Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?
Share with us: What are your proudest moments of 2024 and personal goals for 2025?
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?

Exchange City

1…3940424445…1387

Comments

  • fairy49
    fairy49 Member Posts: 536
    edited March 2009

    oh my God Psalmist!! you poor thing! thank goodness they took care of you so quickly! I am in shock reading your story and can only imagine how scary it must have been, I am sooo glad you are ok! Praying that you feel better soon, hugs.

    Lorraine ox

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist......what a horrible feeling that must have given you......I'm so glad that you got it all taken care of.......I will keep my fingers crossed that all goes well from here on out......I know all about being an oddity........I was the only TE loss for my PS in 11 years.........now if only we could win the lottery with these odds!

    Laura.......so sorry that these rads are kicking your butt.......I will keep my fingers crossed that you feel better soon........this too shall end!

    Have a great weekend ladies......We are headed to the city tomorrow for a Toronto Maple Leaf game with the kids.......and a night in a hotel........probably a movie on Sunday........then home to get ready for Vegas......I am just so busy.......but with the sale of the house it all feels like things have taken a turn for the better.......I hope my TE troubles are finally over.......then I think I will just do a happy dance.

    Tracey......add me to the Vegas list.......there is no way I am missing that trip!

    Cheers

    Jax

  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist, you must have been really frightened!  Take care & get plenty of rest!

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

    OMGosh..... HOW did I miss that.. Psalmist( respectfully not using your name.. lol :).. WHAT a scare.. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry you had to deal with that! AND the fact that your new breast interrupted your morning COFFEE... That is just wrong! NOTHING should interrupt the morning coffee..

    So very sorry you have to do this.. and you probably scared the dh huh?

    Praying.... praying... praying... you do NOT deal again!

    Enjoy coffee tomororw morning!

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

    Have any of you heard of "implant displacement exercises"?  Apparently this can help reduce the risk of capsular contracture.  My PS will have me doing them after my exchange.  Here is an explanation of the exercises, but there is a diagram attached and you know me and getting pictures to link on these posts.  I hope it works.  If not, I will send you the link.

    Risk and Prevention Numerous studies have been published with capsular contracture rates varying between 10% and 50%. Perhaps the most meaningful way to interpret these apparently discrepant values is to consider that the risk of severe capsular contracture is close to 10% and the risk of mild capsular contracture may be as high as 50%. Implant surface, implant type, implant position, and site of incision may affect your risk of capsular contracture.  Generally, smooth saline implants placed under the muscle through an inframammary incision have the lowest rate of capsular contracture, and textured silicone breast implants placed over the muscle through an areolar incision have the highest rate of capsular contracture.Efforts to prevent capsular contracture include meticulous sterile technique during surgery and implant displacement exercises following surgery. Displacement exercises are thought to stretch surrounding scar tissue, thereby reducing the rate of capsular contracture. Do not begin this until your surgeon advises you to do so.Exercises

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

    Laura - this one is for you.  As of July, 2008, there is a clinical trial underway to establish the efficacy of massage in relieving fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.  The trial is closed, but hopefully they will have results this summer.  However, the National Library of Medicine has published an article reflecting that studies have shown that massage therapy administered to patients undergoing radiation treatment, seems to have considerable merit.  So perhaps your insurance carrier will cover massage therapy on a regular basis while you are undergoing treatment.  It is noteworthy that the University of Chicago provides massage therapists for all patients undergoing radiation therapy at their oncology treatment center. 

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19087756

    I hope you can find something which makes this road a bit easier...

    Deborah

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    Hi Gals...

    I haven't had time to read the threads but just wanted to share my appointment with the PS went well today.  I had a little fear put into me Monday night after I massaged my cancer side.  I went to massage my healthy breast that also has a small implant and felt something at about the 6 o'clock area that I didn't remember feeling before.  So there was a little part of me that was worried but I didn't want to mention anything here until I knew for sure.  Well today I did the happy dance for myself.  The PS said she thinks it's just the implant.  One thing she did was push the implant from the side which should have brought up what we were feeling but we couldn't really feel it than.  She did say we will feel it again at my post opt (April 1st) for nipple which I'm getting done April 9th.  A Easter Bunny Present to myself.  I was a little nervous because my MRI from a year ago did say 2 small nodules too small to clarify and 1 was at 3:00 and the other was at 6:00.  Before my surgery Dec 11 I had another MRI which they followed up with a ultrasound and mammogram.  Which they could get anything to show up on the mamo and ultrasound.

