Exchange City
Comments
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Val -- I love that about the starfish (and had quite forgotten that detail) -- I think it's a supremely appropriate metaphor.
My doctor dad, when I was a kid and twisted an ankle (for ex), would bend over my leg with great seriousness and concentration, draw a dotted line across it, and write "cut here" whenever I went running to him. He thought it was hilarious (and in retrospect it IS pretty funny) but at the time it used to piss me off because I never saw it coming. I'm sure if I had actually broken my ankle he would not have done this. This story inspired by your reference to your doctor DH. All the more reason to love that he called you a goddess
Judy -- thanks for that info re timing of nips and tattoos! I will keep that in mind, too.
Lilah
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Oh ladies - You are all so busy, I have just not been able to keep up. I did see Baxter's upcoming surgery date (YAHOO), which I will add. If there were others please PM me and I will add them.
Hugs to all having surgeyr this week!!
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Hello Ladies - Well I'm 12 days out of exchange and my augmented side is still flying high. Went to PS last week and he said it is normal and that it will drop, but I had to give it some time. I hate the waiting, not to mention about the worry whether it is going to drop or not. Has anyone else had this kind experience? I understand about drop & fluff, but when one side is so different, I can't help but wonder if something is not right. Have a good one. Chris0
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Judy,
Honestly, I didn't question him on the timeline, I have heard the same info you mentioned. He has done such an amazing job so far that I don''t feel worried. You might remember I have a highly skilled PS this time around. I don't know, but maybe having a lattissimus dorsi flap done makes a difference.
Candi
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HI everyone, had my exchange today. I am in some pain but propped up in bed doing okay. Feel relief from the expanders already.
Alicia
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Good for you Alicia! Glad you are feeling okay. I can remember the expander relief of my first exchange, feels great doesn't it?
Have you been able to check out the results yet? I was amazed when I had my second mastectomy that the PS used some sort of clear tape and I could see his handywork from the beginning. It was very different from the bulky bandaging with the first PS.
Candi
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JustmeAlicia: Just take it slow and easy--it's such a relief to have it over with, isn't it? And take the pain meds if you need them! What do you think about the Yippee Squishy?
TCK
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Alicia, so glad you're doing okay! Thanks for writing.
I had nipple surgery today and am relieved its over. Turns out I have lots of nerve endings that are firing, which, in the long run, will be a good thing, I think, but also means I'm pretty tender now (not too bad). I did feel the lidocaine shots in my left breast, but not my right. I'm encapsulated in small "donuts" and don't want to peek until tomorrow. Fortunately, they fit within a padded bra, so I look like I got a little extra in the exchange than I really did -- looks pretty good in a sweat shirt!
Just so you know, we started the appt by having me "place" plastic nipples where I thought they should go and then we negotiated from there. We also talked about desired size, which I was grateful for. I was at the office for close to two hours, not the one we had expected.
I asked my PS if we could keep my Memorial Day surfing target date and he agreed. He's even going to come join my family with his son. What a hoot! I've never been so goal/time oritented as I have been with this; the target gives me something to work towards and hope for.
Hope all the other surgeries went well. Thanks for cheering us all on!
Maggie
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Maggie66: Glad to hear things went well for you today. What type of procedure did your PS do to make your nipple?
TCK
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Wonderful ladies! So...happy you had good surgeries! Wonderful!
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Maggie: Nerve endings regenerating is good. This makes me feel bad because it's been 7 months since BMx with TE placement and I still don't feel anything. Nothing at all. PS did a wonderful job of cutting the nerves. On a positive note, I've felt nothing during and after fills. I am one of the very few who have not complained about TE pain.
Alicia: Take your pain meds before the pain starts. It's hard to contain the pain when you wait for it to get really bad. Are you able to get up yet?
Take care...
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Wow! I had to take notes as I was reading so I would remember what I was thinking ~ chemo brain.
Alicia ~ Laxitives, don't forget them. The painkillers really mess up your system.
Maggie ~ Are you going to Vegas? We could probably write the pilot for the new sitcom while we are there!!! Great news to hear about the feeling, I pray for more feeling every day.
Val ~ You reminded me of the Starfish Poem.Once upon a time there was a wise man
who used to go to the ocean
to do his writing.
He had a habit of walking
on the beach
before he began his work.
One day he was walking along
the shore.
As he looked down the beach,
he saw a human
figure moving like a dancer.
He smiled to himself to think
of someone who would
dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster
to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw
that it was a young man
and the young man wasn't dancing,
but instead he was reaching
down to the shore,
picking up something
and very gently throwing it
into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out,
"Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused,
looked up and replied,
"Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked,
why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out.
And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But, young man, don't you realize that
there are miles and miles of beach
and starfish all along it.
