Exchange City
Comments
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I was wondering if there is anyone who had several surgeries on one breast and then had a recurrence years later and chose to do a bilateral mastectomy. I had a lot of scar tissue going into the mastectomy on my right side and now have had tissue expanders in since my surgery in January. I was done with my fills at the end of February and don't have an appointment again until the last week of May. My left side is "normal" but my right side is higher and tighter because of my previous scar tissue. Has anyone had this issue and can you tell me if the exchange evened things out and helped with symmetry.
Thanks,
Gina
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Hi Gina, I went thru what you are. (click on my name to read bio) Old implant was very encapsulated, had it removed with new dx and mx of other side. There was a lot of scar tissue to be removed. TE's were put in both sides, didn't look too even to me, scarred side was high, and I worried and told PS each visit I just wanted to be even after so many years of asymmetry. Well, he did his magic and evened me out with lots of internal stitching and pocket work and my silicone implants are very even. He said the old side would always look a little different because of all it has been thru, but I am very happy with result. He used alloderm on both sides, these are my best implants to date!! Many others here were uneven with TE's and were also evened out at exchange.
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KristenP - I had a ton of pocket work done at my initial exchange, then more with my left revision. I'll tell you what my ps told me - that it's quite common to continue to have pain (particularly after stretching) for 3-4 months.....and sometimes more....post-op. I thought I was done with mine, but wouldn't you know, just yesterday I increased my weight for arm work on the reformer at pilates and last night I was sore along my right IMF.....and that was on the side that wasn't touched in January....so that's over six months since my initial exchange. Hang in there!0
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Kristen: thanks. all good questions! Ive been thinking of MRI too: he didnt mention it tuesday. I think I did just figure one thing out: I notice when I feel the skin over the implants it feels cooler than my normal body temp, and I was just checking and the bump feels warmer than the imlant (but not hot like an infection...)
OMG do I sound like an obsessive crazy person? Its really quite noticeable though, maybe a cyst? But I never had problems with cysts before. I think Im freaked out also because its exactly where I developed the huge hematoma after the bmx in Jan that required another surgery to evacuate it and I ended up losing a lot of blood. But theres no reason i should be bleeding this far out....
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fairport: no you don't sound like a crazy person!! you have an unusual development and want to make sure it's normal - sounds reasonable to me. It sounds pretty clear that your PS isn't going to pursue this. Perhaps you could see your regular breast surgeon and/or your primary care physician for a 2nd opinion. Perhaps start with the BS since they would be used to seeing tissues after surgeries. Best of luck getting this resolved! And stop pushing at the area so you don't irritate it!
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Paula - I am sending you a great big hug your way. Don't get too discouraged yet - it is still early in the process. I was very disappointed with mine from day one also. Listen to Deborah - she is a wealth of information! I agree with her that she says to do not accept something less then you were expecting. I was very unhappy with my 1st exchange. I do have pictures on the picture form but have not updated yet to current. My left side was smaller than my right side and it looked like it had a different shape. As time went on it got little better but I was still not happy. According to my PS it was only a small issue and he said he would leave it alone but if I really wanted him to fix it he would. Needless to say I went ahead and told him I wanted it fixed! I told him this is something I have to live with everyday and it bothers me that much. I just had my revision to my exchange yesterday and I am bandaged up right now so I can't really see them but I have been trying to peek. I have to wait until Monday when the bandages come off (I am not a patient person!) What the PS had to do was exchange my left implant from a 650 cc to a 700cc. He just had to do some scar revision on the right side. He also had to do some pocket work to fit the 700cc. After the surgery he told me that he thinks I was right to go ahead. Ha! We'll see on Monday how happy I am but this is the end of the road for me. He said he would not do anymore surgeries to correct this and I told him I didn't want to have anymore either! We were both in agreement. I will try to update my photos on the pic forum soon.
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AStorm - Without coming right out and saying it my PS hinted around that I may have unrealistic expections too! I actually brought picures from the picture forum to show him what I have been looking at because I think he thought I was looking at augmentation patients. I feel I did not have unrealistic expectations and went for the revision. Won't know for a while how this turns out but I had to try!
Fairport - I agree with CS7777 that maybe you should call your BS if your PS doesn't want to do anything about it. It would be worth it for peace of mind.
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Fairport: I agree with DON23, call your BS. And you are not a crazy person. However, try to relax between now and monday morningwhen the doctors are available...if you can. drinks, shopping....:)
VAL : I sent you a PM
Off to watch a movie with my 11 and 8 yr old sons
Kristen
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Colleen ~ I would love to meet again. I will PM you so maybe we can work something out soon.
Peg
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I am 32 years old I got my first dx at 22 my mom and her 6 sisters died from the disease long ago. I will not go that way.
Rebecca
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Kristenpink: I'm glad to hear that you are finally feeling better! I went to see "How to Train Your Dragon" with my daughter today--enjoyed it! Did you see it with your sons by any chance?
Nedeza: Thanks for all your input about the antibiotics and dental work. My PS told me that antibiotics aren't necessary and my dentist agreed. I guess if I feel I have an issue with my teeth/gums then I will check with them again.