    I hope everyones doing well

    Tomorrow I'm going to join 3 of my teammate and do a orenteering race in Peoria IL

    It will be fun to just relax and have fun after my busy 2 weeks I've had.

    I hope to catch up with some of the threads Sunday sometime

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited March 2009

    Darnit, I can't find the link...but I just read today, in a peer reviewed article, legitimate, that Aspercreme helps in reducing capsular contracture.  It is an anti-inflammatory, sold over the counter in drug stores. Comes in a tube.  Anyone else see this link?

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2009

    I just did a search and founf this...

    is it one of those

    http://mytrustpages.com/search.php?q=+Aspercreme+helps+in+reducing+capsular+contracture&said=narod10&se=Yahoo&dor=http://cyfaqyeruci.narod.ru/19.html

  • CAZ
    CAZ Member Posts: 94
    edited March 2009

    Deborah,

    I know I said you're the best, but I underestimated.  Thanks again about the singulare info.  I religiously did my displacement exercises 4 times per day 1 minute per direction.  That is 32 minutes of self grope per day.  I have a long commute, so I'm sure every traffic camera on my way has a great view.  My contracture didn't happen until my seroma which was 3 months after my exchange surgery.  I still feel I can get back to symmetry.

    Thanks Facecrafter and Sandy for the input.  I'll definitely look into it.

    Carol(AZ)

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist,

    OMG! That had to be scary. I am soooooo glad you are doing well. Smooth sailing from here I just know it!

    Jax, Got it...I will add your name this weekend.

    Luv ya ladies!!!

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited March 2009

    psalmist

    I am so sorry that happened to you....that must have been a nightmare but be thankful your doc had not left to go out of town and that he was able to put the implant back in.....I pray that you will continue to heal without any complications.  (((hugs)))

  • mizbabygirl4
    mizbabygirl4 Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2009

    Laura - Rads may be hard now but I bet that, once it's over and you have recovered, you will feel much much better knowing you did it. There's a lot to be said for peace of mind.

    As for capsular contracture, I specifically asked my PS about massage as one preventive and she did not think it has much of an effect. In fact, she said NOT to massage my breasts (after the exchange) anywhere but on top on a regular basis. She's at Sloan-Kettering so I assume she knows what she's talking about. Anyone know of specific studies of this issue?

    Janet

  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist - WOW what an experience!  I would have been so frightened.  Glad you go to surgery so quickly. 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited March 2009

    I don't know Sandy.  I can't display the link.  But let me keep trying to find it!

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist

    I'm breathing a sigh of relief for you. Thank you for sharing your story. Reminds us all to pay attention to our bodies. 

    So glad you're well.

    xxoo 

  • mhm123151
    mhm123151 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2009

    Having my exchange and lift/augmentation done April 7.   I just cannot wait to get this rock off my chest.  And I am very lobsided! 

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    All,

    Thank you for your support and well wishes.  I'm very sore today from the huge hematoma that filled up my right breast yesterday.  It was more than a pint of blood.  There was no way of knowing it would happen, and my PS is fairly certain it won't happen again.  He has been oh, so kind - turning around and coming back to town to do the surgery saved me from a horrible weekend - had he been gone I think I might have wanted to die!   He even called my DH last night to check on me.  I have a lot of swelling but am keeping my arm elevated hoping it will go down.

    I sure appreciate the information on dealing with capsular contraction.  

  • PinkyLee
    PinkyLee Member Posts: 427
    edited March 2009

    Hello to all:

    I haven't been posting much lately, but wanted to let you all know that my foobs are starting to look better.  I have noticed that they look better in a bra than they do out.  When I look down, they look flat, but when I put on the bra, the are okay.  My SO told me last night that they look good and even did a little feel up on them.  Hopefully when I get nipples they won't look as strange to me.  My niece told me that after seeing my foobs she is no longer afraid of BC.  She feels like mine look real enough that if they is any scare, she is going for foobs.  The idea is scary, but she is a very honest person, so if they looked bad, she would tell me.

