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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Lorraine - I am so sorry to hear of anyone else dealing w/ all this! I will be praying for her tonight. Please tell her that we are all there with her. Of course she is scared!

    Soccermom - Sounds good, soft and smooth! But it's time to go pee. Foot in mouth

    Choice, Mom_of_2 and Daisy6 - How are you ladies doing?

    Annie - I know you are still in the hospital, but we are all thinking of you! Take care.

  • mom_of_2
    mom_of_2 Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2009

    I was home in time for lunch after a great outpatient experience! PS used 370cc moderate profile Mentor gels. Tried the high profile but they had too much projection. I cheated and took off surgical bra and on my 5 ft, 110 lbs frame I am a perfect 34C!!!! WHEW...what a relief after all that cc vs cup size worrying!

    I hope everyone else had a positive experience and heals quickly!

    Kris 

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Kris - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited March 2009

    Lorraine - of course - we will pray for Lisa and we hope she joins these forums for information and encouragement.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Kris.. I am so happy for you. If I had not had rads.. you and I would have been exchange buddies.. remember..:).. I am so happy... I have gained a little weight.. but you and I are about the same size lady.. I wonder if HP will be too much for me. I was going to do Mentor 450HP. to get a 34 C myself. My ribcage is 28ish... hmmmmmmmmmm...

    Anyway... CONGRATS !!!!!!!

    Annie.. as Jean said.. (((((Prayers and Hope))))))

  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited March 2009

    Thanks everyone for the kind words.  I emailed Allergan's Customer Service earlier today asking when they thought they might be getting FDA approval.  If I get a reply, I'll let you all know.  My ps keeps saying any day now... I sure hope it's not 2010 Whippetmom, but I'll deal with it.  I had a unilateral mx and my ps wanted me to have an anatomical shaped implant to match the existing breast better so round slicione is out of the question (or at least with this ps :) )

  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited March 2009

    Hi Estepp, Did Rockwell Girl do your dimensions and what would work for you yet?  She's really good at that stuff and so is Moody but she's been so busy taking care of that sick little girl.  I just wanted to let you know that I don't think 450s will be too big for you.  Now I only have one mind you (he he) but my rib cage is 29 and my anatomical is a 440cc with a width of 12.8, height 13.6 and projection 5.2 and I'm wishing I could have gone bigger but my skin is thin.  My advice is to err on the side of too big!!!  I'm sure that's what my GF Moody would say too....something like you can't be too rich, too thin or too big boobed!!!  LOL LOL!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    ROF Joyce... you crack me up!

  • karen9516
    karen9516 Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2009

    fairy49-by tight do you mean high up on your chest? Or do you mean hurting? My incisions are hurting and I forgot after my mastectomy I had an ON-Q pump (I think that is what they are called) for 5 days and I didn't have very much pain at all except for muscular pain. Mine are kind of square but I like the fullness of them. The expanders were too small for my chest I had extra skin on the sides. They are so soft I keep feeling them! How long does it take to settle anyone know?

  • karen9516
    karen9516 Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2009

    I know you guys don't like the word guilty but I kind of feel it when others aren't so happy. I will pray that all of you girls out there are happy soon

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Congrats to all the exchange girls from this week!  You are all so awesome - posting already!  

    I went to the PS and he gave me another week to get stitches removed and will show me then how to massage the new girls.  He took off my bandage that was hoisting up the pocket revision side and grinned from ear to ear when he saw that they are perfectly matched.  :  )  It's nice when a PS shows their pride in his work.  He gave me more tape to keep the revised side supported and recommended an underwire bra with no push-up padding.  I found a couple of cute ones on my lunch hour today.

    thinking of all of you with surgeries coming up and know that you will be relieved to get the expanders out and the soft girls in.  It's great hearing from those who have been exchanged - you are so encouraging!!!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Laura I don't know much about rads but did hear it's normal to make you really tired. I know your such a go getter that this will be hard for you to have to slow down (((HUG)))

    Hood sorry to hear you'll need a exchange but it will be so worth it : )

    I just got to your comment about to rich to big of boob etc... thanks for the laugh

    To all the other gals sharing your good news thank you so much

    I will continue to pray for all my sisters, their friends and any of their family members that may need some.

  • mizbabygirl4
    mizbabygirl4 Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2009

    Thanks to everyone for the welcome. I did find info on the Allergan 410s--and several new threads got started right after I asked about them. It's nice to hear other people's experience.

    My PS explained how she went about choosing the size I will get (450 or 495), based on my height and body build. I am SO thankful to be getting the teardrop shape because these shelf boobs with the TEs are driving me crazy. I feel like Barbie.

    I'm a little nervous, now that I've pretty well recovered from the bilat mast and placement of the TEs, to be heading back to surgery--especially since my PS informed me I will be having the dreaded drains AGAIN. Is exchange surgery easier to bounce back from (pardon the pun)? 

