Exchange City
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Thank you, all of you who had suggestions and information on projection and implant size for me. I talked to my sister for an hour last night---really helped. She said I shouldn't have to settle for an implant that doesn't match my natural side, and I must find the nerve to make some noise!
Is it possible to call the insurance co. (I have Blue Cross, new as of Jan 1) and ask if a replacement implant is covered? My husband thinks it's insane to want to do the surgery over, so I need to insure him that it wouldn't be like the first. I'm 5'1'', normal weight is about 120, although it's up to 135 right now--I'm working on that! Rib cage is 32". PS is allowing about 10 weeks for lift side healing. How does that compare with others?
Big day for whippitmom and lisasayers--will be interesting to hear about the gummie bears, and I bet whippetmom will be back online tonight! Best wishes to both of them.
Suzie
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Hoping all exchanges are going good!!! Prayed this morning for ya!
(((kmmd))) thank you!
Jaimieh<----- wahooooo on clean scans!!! The best feeling huh!!!
God Bless!
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Suzie / Looper I have Blue Cross insurance and had no trouble at all getting my 2nd exchange plus she was able to use allerderm to thicken up my skin also. In my case my PS did have to send it in for pre appoval before we did surgery but it was no problem at all
sorry have to head back to work
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Hey Ladies
Just a quick note...I'm home from surgery with my new girls! I feel softer already! My PS said her couldn't ask for a better outcome! I'm bandaged up, so can't tell yet, but I look great in clothing and feel "softer". Was at the hospital at 6:30, got into surgery around 8...was about an hour and a half..and the discharged me at noon. Stopped and had lunch and now I'm going to go take a nap!
He said no vigorous exercise for a week!
Hugs to all!
Lisa
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Yeah Lisa! Can't believe you were able to go to lunch! Happy Healing!
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Well, I am back after my revision surgery on Wed. I was having alot of sharp pain Wed and Thurs, but I am starting to feel better now. I have a drain (yuk) and a large compression dressing for 1 week, so I cannot see the results. However, the PS told my BF that he was happy with the results and that I have good asymmetry. Gosh, I hope so. This is my second revision and I don't know if I could take another one.
I'll try to catch up with everything I missed on the site this week. Hoping all the other surgeries went well, Robin
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Suzie - As Sandy indicated though, get your PS to submit the approval form for the replacement procedure. Let HIM submit it as they know which code to use to make sure it gets approved. It is better that you do not say a thing to your insurance company - unless they deny the procedure - and then you can scream like a banshee. You should have no qualms about calling and telling him that you are just not happy with the symmetry and that you feel a higher projection implant - such as the Style 20 - would be a much better match for the healthy breast. Take in the dimensions of both styles of implants. Look at the Allergan link I posted on Page 49 or 50 and print out the dimensions of Style #10 and Style #20 - so that he can see you have done some research and know your "stuff."
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I'm BAAAKKKKK!
Surgery was at 7:30 a.m. and I was waking up in the recovery room 11 a.m. and at the dog park throwing the ball for Jack at 12:30 p.m.! [BTW, Jack is not my husband, Jack is my dog.] Tee, hee, hee. I think I am still heavily drugged.
So I woke up to hear from DH that I had received 550 cc's, instead of 475 cc's. [He was not complaining, I don't mind telling you.] Apparently I needed more upper pole fullness [area above the breast] and so she needed larger implants. Let me tell you that this immediately told me that the Style 45 probably would have nicely addressed this problem and would have been a better fit. Oh well. I made my decision and I guess I'm sticking with it. I feel pretty wide right now. Wide Load Ahead alert!. You know how you need to push your side mirrors in when you drive through a car wash? I'll have to push these foobs in to get through some doorways. I imagine I'll have great cleavage though. Dimensions of the Allergan Natrelle 550 cc's are: 13.5 diameter by 5.6 cm projection. They are a full centimeter wider than the 475 cc's, yet only 1 millimeter greater in projection.
So, I am just going to chill now and watch all of my tivo'ed "Divine Design" shows and play on the computer and talk to y'all. Feeling no pain....
Thanking you ALL for the prayers, thoughts, support...
Lisa - on the way to the hospital this morning I was praying for you...thinking about this girl I have never met, who lives in another city and another state, having the very same surgery, and yet we are all so close...sisters on these forums. A comforting thought indeed. I hope you are doing well and that you love your gummies! Cannot wait to hear about the girls!
