Exchange City
Comments
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Ladies, I just googled choker necklaces and found that Victorian choker. The website for that particular one is:
http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/black-and-silver-lace-victorian-choker-necklace
I think it is $20. Not bad, eh?
Take care.
Brenda
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Help--I need a little reasurance here. I've been mostly trying to stay positive and give my new girls a chance to start looking better, but I'm seven weeks post exchange and the old rad side is still sitting up high and looks like a half a cantalope. I think it's a good inch higher than the other side and not shaped like a breast at all. The other side could almost pass for a natural looking breast when it gets its cherry on top. In clothes, with a bra (and I still don't have any new bras with a decent fit) I do look ok although they are still too round if someone looked close. I hate to obsess, but after what we all go through it's hard not to.
I've been saying that I don't want to have a revision; thinking of another surgery makes my eyes cross. And my husbands seem to roll around in his head if I even hint at having another surgery. "You don't have cancer anymore," he says, like anything else is totally superficial. Granted, my PS is 500 miles away, and even going for an office visit is a chore, especially in the winter with snowy roads.
I hate to be whiny, so back to positive thinking. How much time, really, should I give this? They will continue to shape up, right??? Is there anything that I can do to encourage that rad side to loosen up a bit? The skin on the lower pole is red, almost bluish-red like a bruise and doesn't show any sign of getting better. Oh, and it always feels colder to the touch than the other side. When I bend down, the lower pole on the good side is nice and round and the lower pole on the rad side is flat while the upper pole is puffed up. Uggghhh. So much for positive thinking. I'm sorry everyone, but I don't have anywhere else to vent. DH turns a deaf ear these days.
I do have pictures of the journey and one taken yesterday. Now if I can get my DH to help me post. I know many of you are wondering why I don't try to do it myself. I would, but I don't understand one thing about that thousand dollar camera with an instruction manual that rivals the LA phone book.
Oh, man but I'm having a baaad day. Sorry again. Any comments or incouragement is welcome.
Bobbi
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wabiwoman- my PS let me start massaging once my incisions were completely healed (about 3 weeks post exchange). I used ScarAway silicone tape (www.scaraway.com or on amazon) to fade the scars. I didn't use it on my sides were my PS removed the dog ears (wanted to see if the silicone tape really worked) - the tape definitely works - the scars on my side where the tape wasn't used is still bright pink and the scars across my foobs have faded.
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Bobbi,
Have you tried massaging your radiated foob? Ask your PS if he recommends it. Someone on the pic forum has a video of the massaging technique.
If that does not work, your PS could lower the fold on the rads side or raise the fold on the healthy side. One inch sounds like a lot. For me it is a lot because I am so short.
Are you in pain? If you are, I don't think it is a good sign after 7 weeks. And you have the discoloration as well.
Well, you know I am not an expert because I am in the middle of expanding my radiated breast. I just thought I'd give you my opinions.
You know I want you to have the best results possible. I still think you can do it, and waiting a little more may help. But do tell your PS if you are in pain.
All my doctors are only a mile away. I can practically walk to them if I wanted to. I did not know this was a big blessing until I got on these boards.
Take care, Bobbi!
Brenda
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Laura - How do I get to the 2nd LV reunion thread?
Kathy/Fairport - I am SO sorry you are still in pain. I am thinking of you!
Take care all our surgery sisters! We will be thinking of you this week.
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Kew~
OMGosh!! Are you all right? I certainly hope so. When it rains it pours doesn't it?!!!
Bobbi~
I don't have a radiated breast but I do know my breasts keep changing as time goes on. My MX side is settling more & more.,,,I am about 10-11 wks. post exchange now. As many have said...over time it will continue to change for some.
NAE
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Question on Scar Gels- PS gave me NEWGEL+ medical grade silicon gel sheeting to put on my scars. I am to wear them every night for the next 3-6 months. Just curious if anyone who has used silicone for scar management noticed the scars become more "red" color after applying the silicone strips. Is it "drawing" out the deeper red in the scar or something?
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Good luck to the ladies this week. Let us know how you are doing!
Hugs--Karen
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(((Karen))), Gosh this is when living far away can be a bummer.
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JEAN AND OTHERS WHO HAVE NOT FOUND IT....
2ND TA TA REUNION IN VEGAS THREAD: CLICK HERE AND SAVE IT TO YOUR FAVORITES....
