clearly my body didn't like my activity level).
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Ladyredlocks,
I was launched into a grieving state when my dressings were taken off as well. Now I am scheduled for a second revision on L side next week. I am worried that when the dressings come off, I will be disappointed again. Each surgery I get my hopes up and the disappointment is so hard to deal with.
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Chris last year I found front zip bra's at Penny's and Younkers. I think K-mart might have had some also. Calling ahead of time is a good idea to help you save some time.
Take ladyelocks advise and take it easy for at least a week and slowly get back at things if you feel up to it. I know for the 1st 3 days I'm very tired due to being put under. If you don't have to get a any or lot of pocket work done you should have much pain but will be really tired. I'm a runner & biker and my PS told me to wait about 6 weeks to start that again. But walking was ok to do.
Wishing the best for everyone this week : - )
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firstmate I was happy with my 2nd exchange and I hope you will be also.
Ladies do give it a little time but if your not happy share this with your PS and maybe go for another exchange as some of us have. In my case my 2nd exchange didn't cost me anything since I already hit my out of pocket max. for the year Everyone has to look at there own situation and see if it would be worth it.
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Sandy do you know if I can ask for a second exchange if the PS got the size wrong (too small) if everything else if good (symmetry, location, no bumps,or buldges or other problems)? Or am I just being too picky? (We too have already hit our out of pocket max...)
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In my case right after my exchange my PS shared she was moving to CA (I'm in Iowa). When I voiced my concerns she tried telling me she went with as big of a implant as possible and that I was just fine. But I knew my TE was bigger so knew deep down I should be able to go bigger. From the beginning I always felt like my 1st PS didn't want me going bigger than my natual breast. Heck I figured if I wanted it I and any of us should be able to get it. When I saw my 2nd PS I shared my concerns and she agreed. They did turn it into my insurance for pre apoval which came back fine. I say go for it if you really want it. This time my implant is so much softer and wider. Plus my new PS added some alerderm because my skin was thin and I think that will help when I do my nipple procedure. I was able to have mine done 2 months after my 1st exchange. From what I heard insurance should pay somewhat until we are happy but I'm sure they would limit it to a few exchanges. I will add sometimes I have heard PS want to wait 6 months but you'll have to see what yours says. If he won't do it maybe check out another PS. I'm sort of glad mine left town actually : )
My TE had 430cc my 1st implant had 450 but was actually smaller in dim. than my TE I didn't know that when we chose that one : ( My new implant has 550cc so I was able to get more : - )
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Thanks Sandy. I was expanded to 530cc but he only put in a 469 so I know I have more room in there. In my case I was a 36DD before my mastectomy - with the 469's Im a modest C. I wanted to be a 36D with 507cc implants. I will ask my PS about a revision when he returns from Guatamala (he does a "Doctors without Borders" rotation every year - this year he said he is in Guatamala repairing toddlers feet from campfire burns).
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Thanks ya'll...JC Penney's had 2 zip front sports bras in my size. Now I am really ready for my exchange!
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ladyredlocks, I am so sorry you are disappointed, I think with everything we have been through we deserve to be very happy, but to me the thought of another surgery right now does NOT appeal at all! I am sending you prayers and hugs. I had my exchange last Tuesday and right now they look a lot like hamburger buns most definately, I don't understand the whole fluffing thing myself, plus my PS has me in this awful surgical bra that is keeping them squished which I don't understand!! I have to wear it 24/7 until who knows when! Its really hard to sleep in and its painful! Anyone else been told to wear their surgical bra 24/7 I am getting a little cranky!
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as long as I was able to lift my arms up I was told it was fine to wear a reg sports bra but I did do that for 3 weeks 24/7 but if that's more comfortable than your surgecal bra maybe give that a try. Unless if there is a reason he wants you wearing that as in a lot of pocket work. Just give your PS a call and ask if switching to a reg sports bra would be fine.
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ladyredlocks
I don't know if surgery triggers something hormonal but I have felt menopausal since my mastectomy 2 weeks ago. I am 44 years old and my ovaries are the only female part I have left. I 'd like them to function a little longer, at least until I get use to this change.