Deborah
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Jean--
Please add me to the list for April 13th. I'm having both implants replaced with smaller high profile implants, assymetry corrections, pocket corrections to keep my implants out of my armpits!!
I also started a April recon group for April surgeries.
Deborah--I can SOOO relate to the WIDE BOOBS feeling. Why do they make these implants so WIDE??? I don't get it? How are we supposed to put our arms down by our sides?? I too expected smaller implants with my Oct exchange. Not happy with what I got. Both sagging already, and one's just way wider and higher than the other one. And did I mention the huge divet in the top of the left one?? It seems to be stuck to the muscle. HMMMMM. Definitely need to get these out of my armpits at night. I've reverted to wearing a support bra 24/7 to alleviate the uncomfortableness/pain but am hoping to go with smaller to fix much of this. My PS says he can stop the medial travel and put them back up where they were 3 months ago. He reluctantly agreed to 400 cc implants, but I'm not yet done arguing for 350 or even 300. Oh yeah, and what about the ripples and dents? Just had a mammo, and the tech said that's normal. Really??
Marilyn in Sunny Sedona
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Wow, Deborah! You are pretty amazing! And I like what you said about how close everybody is here, though we have never met in the flesh. I can't imagine what this experience would be like without you all. It would be very lonely--that much I know.
Knowing you all are here makes me feel more normal in the rest of my life, too. It's sad that so many of us have to go through BC--but really wonderful that we have each other.
Janet
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Marilyn: You do not necessarily need SMALLER implants - it may be that another STYLE of implant - which has a narrower base and a little more projection - might solve the problem. I would avoid going with lower cc's - honestly. A narrower profile implant with increased projection would possibly fill in that divot for you in the upper pole of your breast - because you would get more height. Don't ask me how that happens - it just is what seems to happen. Find out what implants you have currently [get your implant card out with the name of the mfr and # of cc's] and let us know and we can help you figure out what might be a better cosmetic fit for you. Ripples and dents - no - he can address these as well and a better fitting implant might resolve this issue also.
The above, of course, is based exclusively on information I have learned on these boards, and as a result of hours upon hours of research and digesting volumes of information over the past several months regarding implant reconstruction. This information is shared for the sole purpose of guiding others into having just enough information to be dangerous - just like MOI! LOL! Anyway, let us see your numbers and see if we can help you out.
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Yay!! Congratulations to Deborah and Lisa!!! nice soft foobies yipee!!!
hugs to you both!
Lorraine ox0 -
Add more nice soft foobies to the completed column!!!!
Onward and upward to nipples!!!!!
xxoo Kathie
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I just looked down at my hands and realized that I am sitting here with gauze still taped to the former IV site on my right hand, and still wearing three different color hospital arm bands on the left. Also, I am still wearing the socks they put on me in the hospital. I look like I just escaped from a mental ward.
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I've been kind of a lurker here on this thread, anticipating and stressing out about my exchange on 3/17 and a lift/implant on my "healthy" side. I had the procedure this past Tuesday, and I have to admit that until today, I was basically in a lot of pain. Put it this way, I certainly wasn't going out to lunch right afterwards! I'm not sure if the pain is from the lift side, or the exchange side, or just being debilitated on two sides, and I'm sure the drain stitched into my armpit doesn't help either. I'm happy to report, however, that today has been much better. I was actually able to move from the sofa to the bed and at least watch tv instead of sleeping off painkillers.
Size wise, I could never quite figure out what would look good on me, I just knew I wanted small and about what I had been before (an A, but I guess they don't come that small, so a B it had to be). I left it totally up to the PS. On the left, cancer side, I've got a gummy bear (on the card it says the 410 - 295g), and on the right he put in the Allergan Natrelle silicone 110 (it also says 90cc, but I don't know what that means).
I think I'm pretty happy with my size, although it's hard to tell underneath the surgical bra and all that gauze. I also can't tell if they're softer than my TE, because of all the padding. I have to say they do weigh more than my "natural" breasts ever did, so that's a weird feeling when I get up and feel their weight. Even with the pain, I'm glad I elected to do the lift/implant, because they do look pretty even now.
Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow, then I'm praying this drain comes out when I see the PS on Monday.
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Deb I think my 550cc mentor high profiles are about the same size you got
well have to see if we match
digger I'm sure most of your pain is from your lift...Mine was...