Fairportlady: If I were you, I think I would have my BS take a look at that area if your PS seems unconcerned. You have to trust your instincts--if it doesn't seem right to you then get another opinion.
TCK
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Rebecca - Oh, my goodness.....I'm so sorry for your losses.......what a horrible thing for your family.... With that fabulous attitude, though, you're off to a perfect start! We'll be there for you, too, sweetie!
Fairport - go see your bs.....your ps should NOT have dismissed your concerns so casually! It doesn't seem like it's a leak to me, either, but whatever it is isn't supposed to be on your chest.
Try not to push on it and see how it reacts, then call first thing on Monday. And, if you really can't wait til Monday, then call your bs's office number and you should be forwarded to the physician who is covering his/her weekend call. A simple phone call consultation might just provide an answer......0 -
I had never talked about my diagnosis with anyone before I found this site last year. I have been lurking here since October 09' I am a regular on the recon board with Brenda she has been a mother figure to me. I have two wonderful children my son who will be 11 and my daughter who will be 10 I have the best DH I could ask for so that is why I fight. I am also blessed to have my MIL who lives with us and have been my rock thru this damn disease.
Thank you to all of you even though we just met I know all your stories and this is why I have given you mine.
Much love and many hugs.
Judy I have always admired your personality I hope everything is going well with you.
Rebecca
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Thank you so much for the dental information! I would have never thought of that. I have a dental cleaning in a couple of weeks, so I will definitely check on the antibiotic.
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Paula I went thru what you are now. My first PS made me quite small for my frame. He did a nice job, but small. He said I was perfect and refused to go any larger. He said there wasn't room and if he went larger, I'd have breasts under my arms and they would slide off my ribs. I went to another PS because of what I had learned here at EC. He agreed to do a revision and I am happier. He went as large as he could without starting over with expanders. Altho he would have done that too if I had wanted him too. Couldn't even stand the thought of that tho. I have photos on the forum and I'll bump it up for you. Wait a few months and see how things settle. Try explaining your concerns with your current PS. Take him some pictures of what you want. Or get another opinion or two. I know another surgery is a pain but damn it girl, you don't have to go thru the rest of your life being depressed and disappointed every time you look in the mirror!
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Rebecca: Big hugs to you sweetie!! I am so glad you have a place on these forums where you can open up and share! I am so sorry how the ravages of cancer impacted your life and the lives of those you love. We are all glad you are here and we are glad you have a great support system in your husband and chidren. Bless you!
Don: Congratulatlions! I cannot wait to hear about the new girls!
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How cooperative have insurance companies been with revisions?
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Rebecca, you have seen all that this disease can do. I am sorry that you have. You have an amazing fire fight... and I believe.. YOU will be the one to beat this in your family. Bless you.
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Rebecca: Welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your strong family history. Hopefully you will be the one to make it through.
Psalm121: It is interesting to hear you think going back to work would be so hard after your exchange. My PS acts like it is nothing and I can go back the next day.
Nae: Once again, thanks for all the input!
Fairport: Hope you are feeling a bit better. Hugs to you!
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Paula.. this does NOT have to be the end of the road for you. NOPE.
I had a second exchange two months after my first. I "desided not to" but when I got to the checkup.. PS told me might right implant was falling out of the pocket and I needed to fix it. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO while I had to get fixed...LOL... I had bigger implants put in. I had bad ripples. He told me he was 99% sure bigger implants would fix this in my case. It did.
I am a full/large C cup like I wanted with me ripples and even my rads boob is doing prettygood.
Don't be too sad now...( soo sorry you are)... you can get this fixed... and you can ask Deb about another surgeon in your area if you think you need to change..I have a great one here in Kansas City...:).. just sent my THIRD gal to him... and so far... they all are sooooo happy they found him.
You will be ok and fix this.. but Ihate that we all have to have another surgery to do so..it seems 1/2 of us do.
Bless YOU!
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Dear Paula,It breaks my heart to hear how sad you are with your outcome...I hope that some miracle has happened and your implants are beginning to take the shape you hoped for....but I know it's probably way to early for this.I posted earlier that my own gp who had a DMX with reconstruction burst into tears when she first saw her breasts. She said they were still so scared, and flat on the front like the TEs that she felt they would never ever look normal. The first two weeks she was so worried that all that she had done was for nothing....why had she bothered with reconstruction at all....... But in two weeks something amazing happened...I guess it's the "drop and fluff" and her breasts moved out of her armpits and her scar rounded on front of her breast and they started to look like boobs
I'm not saying this will be true for you but it may be something to consider. My gp now has beautiful boobs...natural and lovely looking (yes she has shown me ;)Here's my second thought....I don't think changing your implant size is considered a new cosmetic surgery when it comes under bc reconstruction. I believe that it is considered to be a revision to correct an unsatisfactory outcome of the breast. I also think any revisions that are needed are the responsibility of the ps. I may be wrong about this but I pretty sure I remember reading the reason ps don't like to do implant revisions is because it comes out of their pocket so some are reluctant to go further with a patient. Again I could be wrong and there are many on these lists with far more knowledge than I have......but please call your insurance company and see what their policy is with BC reconstruction and revisions....it is different than augmentation revisions. Can you get a second opinion from anyone else?I'm just so sorry that your so sad and I hope you find a way to get the breasts you want and deserve....wishing you all the best.Strength and courage to you,Laura 0 -
Just one comment on implant size and ripples: when I had to go down in size because my rads breast wouldn't handle the bigger implant, the smaller implant made my proph side have ripples. I could have another surgery to correct it, but that will have to wait until after swimming season. For the time being, I just stand up straight and remember that real breasts also ripple in certain positions.