You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely.
Then bent down, picked up another starfish
and threw it into the sea,
past the breaking waves and said-
"It made a difference for that one."
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Glad to hear that everyone is doing well today. Had my fill today, said that I was only going to agree to 50 cc's, but I ended up getting 100 cc's again. And I got my exchange date!!! I will be having my exchange and nipples on April 16th! 4 weeks to yippee squishy!!! I am sooooo excited. I don't even hurt as bad this time, which I don't know if it's because I am so excited about the date, if it's the sunshine, or if it's because I have been having weekly massages, or what... but it's a lot better, still hurts, but not nearly as bad. He also gave me a script for a muscle relaxer which I havne't taken yet, but will take before bed. So, add me to the list! (I'll PM you the date too).
Great night ladies!
Paula
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My prayer for all of us is that we make a difference in the lives of our families, friends and co-workers.
Colleen
Having a sentimental day today, will be back to my usual wise-cracking self tomorrow . . . .
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Love the poem!!!!
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Oh and Kristenka ~ Can't wait to meet you in Vegas. You are killing me with the dropping the blouse everywhere, that is me!!!!! We had better supervise each other in the casinos!!!
Colleen
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Oohhh...Val.....you ARE da' woman....willing to pop for that Freya bathing suit. I would sure like to know how they fit. I ended up buying the La Blanca Roman Holiday bathing suit, which is a tankini style suit. The top part of the suit works wonders for reconstructed breasts. Gives so much projection you wish you could wear one every day of the year!! I have it in two colors.
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Colleen I LOVE the startfish poem!!! Thanks so much!!!
If I were smaller oh how I would LOVE to wear that swim suit!!!
It's so hard for me to keep up with you girls, but I do skim. I can hardly wait to meet y'all in Vegas BayBee!!!
HUGS! Jazzy
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Colleen... I love to see the sentimental side of you girl! I bet you are correct.. you will be back to that wise cracker I love!!!
Jaz... I hope you are hangin' in there...
Deborah.. off to check the suit out. I mostly wear a Bikini Top and Swim Shorts... I like to be able to swim and play in the water... and then within 30 seconds be able to run and play Volleyball out of that water without changing...:)
Ladies with Exchange dates....WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
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Sounds like we have quite a few strippers in our group.... ROFLOL.... LOVIN' IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought I would have died... right there in the PUBLIC bathroom in Vegas... about 10 of us... ALL showing off the girls.... I was watching over my shoulder... I was thinking... " if someone comes in here and see this PD.... lol... and with NO NIPPLES attached.to these gals.... they are gonna FREAK... lol....
We are our own group of women.. THAT is for DARN sure!
We love it too!
Give me a big.............
WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
if ya feel it..............
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Hi Deekaay,
Sorry for the slow response as I had taken a break from the site for a few days. Needed a "nonfoob thinking break" :-{ Thank you so much for the response. I am calling to set up appointments with your doc at Moffit and also another that my BS had recommended. I would like to see what options I have as I have some "creases" now on my right and the left is still looking rather funky from the bleed. My PS has just told me we just need to "wait to see" but to be frank, I am not happy with that and would be more comfortable to get some opinions after all these set backs.
I'll keep you posted as to the 2nd opinions and want to thank everyone for responding and for all of the help. ALSO for enduring my venting. I am trying to just heal first and then approach the next step. I refuse to settle for less than what I had expected due to set backs. Makes me mad as hell to be frank as I think we could have avoided the infection with some steps I had tried to insist on.
Thanks!!
Wbuggie
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Maggie, You have a face! You too are a goddess. Thanks, you really are a gem. Congrats on the nipples!Lilah, Me a worrier? Ok maybe a bit but in my day to day life, only my closest friends would know. So I guess that means you all fall into the closest friends category, even the lurkers. :-)Kimberly, You are too funny. A crush on your PS. Holy cow, there's a whole mess of you guys. You should really write up a story and send it in to that nip and tuck series or something.Kristen, Wow, what a wonderful feeling you've got your sexy back!Francine, My St Pauli Girl, it's good to see you back. Best of Luck tomorrow! Wanda, I didn't have that much done so I can't comment but wanted to add that you are a beautiful bald hairdresser! Hang around for awhile, it really does start to make sense. It's kinda like group jump roping you watch the rhythm and then it's easy to jump in. Val, I'm getting a starfish necklace, one wrapped in a pink ribbon. I too have no problem taking off my shirt yet. I was trying really hard to be careful at the gym because I didn't want to make people uncomfortable, after bikram's there are usually about 20 women in a very small locker room. Last night I only had one towel and I hate getting out of the shower with my wet hair on my back so I said screw it and put the towel on my head and got my little self dressed. A couple people do double takes here and there but nobody says anything. Alicia, Glad you're home and feeling some relief!Colleen, I love that story so here's what we do for our PSs remind them that starfish regrow legs and then give them that poem and then tell them thank you for saving this one. Julie0
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Julie... you and the gym story...
you are a brave woman. I just wanted you to know that.
