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Exchange City

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Comments

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

    Thank you ladies, and yeah, I'm having a better day today. I'm feeling like I should contact the local surgeon who did all my fills, I'll take everyones advice. She's not a PS, but has done a lot of breast surgeries and removal of implants that were in trouble. This redness is alarming, although I remember my skin turning cherry red after my first MX a year ago. And it stayed that red for about three months before slowly fading through all sorts of colors, including orangish yellow. Yuck.

    And Brenda, I'm not in any pain except for a kind of pinching feeling if I move the implant around when I massage it or when I'm laying on my side in a certain way. I kind of have to rearrange the foob then the pain goes away. But this is on both sides so I guess I still have some heakling to do.

    I'm glad to hear that some of you continue to have dropping and fluffing long after exchange. So, there is still hope, although if I remain perpetually perky on one side, and the right bra and clothing camoflauges it, I'm ok with that. Really! I am having a better day.

    Thanks for listening and I'll call the doctor.

    Good luck to all you ladies having proceedures done this week. All in all, there seem to be far more good outcomes than problems, and even the problems can be fixed. I know mine could be if I were willing.

    Bobbi

  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2010

    Now that I can type easily, I thought maybe the upcoming exchanges would like some ideas of things to have on hand after surgery.  Add any other suggestions!

    honey, ice water with lemon,  ginger ale, mild food, crackers with jam, soup, tea, italian ice or sherbet, dark chocolate! bacitracin for iv site, button up shirts or hoodies, pain med script, tylenol, tylenol pm, ducolax, ex lax if the softener doesn't do the trick;(  a page turner kind of book, magazines, comedies, fuzzy slip on slippers, request a 2nd surgical bra if needed to wear for a week, and us:) 

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited February 2010

    Perfect - and Yay for us!

  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2010

    I looked closely under my breast and it's just possible that it is taped very tightly, there are long strong steri strip type of tape there, I don't see any blood spots.  I hope so, enough scars already!!  I'll find out details next week at ps.

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

    Great list Katey!

    I would add: pill containers that are NOT child proof (or have someone open them in advance for you). 

    Also: honey -- for tea? :)  I rarely use honey so was just curious why it's the first thing on your list.

    Keep on healing ladies!  And good luck to this week's surgery list!

    Lilah

  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2010

    Hi Lilah, honey for tea or by itself for sore throat.  This time my throat was sore for days from what they put down it during general anasthesia, still don't have my voice completely back. You're right, those pill bottles!  All are open in our house, no kids here to worry about.  Today I had my dh leave bowls and dishes and anything I might need on counter so I don't have to reach into cabinet. 

    Val, I'm still pretty woozy from anaethesia too, thought it was the percocet, but tried not taking it today and feel the same!  and yes, I will take one now.  Glad you're a bit better today Bobbi!

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited February 2010
    Katey - maybe the tape under your breast is like what my ps did - he essentially created an "underwire" with the foam tape for support while I was taped up.  At my original exchange, he left that in place for at least a couple of weeks, even after he put me in the underwire bra.  This time he removed it when he took off the dressing - said he wanted the implant to drop more quickly to line up with the other side....
  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2010

    Val, that's what I'm thinking/hoping!  Don't have the foam, but it is as you describe, looks almost like a string tape acting like a wire.

  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Member Posts: 223
    edited February 2010

    Katey,

    Thanks so much for your list of what I should have on hand after surgery.  I'm compiling my questions for my pre-op (with a little help from musiclovermom), and I'm trying to get mentally prepared for this important surgery.   I hope that you continue to feel stronger each day.  You sound great just four days after surgery.

    Wow am I distracted by the upcoming exchange. It's all I can think about.  The stress got to me this weekend, but I had PMS kicking in to mess me up as well.   I have my 16 year old home this week and my 11 year old home next week for school vacations, so they'll be providing some much needed diversion for me.  I see some kid friendly matinees in my future....!

    Best of luck to those having surgery this week and to those recovering from recent surgery,

    Kristen

  • ronqt1
    ronqt1 Member Posts: 565
    edited February 2010

    Val61 and Katey

    Thank you both so much.

    I have not worked for almost 2 years.(lost my job)

     My interview is this Friday and I am going to be very honest with the interviewer about future surgery and dr. visits. What will be will be. I cannot worry myself sick. At least I am a BC survivor!!