  • Mocity
    Mocity Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2009

    Hi all,

    I had my last fill yesterday.  I am uncomfortable and feel HUGE but glad to be one step closer.  My exchange is scheduled for April 23rd.  I am actually having the Allergan 410 "Gummy bears" done.  My surgeon here in Houston is one of the ones approved but I will be considered part of the trial.  My PS said we will be discussing diminsions more than "size".... he explained it that I have a wide chest area so the size may be bigger just to be sure the area is covered so they don't look fake.  Anyway, I trust him but will get more details during the pre-op.

    Has anyone stayed the night in the hospital.  He said it was my choice if I wanted to stay a night there.  I am also curious how long I will be out of work.  I work full time so I need to plan.  Anyway, everyone have a good weekend!

  • mom_of_2
    mom_of_2 Member Posts: 102
    edited March 2009

    Ok exchange was 3 days ago and I am wondering how much these "new girls" are going to fluff out. I keep reading how they look like hamburger buns but I don't think mine do. If I fluff any bigger I will end up a D cup! Do they change a lot over the first few weeks? Also there is one area on side where skin seems gathered a bit. I assume this is going to smooth out over time and change like the pucker areas where the drain tubes were but wondering if anyone else had this experience. I didn't see PS post-op but he told my husband any revisions would be made when nipples are reconstructed. Post op visit isn't until 26th.

  • PinkyLee
    PinkyLee Member Posts: 427
    edited March 2009

    I had puckers on the cancer side after the exchange.  I still notice some, but it is getting better.  My PS told me that the skin is very thin in that area because of radiation.  Mine do look like buns.  That haven't fluffed very much but I have height.  I have found that they don't look too bad in bra, but not exactly what I had expected.  Maybe he will do some revisions at nipple time.

    Keep your hopes up, they do seem to get better with time.

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited March 2009

    psalmist,

    It sounds like you have a fantastic doctor who truly cares.  He could have easily left you in the hands of the doctor on call.   You must feel good knowing you are in such safe, caring hands.  I had never heard of what had happened to you and am so sorry that it did happen.    It had to be so scary.  I hope your spirits are staying positive and you continue to heal without any more complications.   

  • Ladyredlocks
    Ladyredlocks Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2009

    Good afternoon Ladies...

    Been a few days since I've been able to land long enough to catch up on all the activity here... first let me say prayers and blessings to Lexi4, Sam1991, Firstmate, Boyzbeebs, LisaSayers and WhippetMom (Deborah) on your upcoming exchange surgeries next week. 

    Additional congrats Deborah on getting your exchange moved up to 3/20.  You will be so much more comfortable with the TE's out...  yipee!!!

    Psalmist  I was so sorry to read about the hematoma... But I am very thankful it was caught so quick and fixed and your feeling better today ... Continue to rest rest rest...

    Elaine take it easy ... Your new pockets need time to heal that's why they are ouchy... Our bodies are telling us we are doing a bit too much too soon (I'm 17 days post op and trying to get back to life again too - last night I was sooo ouchy from playing with the grandbaby all day)

    Laura - I am sorry to hear the rads are trying to get the better of you... I'm holding you up in a warm snowglobe of love and healing today ... hope you are feeling better...

    Sandy have fun at the race!   I am jealous (in a good natured way :-)

    PinkyLee - Yeah!  Glad you are feeling better! Its good to hear from you.

    Mom of 2 - mine are changing allbeit gradually.   They have lost some of the hamburger bun shape - I think as much as they are going to until I stop wearing a jogbra 24/7.  My swelling is completely gone (although I puffed up on the right like a puffer fish last night - I just tried to do too much too soon... ).   I can start to see what my "new" shape is going to be now. Not bad... I think I can live with this...

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited March 2009

    Cristlc,

    You are lucky to be having your exchange so soon after your last fill.  My ps wants to wait 3 or 4 months after my last fill, which may be on Friday. 

    My daughter is graduating high school in June, her party is in July and then off to college in August.  I really wish I could have my surgery in May!   

  • Margaret1102
    Margaret1102 Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2009

    Wow!  I just logges into this forum and I am so impressed and touched by the closeness of this group!  I couldn't read everything, but it sounds like some of you are meeting in Vegas for a vacation!  Awesome!