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mom of 2
Walmart has a front hook sports bra. The brand is Bestform.
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Hello to all of my firends. Since I have been going through this I feel that all of you are the only people who can truly relate to everything that happens to us.
This weekend I have been an emotional roller coaster. I have been crying for no reason and feel like I just want to scream at the top of my lungs. I am glad to be rid of the expanders, but the scabs from my exchange are itching, the muscles in my back where the tissue was removed has been throbbing and my hair has bald spots. It had all come back two years ago, but I think the stress of my sister having chemo now and me going through reconstrution is taking out my hair.
My right foobs is puckering more each day and the left side is higher and fuller that the right. All I keep thinking is that I am going to have to get a prosthesis to even myself out and that sucks after all the surgery I have been through. It has only been two weeks, but I want to feel happier.
I went out and tried to ride the bike and my back screamed at the position of leaning forward on the bars.
My sister has sores in her mouth and her vagina and is loosing her hair. I hate cancer with a vengeance right now. I am thankful that God gave me an additional family that is supportive right now or I don't know what I would do.
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Pinkylee you have every reason to cry and release what you have been through
Did your PS give you any muscle relaxers, if not give him a call and ask for some
Give it some time but if things don't get better maybe your PS can do some sort of a revision to make things better.
My PS didn't want me biking or running for 4-6 weeks after all my surgeries. So please don't push yourself too much your body has been through a lot and needs time to heal. But I do understand the urge to want to get out there again. It's a real stress reliever for me.
(((HUG))) going out to you, your sister and all the gals and their family's that are having to deal with any kind of health issues. We all deserve to be able to enjoy life.
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pinkylee, sweetheart my heart aches for you, I am so sorry you feel so awful, I can totally relate, I had my exchange last Tuesday and have been an emotional mess since then, I can only think that its something to do with the meds from surgery plus just the whole horrid cancer thing smacking me in the head. Give yourself a break, its ok to feel crappy, we here understand and can relate, it will get better I KNOW it will!! I pray a lot... I know what you feel like trying to do things you used to do with ease, I am a runner and haven't been able to run in months (had infection in TE prior to exchange), my arms hurt like crazy I have very limited range of motion in them which is worrisome to say the least, however I plan on doing physical therapy as soon as I can. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your sister, you will get through it!!!
Lorraine ox
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Oh ladies - I am so very sorry you are having this emotional hard time. Please know that we are all there and feeling for you! Take it easy and give yourself room to grieve. There is a lot to grieve for! It is a tough road. And know that we all care so very much! Take care.
Laura - I have been thinking of you today and praying for the best results! - Jean
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(((((((((((((((((((PinkyLee)))))))))))))))))))))))))) I am thinking of you and your sister and keeping you both in my prayers. Cancer is an evil,horrible thing and it is just not fair that both you and your sister have had to go through it at the same time. You deserve to be happier, that is for sure.
Elaine - I know how hard it is to slow life down but we sure have to. Take the time now so that you don't pay the price for overdoing it.
I made the mistake of going nuts with my spring cleaning this past week and now am paying the price. I have been battling a never-healing incision and all my cleaning efforts only made it worse. My foob skin doesn't have any feeling so I was cleaning away and didn't realize that I had made things worse again until I went for a dressing change on Thursday. My PS has changed the dressing to one that is used on leg ulcers (Duo Derm) so I am hoping that works better. I am starting to get more than a little anxious seeing as my MX was December 12 and my incision is still not healed!!! GRRRRRRR My mom asked if he had suggested skin-grafting and I almost had a fit...NOOOOOO...still waiting for it to heal on it's own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NV Diane - A BC band!! That would be great but I wouldn't be a real asset as all I can play is the radio....maybe I'd be a good do-wop girl!! Interesting to see what we could call it, Ta Ta Trio, Boobz 2 Foobz????
Deborah - Great to hear that your sister is such a trooper! The first couple of days seem like they are easier than the rest of the first week as I recall so make sure she doesn't overdo it and still has some support after those first few days.