    Janet

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Janet - I am not a post exchanger, but the ladies tell us that it is much easier to bounce back from than the BM. I love the image of bouncing back. Wink 

    Laura - I am sorry that the rads are taking your energy. If I was there I would come on over and sit and chat w/ you while you rested. Take care! We will be there rooting you on for your exchange as soon as you can do it! And you know it! You are such a love!!!!!!!!

    So, I go to see my PS today. And after all this planning, I am going to kind of wing it. She is going to ask me whether I still want to be a B or a C, and I am leaning towards the higher end of things. You all keep telling us that we can't be too big. Watch me start bumping into other ladies at the grocery store. LOL! Anyhow, she has not lead me wrong yet. So I am going to work it out with her. I will let you know what she suggests.

    Have a great day ladies! - Jean

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Member Posts: 151
    edited March 2009

    Jean - I'm "bouncing back" in my office this morning! I love the image of all of us bouncing around and celebrating freedom from the lousy expanders!

    Janet - For me, the difference between my mastectomy and exchange was like night and day. My exchange was super easy; no pain, no drain!

    Here's hoping we can all bounce around the pool this fall in Vegas! Laughing 

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited March 2009

    Ladies, I hope you are healing well.. Karen.. I understand your feelings.. you are sweet. .. I would not feel guilty.. but I would feel sad for others...

    Jean..... YOU are the sweety!!! I wish you lived by me too...:)....

    Diane.... there will be no bouncing from me in Vegas...LOL... I will still be rock hard.. You won't see these TE in a bathing suit... LOL.. maybe a tank and swim skirt.... I tried on one of my bathing suits ( I have a pool).. and I look ridiculous in the top....LOL LOL... gotta laugh at myself... Maybe next summer I will look better.... heres hoping!

    Gods Love everyone!

    Laura

  • YvonneB
    YvonneB Member Posts: 149
    edited March 2009

    Prayers going out to Lisa and ((((((((((((((((((((Lorraine)))))))))))))))))))))).  It is so horrible to go through this again with family or friends.  It seems to never end.  I just get such a sick feeling each time someone else is diagnosed knowing what horrible fear they are going through.  I hope she comes on this breastcancer discussion board as I sure wish I had found it after I was diagnosed.  I found out way more here than I did from all the medical professionals that I saw. 

    Psalmist - glad to hear that things are looking good. Just a few more weeks of pampering those new girls and maybe you can get into a nice sexy bra!!  Here's hoping for quick healing!

    Deborah - Way too exciting news!  How great is a bump up??? I'm so happy for you and hoping and praying the next week+ goes quickly for you.

    Kris, Lorrain and Karen - Here's to quick and easy healing with no problems!!!  Way to go girls, you are on the "other side".

    Thinking of you Annie and hoping you are all right.

    (((((((((((((Laura))))))))))))))))))) Wishing you strength and energy!  I imagine it is hard for you to just sit back and relax but I think you are going to have to give yourself some slack for awhile and do just that.  Energy vibes coming your way~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited March 2009

    Mom of 2

    Thank you for that. I am also 5 ft nothing and have pretty much decided that I would want a C cup.  I thought I was quite busty with 210 cc's until a "friend" of mine came over.  She asked "what are you, an "A" now"?  Then she emphisized her supposedly "B" breast and asked, "I'm bigger than you are, aren't I"?  Nauturally I told her that she wasn't! 

    Another "friend" said who is very jealous over the possibility that I may be bigger than her when this is complete, told me her husband told her not to worry because mine aren't going to be nice, they will be hard not soft like "real" ones!

    So, GAME ON!  I will show them who is bigger and whose are nicer!  I was thinking a "b" would be plenty, but apparently not.   

  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 94
    edited March 2009

    Jax:  Have a grand time.  I hope you win enough in Vegas to splurge on new bras when the time comes.

    Deborah:  Way cool to be moved up.  I was sooo ready to have the TEs out.  You'll love your new foobs.

    Laura:  I'm sending all the energy I can muster in your direction.  We can't have our best cheerleader dragging.  I hope you feel bubbly again soon.

    Dianne: I can't believe what your friend's husband said or that she actually told you about it.  You'll show them!!  I'm enjoying my C cups.

    I actually have a minor set back since the seroma surgery.  Due to some capsular contraction on the right side, VaVa is now half and inch lower than Voom.  The contraction has given me more projection but a firmer feel.  I don't have a recheck appt until the end of the month.  I don't know if she'll want to release the capsule or raise poor VaVa.  As long as I'm symmetrical, I don't think I care either way.

    Best of luck to all.

    Carol(AZ)

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited March 2009

    Hi Carol:  I have heard that Singulaire can help reduce a low grade capsular contracture.  Wonder if in lieu of capsulectomy you are a candidate for this? 

    Deborah 

  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 94
    edited March 2009

    Thanks Deborah,

    I'll check into it.  You're the best.