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/34/topic/747356?page=5#idx_142
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Bobbi -- if you have red to bluish red mark on lower pole 7 weeks after surgery, that doesn't sound normal to me (ladies please correct me if I'm wrong). You should see your PS (or someone who can tell if it is an infection). I would want a doctor to look at it if it were me.
Lilah
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Geena - You have truly been through a great deal but as others have said you have an awesome attitude. It goes a long way to help you endure these trials. Lots of hugs to you and I hope your adjustment in going back to work goes EASY!
Karen - Wow! That female is a heartless person. I could not call her a woman or certainly not a lady. Of course, there is another word to describe her and I bet you know what I am thinking. Even not knowing your circumstances there wasn't any reason for her to treat you in that manner. Anyway...there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hope you start seeing the beams real soon.
Have a nice evening everyone and sleep tight. Chris
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Bobbi - I'm with Lilah. Call the doc about that. Discoloration doesn't sound OK. I'm sorry DH isn't being so supportive right now. Glad you're venting to us.
Chris - Thank you for your kind words. I honestly haven't been through anything more than anyone here - and much less than many - and the women here - such as you! - have helped me get/maintain any positive thinking I've got going on currently!
We all rock, huh?
Geena
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Geena, thank you for directing us to breastimplantsusa.com. What a nice gallery of breasts, organized by cup size. I like how the B breasts look, too.
Karen, I'm sending you wishes for a much improved February. I know what you are talking about - when things don't go well for me, the BC seems to compound my reaction and make everything worse. May your car be fixed speedily and may ladies with large SUVs drive more carefully around you!
Bobbi, I hope that you can talk to your PS soon about your concerns. The most important thing is your health, but of course you want both your foobs to look nice. I don't think husbands can ever fully appreciate our concern about symmetry and beauty. My DH tries, but he says that even healthy breasts are pretty funny looking. Here's to funny looking breasts that please us!
Kristen
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karen,
you know when I read your posting about this woman that hit you, I can't help but think this isn't her first time. If I hit someone or even got hit, I wouldn't know the first thing to do, or if I did, I'd be too frazzled to remember. I wouldn't be confident to throw an insurance card at someone and know that would be enough.
Don't make someone like that make you feel insignificant. You are a survivor and a very powerful woman. Unfortunately when you go through a major blow, you find out how many people really stink. But if it happened to them, the story would certainly be different! that is what is so nice about this forum, you are with so many women that truly understand and walk the walk. You aren't alone!
I went back to school as an adult, without half of what you have on your plate, and I was a basket case the whole time! It is alot of stress, on top of what you already have. You don't need to toughen up, you are already tougher than anyone else around you! you kicked cancers butt and now they can kiss yours!
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Jean,,, I hope you saw where Deb posted the link to the 2nd thread to VEGAS BABY
ANNIE...ARE YOU KIDDING ME GIRL..... I SEE YOU POSTING AGAIN!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO You better find some daily time for your girls here..LOVE LOVE LOVE U!
Karen.. my sweet sister Karen... ( KEW)... after reading your post to me on FB. I HAD to come see... Girl.. CALL ME...ANYTIME... I AM SO PISSED off for your pain.. and I really really get it. Pain in the body.. and pain in the heart......it is all relevant and HURTS. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have your back lady...K? We love AND understand! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR I hate when my sweet sisters feel this way... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR I pray a special prayer for you tonight. Love you!
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Ladies...
I care for you dearly. Have a great week! My prayer for you all this week will be... " peace"
A prayer of peace for each and every one of you.
All my love and my heart...Laura
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Geena~
I just checked out breastimplantsusa...wow...very interesting!!! I never saw that site & it really shows how so many of women are asymmetrical in size & shape naturally. I guess we forget because we are so focused on how we should look now. It actually made me feel all the more better about myself....hmmm...maybe mine were not perfect to begin with???
NAE
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Good luck and (((((((((((soft hugs))))))))))) for everyone having surgery this week. My thoughts are with you thinking no pain and all gain!!!
Allison
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Nedeza, you're right about so many women being asymmetrical to begin with. I know mine weren't perfect before bc! My left (cancer) side was a B cup, and my right side was a small A cup. I had trouble getting clothes to fit properly and/or hide the problem. Finally I found an insert at Victoria's Secret for the small girl which evened them out when I wore a bra. This is why, even though I hated to have an extra surgery, I knew that I would have the healthy side lifted and augmented. For the first time in my life, I am symmetrical, with a C cup on both sides. Life gave me a lemon, so I made lemonade...