    There are so many of you out there with a lot of wisdom on the topic and I am in need of a quick answer until I can reach my PS next week.  I had exchange surgery 4 days ago and I am feeling pretty good except for one specific area in my breast that can bring me to my knees when I cough or streatch my arm the wrong way.  Everything looks and feels fine otherwise, but I feel a horrific stabbing. burning sensation in just this one tiny area.  I know my PS tried to make the pocket smaller on that side because it extended under my arm too far.  Could it be stitches he might have put into my muscle there?  Will it get better with time?  Has anyone else had anything like this?

    Thanks to anyone who has a reply.  I am very frustrated and discouraged with the thought of having to have something "repaired"!

    Blessings on all of you...  What a great group!

    Oops... I forgot to u[pdate my pic.  I have way more hair now!Smile

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Margaret, It very well could be stitching in the pocket.  Those are deep tissue stitches, so you might want to baby them.  I had pocket revision on the lower right side and my PS taped me up massively to keep the weight off the stitches.  I wore tape under my breast plus a sports bra and an ace bandage on top of that for a whole week.  Then, he took off the massive tape and gave me a roll of paper tape to keep the breast supported.  I am now in tape and underwire bras until further instructed.  Good luck to you.

  • psalmist
    psalmist Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    Good luck and many prayers for all of you having surgery this week!  God bless and keep you.  May he give your PS extraordinary skill and care for you.

    3/16 - lexi4 - Exchange to silicone implants

    3/18 - sam1991 - Exchange to 700 cc Mentor moderate plus silicone implants

    3/18 - firstmate - bilateral exchange [#1 revision 11/08 - #2 revision 3/18]

    3/19 - boyzbeebs - Exchange from immediate expanders

    3/20 - Lisasayers - Exchange to 410 gummie bears

    3/20 - Whippetmom - Exchange to silicone, Allergan Natrelle implants
  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2009

    Psalmist - Oh my goodness, that's all I can say! That must have been so frightening. I had that happen after a bx and hence my later dx as having a bleeding disorder. I am so glad that he was able to save your implant. Take it easy my dear - you need some tender loving care for a while!

    Laura - I am so sorry that the rads are knocking you for a loop. I hope Deborah's massage therapy recommendation will help.

    Deborah - I copied the implant massaging information and saved it for after my exchange. Thanks.

    Sandy - I am doing the happy dance for you. I am glad that things worked out this week.

    Tracey - LV should be fun. Thanks for organizing!

    Margaret - I will add you to the list, I think your exchange was 3/10, right? I can't help you w/ post-exchange since I haven't had mine yet.

    Christi - My PS tells me that I may spend the night after my exchange. She says some of her patients do, and I need a blood product infusion late that evening.

    Linda - I love your new picture. You look beautiful!

    Mhm - I will add you to the list as well. Best wishes. You are the week before me!

    PinkyLee - I am so glad that you are liking your results better! I think that's they way it will be with me, time will make my new look "normal."

  • Ladyredlocks
    Ladyredlocks Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2009

    Funny thing happened yesterday I thought I'd share... So I had my littlest granddaughter over (shes 18 months) ... thought I'd give her mommy a much needed break ... after reacquainting herself with her toys (she's not been at GrandmaNannys house much since my BM - so she had some serious playing to do)  I grabbed some of her favorite books and settled in on the sofa to read before putting her down for a nap.  She scrambled up into my lap and in getting situated she used my foob as leverage... as soon as she felt my foob she stopped cold and gave me the funniest scrunched face look... to which I said "what baby?" and she said in her sweet innocent voice... "Ball?"

    Then she started patting my foob and saying Ball?  Ball?  My husband and I just started cracking up.  Bless her heart.  She can tell grandma has had some work done and her ninnies they arn't quite what they used to be...

    (here I should explain when her Mom weaned her off breast feeding at 12 months for a few months her security when falling asleep was to suck on one thumb and slip the other hand down mom or my shirt and hold our boob so she knew what Gamas old deflated boob was like and this just wasn't the same)...  After we stopped laughing I just said "no baby - thats Gamas new foob"

    My husband and I sang "the old Grey mare just ain't what she used to to be... ain't what she used to be..." the rest of the day...  LOL ....

    p.s... sorry if the familarity makes anyone uncomfortable ... I don't mean to offend... I helped deliver this baby at home half naked myself (water delivery) and clipped then cut her umbilical (we had a midwife who coached us every step of the way) ... her placenta is still in my freezer waiting for her mom to buy a house so she can plant it with "Lyric's Tree"... I'm just an aging neo-hippie with new foobs....

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.