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Julie - I love Nip Tuck! I have it on DVD (only 6 seasons so far...) and my iPod too!
As far as the crush is concerned, I have found my self being envious of my friends just starting with their recon. They get to see him every week for the next 3 months... Monday I was in the room with a friend for her pre-op visit and our PS said he wasn't used to ignoring me. I told him I had separation anxiety (I saw him on Friday). I behaved and was there to support my friend.
She was the first one I showed his work to while I still had the TEs and now my implants. If someone had been around to let me see what was in store for me it would have been helpful. She can come with me when I do my nipples.
I jumped into this BMX with no idea of what was going to happen and I have to say it has been a better experience than I ever imagined. I don't know what I expected, but when I see the look on the faces of new members to my support group, I want them to know that it will be ok and they will not feel butchered during this whole process. I remember the not knowing what was going to happen.
Anyway, I got my PS fix this week by tagging along with a friend... LOL
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Alicia - Yippee Squishy to you! take those drugs and lots of naps!
Kimberly
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Hi ladies
Love the butterfly gift! How thoughtful! My last fill was a week ago and I was so happy it was the LAST I baked banana bread and chocolate chip cookies and brought them in a big basket for the whole office to celebrate. Now that the bar is set I'll have to go higher after the exchange if it is as good as i hope it will be....maybe champagne for all??..... And I love the starfish: I really appreciate the humor, I'm inspired to find one for myself
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TCK -- I think my PS does his own version of the origami one mentioned before. He drew it out for me, but I really couldn't go there technically today.
Brenda, have you read Julie's msgs about ideas for regaining sensation? I've been so hands-off, but would like to start working on those different ideas when my stitches heal. From what she writes, there's lots more hope than I would have thought. Julie, do you have any ideas for Brenda about waking up nerve endings?
And JULIE, you're my hero for the locker room bravado! I know it was born of necessity, but I'm still wicked proud that you did that. Gives me hope and guts.
Colleen, Vegas is one of those places I'd never thought I'd go, but what a hoot it would be to see y'all there! Teaching elem school and taking off in Sept prob aren't a good match for me (what with taking off months this year), but I really would write a script. We could SKYPE knowing that whatever happened in Vegas would definitely NOT stay in Vegas. : )
Take good care, all of my EC friends, Maggie
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Julie--Good for you!! I have been getting naked in the locker room since I had my TE's in, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, all of it--everyone else does and I decided I wasn't going to hide. As I've mentioned before some stare, and if I feel like it I tell them what they are looking at, others ask and I happily talk with them. They could be next, I don't want them to be scared. I think the cellulite on my thighs is uglier than my scars!
Hugs--Karen
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Chris, it takes a couple months for the augmented breast to drop. I've had augmentation and TE + exchange. It seemed like the aug took longer, but it might be my imagination!
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Hi All:
Here is my latest update. i saw Dr Isreali on 3/16/2010, what a great doctor. I am in love with his whole office. What a difference to be somewhere where they have the time to spend with you. I am apparently not a candidate for an implant on the right side due to (1) the damage from the rads, which made the skin so rigid and thin and (2) the damage from the MRSA, So no expander going in to the empty side. So, it is a stacked DEIP for me on that side. He thinks the existing 410 on the left looks great and he would not disturb it, and given everything I have been through, I think I can manage with one firm boobie and one soft one. I am a little annoyed that they did not make it clear at Sloan way at the start how big the risk was due to how much damage I had, I had given permission to do the DEIP if that side was too damaged, and why they just went ahead and stuck an implant in after I was open on the table and they could see how much damage there was is astonishing. But what is past is past.
So, the journey continues, but at least there is hope at the end of the road, and the best part... it was super nice to hear that I don't have enough fat on my thighs to use for anything and my stomach can only make one breast, And the super best part.. while i was apologizing for being vein, they said "It is not vein to want to look like you did before this started and it is not possible for your healing to be done until your heart and mind are healed and if everyday you have to look at yourself and be reminded of having been sick, it is very hard to finish healing and there is nothing vein about that." So to my ex significant other who less then six months after the surgery told me that the reason I was still upset about this was because I was so used to being pretty and that if I was just regular I would have moved forward already: To heck with you, it is normal to be sad.
So jean: I wont have an exchange date, I will have a new surgery date, and hopefully that will be it and like Humpty Dumpty, I'll be back together again.
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