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NVDiane, is it a rubbery half breast shaped insert you found at VS? I have some from years ago when I was so uneven with uni, it helped so much. I was wondering if they still carried them, it would help many of you out. They lay in your bra and don't move too much, are made for women that want to be a size larger.
I'm trying to get thru day with tylenol, no percocet, think I'll make it as long as I don't move too much:) Sent the dh off to work, but forgot to have him help me with getting dressed, oops! Will either stay in the pj's or be a big girl and try to do it on my own!! Swelling is coming down from exchange, throat is still raw, ugh, have a skin fold on one side of breast, but am thinking it will go away in time. I sure am not doing any more revision, just one more nip! So that's the report here today! Hope you are all doing well!
Bobbi, hope today is better! Vent, vent away!! I didn't have rads, but was reddish purple from armpit to waist for at least 8 weeks from scar tissue being removed from breast. Also in other spots which scared me, but was told it was okay, and did go away. Of course, call your doctor, maybe there is someone closer you can go to for a look?
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Good morning, ladies! WOW - so much to read.......WAY too many sad stories ((((Geena))))), ((((KEW)))).......thank goodness for the love and support we all find here!
We got back late Saturday from my son's state swim meet. I probably shouldn't have gone - was pretty uncomfortable most of the time - but just seeing him swim in his very last high school meet and getting fantastic times was worth that bit of inconvenience. However.....being completely exhausted, I spent yesterday literally sitting by the fireplace reading.....not really a bad day to spend a Sunday......should do that for myself more often, I think....
I go to the ps tomorrow for my suture removal. Not sure if I'm hoping he'll let me start moving my left arm or not......I've accidentally moved it a couple times - stealing the covers back from my dh in the middle of the night - and it was most definitely NOT a good feeling!! Planning to have my dh take pics tonight, so will get them posted on the site as soon as I can......
Just to add to the conversation about scars......funny how our ps's differ so much......mine is adamant about putting absolutely nothing on the scars......just let the steristrips fall off naturally....and he also didn't recommend massage.......
One more thing.......my friend here (who has the same set of docs and is a few months ahead of me) was telling me about my ps putting her on Singulair to help one of her implants soften and drop. I asked my dh about it, and he said it made sense....leukotrienes and inflammation......just something those of you with those issues might want to ask your ps about.......
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Katey - we were posting at the same time.... SO glad to hear you made it through your exchange! Embrace the percoset, girl! Your ps gave you that script for a reason..... I took my last vicodin on Friday, a week after my revision......still on the prescription strength motrin........and jammies are just perfect attire for today......0
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Katey: Yes, that's it! The only thing I didn't like about it was that in summer, since it was rubbery, it was really hot and made me sweat.
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Hi all, I am anticipating my exchange hopefully the end of March. I had mast of right breast Oct. 30 and the other breast will be augmented that day. Silly question, as I have been looking for an answer on site and I was just called for a job interview for this Friday, how long after can I go back to work. (office work)
I will know more on March 10 when I see PS again, but I just wanted to know so I can have some peace of mind as to what to say for this interview.
Any thoughts??
Thank you everyone.
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Thanks Val, am still in the jammies:) Did you have incisions below breast also? My ps did quite a lot of work, my vertical lift scar on left side has been moved to the left about an inch! Yikes, glad I was knocked out for all of this!! And glad I didn't see Grey's Anatomy till after!! If any of you watched this week you'll know what I mean! These implants are soooo soft after the TE's! Congrats to everyone setting their dates for exchange!
Good luck with job interview ronqt! I would think you'd need a good week off, ask your PS to be honest with you and give an answer!
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Katey, Thank you, I was anxioiusly waiting for a response and thank you so much.
Hugs.
How do I get my name on the running list????
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MykidsMom: I would like to put my name on the list for exchanges I believe March 19.. I cannot figure it out?
Thank you.
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Ronqt, I think you have to pm mykidsmom! I also think there are many on this thread that are out west and just waking up!
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Katey - my only external incision is straight across the foob. For both my original exchange and my revision, my ps re-excised just a bit less than the lateral 50% of my original mast scar. Under the breast sounds like not much fun..... I will say I have a gazillion internal sutures, though, both from all the pocket work at my exchange and the pocket work/stabilization he did at my revision......that's what seems to cause all the pain, I think......
ronqt1 - I'd second Katey's response - at least a week, if you can manage that much time off....just getting over the anesthesia is tough, I think......it makes me very foggy......for a looooong time......
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