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Rebecca, I am so sorry for your losses. Your dh and kids sound great! I know it must be difficult at your age for your friends to relate to what you are going thru, this is a great place to read and post and vent. We are all here for you!0
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Robin - you'll be beautiful today with or without forms/foobies/bumps....there doesn't seem to be an easy answer to any of this....uncomfortable bras....uncomfortable TEs....silicone....saline.... Getting back to life as close to our old normal life is harder than it seems. Hope your and your bras come to an agreement that brings you a painless solution
Rebecca - welcome to this place full of wonderful ladies. You have seen more of cancer in your short lifetime than anyone should have to endure.....strength, courage and healing to you.
Artsy - welcome....this is a safe and caring place to speak our minds, knowing that we are all going through this together.
I hope to work in the garden today.....and take Smudge for a long walk /'.'\
Healing and strength,
Laura - 8 days to my exchange!!!!!0 -
Psalm ~ Congrats on your new foobies, I hope you are feeling good !!!
Paula ~ I am sorry you are disappointed. Mine are far from perfect as well. I am trying to just wait and see what my PS says at my next appt. I too wish mine were a bit bigger and round ! Hang in there.
to all you other lovely ladies. Hope you are well ~ Congrats to those that are done and enjoying yippee squishies.
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Fairport ~ I don't think your crazy at all. For peace of mind maybe ask for a sonogram of the area. Hopefully it is just a fluid pocket or something. Keep us posted. HOPING and praying it is nothing ~
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Rebecca and Artsy: Welcome and yes this place is where you can learn, vent, cry, and laugh. Please do.... we are here for you.
Fairport: I have decided I will give my PS a call on monday morn about the very specific and sharp pain in my IMF. At least to say/ask: I know I will experience pain but is there a point where you (PS) have concerns? Please let us know about your call to the BS. Praying for you I know you are worried. Hugs
Kristen
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Thanks so much ....feeling a little better today just keeping busy (basement is clean now....:) and trying not to worry too much.
I was thinking about ultrasound too actually.... I'm sure fluid would look very different than silicone.I'm right handed and also sleep on my right side, maybe it is just a fluid collection. As long as it isnt infection or bleeding Im ok with it.
Kristen Im glad you are calling your PS too: hugs back to you
Kathy
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Thank you everyone that posted for me. Your thoughts are so sweet. I am not crying today, but still am not happy. I am going to post pictures on TimTam's site today, first have to learn how to do it. Just wanted to let you all know that I have read your posts and am so thankful for everyone here. I showed my sister yesterday and she thinks they look like C's and that they are perky compared to hers, but she thinks maybe my expectations of a C cup was off. I have to say that I was one of those weird people that loved my TE's, not the feeling, but the look. They right up there and perky and round and lovely in most clothes, so my DH and sister think that I got too used to those and have unrealistic expectations, and that may be so, but I have seen results on the picture forum that are what I was looking for. So, I know that it is possible... Deborah, I have to say I looked at yours and think yours are perfect and wish that I had been more agressive and maybe showed him pictures of what I wanted, but I really thought I was being very clear. Anyway, I'll try to post my pix soon and you can all tell me what you think. thanks again.
Paula
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Kristen, Paula, Fairport:
You ladies are in my thoughts and I pray that your symptoms/problems will all be resolved and that you will continue healing.
Alicia:
Hello there! I've not been as adventurous as you were, as I remember you were working in your flower garden? Wow! But my new girl (yes, just one!) feels really nice and I am patiently waiting for the settling process. Hope you continue to feel better, Alicia!
Rebecca:
Welcome to our community of support and unconditional love! These ladies are awesome in their abilities to encourage, inform and patiently listen!
bcincolorado:
My PS said I could return to work/drive as long as I felt like it and had been off prescription pain meds for 48 hours. I did have an area of my mastectomy incision that did not heal until well beyond six weeks post-mastectomy. I was under restrictions during that time to keep it from re-opening and getting an infection. Well, that same area was not healed to suit my PS (she's a perfectionist, like my dentist) and as she used this incision area to place my implant, she used the opportunity to repair this area, cosmetically. It had healed into a wider spaced scar rather than the narrow type like the rest of the incision. I guess I was poking fun at my boss, because she is the type to miss 2 weeks of work due to upper respiratory infection, but thinks after surgery that's "a piece of cake", I'll be ready to just jump right back in! My surgery was WAY easier than the mastectomy but there's that little worry that my incision will be stubborn in healing again, and I just don't want to compromise my implant, my health and all my PS beautiful handiwork. Yeah, I'll probably go on back to work soon, not Monday, but maybe Tuesday!
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