    Thank you again.

  • ronqt1
    ronqt1 Member Posts: 565
    edited February 2010

    MykidsMOM: Thank you for putting my name on the list.

    Have a great day

  • cs7777
    cs7777 Member Posts: 303
    edited February 2010

    Hi to all on this Monday morning.  Thanks Katey for the list of stuff to have on hand after exchange - very useful for those of us coming up to that. Good luck in your healing - sounds like you're doing great.

    ronqt1: A huge good luck to you on your interview this week! 

    One more quick word on yoga...I hope no one understood me to say you should never do downward dog and other weight-bearing, full-stretch poses again.  Rather, it's all a matter of time. Now 14 wks post surgery, I'm slowly trying out down dog and other somewhat strenuous poses again and they feel pretty good.  Yay!  Can't wait to switch to implant though so my pec has more room to move.....

    Best wishes to everyone to receive the support and healing that you need this week! 

  • suzdtoflois
    suzdtoflois Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2010

    Wow - busy thread - hard to keep up.

    New to the thread, so bear with me. Did my homework though, so here goes.Diagnosed 3-13-09 with IDC left - 12 chemo treatments - Left Modified Radical Mastectomy & Right Prophylactic Mastectomy on 10-5-09 - Tissue Expanders on 1-11-10 Allergan 133FV-14 both sides capacity 600 cc. PS put in 300cc each side at surgery, fill each week since, 1st one 60 cc each side, 2nd & 3rd fills 90 cc each side - current total of 540cc - going this Wed for next fill, probably another 90cc, which will start the over-expansion for the expanders I have. I believe I am a bit larger than most of you on here I am 5'4" weigh 160 lbs with a rib cage of 34.5".

    Before BC I was a full 38C after surgery I was fitted for prothesis and was fitted as a 40C, however the prothesis projection wasn't anywhere near where I was before - I know that prothesis are completely different than natural breasts, but was I wearing the wrong size? Have discussed with PS that would like to get back to as close as "normal" but am concerned that it won't happen, I am still no where near what I was. I have been very encouraged at everyones' comments - what do you think?

    Suzanne

  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Member Posts: 136
    edited February 2010

    Mykidsmom ~ Please add me to the list for nipples on 3/25 ~~ Yeah!

    Katey ~ I think you got it covered with the list except for maybe a cabana boy to rub your feet.

    Suzanne ~ Deborah the Breast Whisperer will probably be chiming in any minute to answer your questions.  She is a Godsend!!!

    Take care, Colleen

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited February 2010

    Kristen

    Glad I helped someone!

    I have been hosting a friend this week who had a DIEP done last week. I think I have gotten all the food things covered for next week, but you never know!

    The HONEY thing from someone is GREAT! My friend has had a sore throat all week now we can try that!

    Thanks ladies!

    Kimberly

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

    2/8 - badmamajama - Exchange surgery

    2/12 - sftfemme65 - Nips!

    OUR GIRLS... OUR GIRLS.. this week.... HAPPY FOOBS and HAPPY NIPS!

    Teresa.. I AM SOOOOOOOO mad I cannot come to watch you get those nips... If I could swing it... YOU KNOW I would be there... I cannot wait to hear from you about it. Tell Sweet Dr. R I said hello... :)

    Ladies... Have a blessed week and FEEL good! You deserve it!Kiss

    PS, I saw two docs today... had blood tests and ex-rays to rule out Lupus...I had a bone density that was just fine... I got a pain pill that is non narcotic.. that IS WORKING to take my pain away...the pharmacy told me it was to week to work... ( I know them at my pharmacy.. I do their hair).... well.. they were wrong... OMGOSH... my pain today is like a 2... and for me.... that is AWESOME!

    I was tested for pressure points. Dr. Scott either tested 16 or 18 spots ( I forgot.. I was hurting to bad)... anyway... ALL my points lit up..  I suppose I do not care what I have.. but it is SO BEAUTIFUL to have a level 2 pain.... I feel amazing today. THANK YOU FATHER! And thank you sweet sisters for thinking of me... YOU ARE ALL amazing! AMAZING!

    Laura

  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 266
    edited February 2010

    Laura: I'm so glad you are getting some much needed relief!

    Sending out healing thoughts to those who are recovering from recent surgeries!!