    Carol(AZ)

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited March 2009

    Hi ladies, thanks so much for all of your prayers for Lisa, you are all so amazing! I have directed her to bc.org and told her she will be supported and carried and get the best advise from her bc sisters.  Dani42! If I were you, why not just go for the C or D cup that should shut up the "friends"!! oops did I say that out loud! LOL!!

    Went to PS today for check up, had exchange last Tuesday, things are looking good, but I asked why I am so super tight, not unlike the expanders to be honest, and its because I was "only" expanded to 540 and they put in 690 implants, ouch!! So its been a bit like having a fill, not exactly what I was anticipating after all the nice soft squishy boob stories! I have to stay in this surgical bra thingy until Tuesday and then they are switching me to underwire bras. Can't wait to get out of this straight jacket!

    Love and hugs to all exchanges this week, I hope your healing goes well! I am back to work on Monday!

    Lorraine ox

  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 94
    edited March 2009

    Lorraine,

    So sorry you're sore, but the 690s should be worth it.  I'm sure you are a great comfort to your friend, Lisa.  She's lucky to have you.  This board is a hug, pajama party, or shoulder to cry on whenever you need it. 

    Wishing you soft jiggles soon.

    Carol(AZ)

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    .Carol - I love your description of vava and voom. I hope they become symetrical soon!

    Lorraine - My oh my, that is like having more than a fill!

    I had my pre-surgical appointment today. My PS plans to place 350 cc syle 15 or "most likely: 20. As best as I can tell this is a type of allergan silicone implant, high projection. She had to fill my bx'd side a little more. She said the skin was tighter than the other side. She also indicated that I might have to spend the night after the surgery because I need an infusion for my bleeding disorder, but possibly I can get it late and then go home. Another thing she talked about is pocket revision. I know some of you have had that, what do they do for pocket revision?

    It is starting to feel real!

    Now for that glass of wine and hot bath post fill. It doesn't hurt, but the wine will still taste good. LOL.

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2009

    Hey Ladies,

    I am ready to get going with the Vegas plans....so I need to know about how many are going and if the last weekend Fri-Mon in Sep is good for everyone?? Also I guess we can be 2-4 to a room unless someone has to have thier own room. We wont be spending much time in them anyway. I would like to have the date and the hotel reservations done by next week. So PM me and let me know if you wanna attend that way I can keep track of who plans on being there. I know it's gonna be LOADS of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will find out how much I can get the rooms for and let you ladies know as soon as I find out. Anyone who wants to help by all means go for it.

    Oh BTW, my surgery date got moved up one day to the 30th...YAYYYYYY!!!!! I am so ready to get these ROCK hard, skin tight, rib cracking, breath stealing, NON moving, sleep depriving, back aching, Weird shaped expanders OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW I feel MUCH better now.Smile

    Love ya ladies!!!

    Tracey

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2009

    Oh Dianne....It would be on and POPPIN with your friend. My boobs would be sooooo BIG after my exchange I wouldnt be able to get up from the couch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL Just kidding (sort of). But I would get them full and FABULOUS!!!! I would show her that their are some new boobs in town more FABULOUS than EVER imagined!!!!Wink

    Tracey

  • mom_of_2
    mom_of_2 Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2009

    Dianne...

    I love my 370cc girls. And with exchange just yesterday I know they are only going to get better and better. Warm and soft just like the real thing but better because my 41 year old bod now has perky new ones! I'm teasing my 18 year old daughter that I am perkier than her! Your friends will be so jealous Wink! 

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Mom_of_2 - Sounds like mine will be about the same size.

    My PS was talking about 350 cc style 20. Anyone else have that?

    Tracey - I have a friend that had bc, but she doesn't come on this site too often. She would love to go to LV as well. I am not sure of my plans yet, I need to talk it over w/ my dh. But if I am coming, can she come too? My dh would not want to go, I think this is too much of a girl time for him! You are so cool to organize this!

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2009

    OMG YESSSS!!! PLEASE bring your friend it would be awesome!! Its a sisterhood reunion so all sisters are welcome!!!!!Smile

    Tracey

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Some of you are talking about size issues -- I was going to be a "B" cup, but over time I adjusted to the larger TE's and decided I like 450 cc when I got to that size.  Now that I'm exchanged, I LOVE my new size.  I thought I would be a C, but I'm a 34 D.   I was small-busted before and although I am much larger, they fit my frame perfectly.  My PS and his assistant think they just right on me.  Plus b/c I was overexpanded by 100cc, I have a wonderful, natural droop.  Couldn't be happier.

    FYI, my PS and his assistant encourage women to go just a little bigger than they think, because they had previously experienced a lot of unhappy patients after exchange, wishing they had gone bigger.  Plus, some of us have a little dent in our ribcage after the hard expanders are removed, so you have to add a few cc to make that up..  

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