(((((((((((((Laura)))))))))))))))))) You are such a great support for those stage 4 ladies! I already decided that I am going to volunteer at our local cancer clinic when I retire. I discussed it with my Mom but she isn't ready to deal with that yet. She is still too angry. Can't blame here as she has been there twice. The people there are so wonderful and always have a smile and a cheerful word. I gave my name as a contact to newly diagnosed ladies too, because that is when I really wished I had someone to talk to.
And...the Helen Reddy song...what is just too funny is that song was playing on some oldies station that my husband listens to just prior to my MX. I cried and cried because I felt so opposite from what the song was saying. I couldn't imagine feeling strong but all my friends and family kept saying that they thought I WAS so strong. I even sat down and wrote a poem about how it felt on the inside and what people on the outside perceived. Isn't it ironic how the same song brought us such different feelings? I can listen to it now with strength and courage and feel like I can ROAR with the best of them...also...it was one of my favorite songs back in the '70's. I think I even had it on one of those tiny little records...were they called 45's?????
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First of all.. My heart aches for you ladies having a broken heart right now. You are so right, cancer sucks so bad. You are so beautiful anyway. With TE ( like me for another 7-12 months).. or without breasts. With new implants that are large or small. You are all so beautiful. I can say this with full believe because of how beautiful you have been to me. Here in cyber world. Hang on ladies.. hang on.. if you want a revision your insurance will pay even if you want to go a little bigger. ( at least mine will)...I hope Vegas works out, it would be a great place to see that we are all so alike, and NOT alone... and not wrong in how we feel, EVER!
Secondly:
Clear scans Clear scans Clear scans Clear scans Clear scans Clear scans.
They were so happy for me today. We had a party and I even ate a donut ( if you knew me.. I do not like sweets usually..lol)
Love and Blessings to all of you BEAUTIFUL women!
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Also, I just wanted to say something.
I did not want anyone to think that I was helping with stage 4 women like I think you might have. I was just with them last week in the cancer center. As they talked I listened, and loved them. I would NEVER even pretend to know how they feel at all. They were just talking about loosing their hair again, and I was helping them with wigs.. ( the only thing I know how to help them with).. I am volunteering to help all women with their wigs... but the ladies that are fighting stage 4 BC... I admired so much. They were strong, angry, sad and funny.
Anyway.. I didn't want anyone thinking I was "helping" them.. I do not feel like anyone that is not in their shoes can really help them..I just listened and helped with wigs. They helped me that day. Showing me it was ok to be totally pissed ( eekkk)... at this disease.
Anyway... I felt like you might have misunderstood..
Laura
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Wait, Laura, did you have CLEAR SCANS????????????????????????????????????
WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
God be praised!!!! I am so happy for you.
My heart breaks for all of you going thru the emotional part of this....I was only coming on to say goodbye for awhile as i have a hysterectomy/oopharectomy on Wednesday and won't be on for a bit, but I wanted to send some encouragement. In this battle it TRULY is darkest before the dawn. I just refused to think about it at all, and every time doubt crept in, I prayed and said "it's a process" until, I suddenly at four months out from exchange, noticed, that oh my, the foob is just lovely. It still needs works, but believe everyone when they tell you that the flat hamburger bun bit doesn't last. It will settle into the pocket nicely. If it doesn't they can fix it.
I am sending cyber hugs to all (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))0
and oceans of love.
Please hang on ladies, it will be OK, I promise.
xoxo
I'll be back as soon as I can sit up and hunt and peck, I promise. Please send up a little prayer for no cancer in the ovaries or uterus for me.
xoxo
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Laura I'm just heading out the door but checked mail quick
thank you so much for sharing the good news
I knew I would be doing the happy dance today : - )
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Laura!! I am bawling right now! friggin hormones or lack of!! Clear scans oh my goodness, I am so thrilled for you!! HALLELUJAH!!!! the power of prayer!!! you can take a breath now! You are such a special lady, Lord knows you have helped me with your words and sweet smile, thank you!! love you big hugs!!!!
Lorraine ox
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oh Annie our posts crossed!! lots of prayers for you on Wednesday I shall be praying a lot!! thank you for setting me straight on the whole foob thing too, as long as I don't have cancer who the heck cares!! puts things in perspective doesn't it!
Lorraine ox
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