    Best wishes to those with surgeries this week--may you get the results that you desire and deserve!!

    TCK

  • cnemeth
    cnemeth Member Posts: 136
    edited February 2010

    Laura ~ what a relief!!  Have been thinking/praying for you for the last 2 weeks.  Great news!!!

    Colleen

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2010

    Laura!  - Oh, such good news!  That must be such a relief.  I'll be praying that the respite from the burden of pain continues!!!

    Colleen - That picture of you in the San Diego sun is so unfair! New England is in its usual winter snap.  Well, enjoy!

    For the post surgery list, Kristen - Have lots of pillows for your bed.  Set it up before you go in for surgery.  You'll want to be propping yourself up at an angle and with pillows at your sides so you don't roll onto your side.  Also, already have some pillows under your covers to go under your knees so your low back is soft (because you won't be able to lift the covers yourself if they are anything like my boulders of blankets).  My doc was pretty clear about sleeping only on the back.

    Geena

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited February 2010
    LAURA:  Great News!!  What's the medication?  I'm doing the happy dance for you!  JUDY
  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited February 2010

    NVDiane~

    My two "girls" don't really look all that bad at all.  My MX is settling down more & looking close to eveness along the folds...so I am not dwelling on this "perfection" as much as I was trying to achieve in the beginning.  I love what you said about life giving you a lemon...  It's good to be positive!!!

    NAE

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited February 2010

    Ronna~

    I went back to work 9 days after the exchange/augment surgery.  It was a lot easier than the MX.  You're almost there!!! Woohoo!!!  Good luck on that interview!

    NAE

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

    Laura -- great news about the reduction of your pain!  Wooo hoo!

  • Alitman
    Alitman Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2010

    Ronna - I was back at work 5 days post op and I was off pain meds on the 2nd day after my bilat exchange.  Does anyone know the recovery time for nips?  I am also having a tummy tuck so I am anticipating 2 -4 weeks.  My boss prefers 2 weeks.... Any ideas?

    Laura - I am soooo glad you are feeling better!!!

    Allison

  • Alitman
    Alitman Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2010

    Mykidsmom - would you please put me on the list for nips and tuck on 4/6?

    Thanks,

    Allison

  • navymom
    navymom Member Posts: 842
    edited February 2010

    Alitman.......please tell me about your tummy tuck.  How much are you expecting it will cost?  Will your insurance cover any of it?  And recovery time...what did your PS recommend?  I am hoping to have exchange in March. I would love to have a tummy tuck at that time.  I see my PS next week to get things rolling.

    Navy

  • ronqt1
    ronqt1 Member Posts: 565
    edited February 2010

    Alitman,

    Nedezzza and

    CS7777  - Thank you all for your responses.

    Wish all a great day!

  • badmamajama
    badmamajama Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2010

     Doing pretty good today Ladies. As all of you advised, the exchange surgery is much less painful that the MX. I am really only sore. Still a little foggy from the meds.  I am thinking the new "girls" are already looking" Sexy and Sassy".Thanks for all your well wishes

  • Katey
    Katey Member Posts: 496
    edited February 2010
    badmamajama!  That is so great to hear! Smile Take good care of yourself and speedy healing!
  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited February 2010

    Suzanne - Welcome to EC!  Collen is right - Whippetmom (Deborah) is the sizing expert here.....since your ps is one who overexpands, she'll be able to help determine how much more you need to get where you want......and btw......we are ALL sizes here, girl!

    badmamajama - so happy to hear you're already feeling "sexy and sassy"......of course just about anything is sexier than those rock-hard TEs!  Just don't let yourself get behind on the pain meds..... 

    Just got back from the ps......he did not remove my sutures....said the skin wasn't ready yet.....no biggie, really......he still will not let me lift my left arm  (elbow @ the waist, you all know that position!)......said I could drive tomorrow, though........still have to sleep almost sitting up (3 pillows works for me, plus the little arm pillows, and the one under the knees - a must)........he said everything looks perfect (I agree) and to come back in a week!  Luckily I've become quite adept at one-armed living.....even managed to carry the laundry basket (a light one, I promise) up two flights of stairs yesterday......

    aj - sure hope your appt with the new ps goes well today - keep me posted!

    Enjoy your day, ladies!  We finally have sun here - though it's cold again.....at least we're not getting the weather that you folks out East are having!

    Val

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