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Ha! Well Sandy, this is the ONLY area of the anatomy where we might match! I'm 18 years older than you and I don't want any other areas of MY anatomy compared to yours! Not Miss libido-driven-hard-body-biker-chick. NOOOOO WAYYY.
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Digger - Thanks for posting. I am glad that you are feeling a little bit better already.
Deborah - Thanks for the PM. I am still feeling a bit down, but I will get over it. I appreciated your helpful comments.
Linda - I will check out your pictures. But the last time I check them out YOU LOOKED GREAT!
Take care ladies.
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digger,
I am sending you soft ((((HUGS))))) Keep ahead of your pain with your meds. Having drains sucks so I am hoping you have those out sooooooon. At least they are pretty and you will have a good outcome. It will be all worth it!!!
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Hi Ladies,
Just thought I'd drop in to stay in touch. I've been driving myself crazy about whether I want to go through my 2nd attempt of reconstruction on 4/16. You all know how it is.....do I want to take my chances again knowing now what can go wrong...or can I live with looking like a candidate for the Vienna Boys Choir! .....not to insult the music comumity!
It's great to hear the success stories. I have to admit I'm having foob envy. It's like when people say they want to skip being a parent and go directly to being grandparents?......I want to go straight to the implants and skip the TE experience again!
Keep the positive vibes coming ladies......I'm pretty stressed... my shoulder are so tense I've lost my neck!.....if they get any closer to my ear lobes my turtlenecks can double as a ski mask!
Candi
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Candi - I was hooting out loud about the "Vienna Boys Choir." ! With that kind of visual, and since you will really not be happy and wish, years down the road, that you would have done something when you had the opportunity, I say JUST DO IT! Don't second guess yourself on this one.
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Candi - After reading your post, I am with Deborah. Go for it. You know you will be glad you did!
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Candi,
I thinking a massage might do you a world of good....even if it's one of those chair massages at the mall. I agree with the other ladies....Go for it!!!
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Deborah and Sandy~~Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help, understanding, and information you offered! I'm feeling much better today. My PS did say something about getting autohorization from Blue Cross, but I was in a bit of a state and not sure whether he meant for a replacement implant or the fat grafts. I may write him a letter or call his assistant, since a month until I see him again sounds like forever right now!
I'll get back to that website to check out the differences in implants and see him armed with lots of knowledge! Meanwhile I'll just keep pulling my bra back to the center!
I've thought about the Las Vegas trip, but finances will limit me to one trip this year, and I feel I should visit my sister in Denver and help her settle in her new home. She's the one who came to Wisconsin to be with me through surgery and recoup in September. I know you'll all have a fabulous time and will spend the last day planning your next reunion, so maybe I can get in on that one.
I brag to everyone about all my new BFF's on this website--you guys are remarkable, and I'm proud to be a part of the group.
Digger~~Hope you continue to improve. Getting the drains pulled out was very uncomfortable but only lasted seconds. The second time was easier, as I knew what to expect. It takes your breath away, but there's no lingering pain, so when it's over, it's over, and it's such a relief to have them gone!
Suzie
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Thanks for the advice Sandy! I'll certainly tell my dear PS that "my peeps" suggest 5 cm projection. You should really go into foob consultation full time! If we all paid you a foob finder fee you'd be rich and we'd all be bodacious and happy!! How do you find the time to do all this research? Don't know how you do it but I sure appreciate it from the bottom of my heart (which is just about where my old saggy girl hangs these days!)
Oh PinkyLee my heart is hurting for you. I am so fortunate that we have good free health care here that I can't even comprehend having to deal with financial issues along with all the health crap. Sending warm caring hugs (((((((((((((PinkyLee))))))))))) your way.
Cathee - don't lose hope yet. Do you think that they look so flat because the expanders were so abnormally round and sticky out? I have a real one and a TE and my real one is certainly more football shaped than my TE. I can only imagine the disenchantment you are feeling though. It isn't fair.
Kathie - The thin skin is my issue too. I am worried that I'm going to have to go smaller yet because this incision isn't healing and the scar is getting wider and wider. I think he'll have to remove all that along with the exchange and I'll have to go a size smaller (which will mean a reduction on my real side). Ca La Vie (spelling??). How are you doing BTW?
Psalmist - So glad about your husband's prognosis!!! Thanks for another prayer (or another hundred) answered.
Deborah - It would be great to be a fly on the wall in Best Buy...give the young lads something to talk about over coffee anyway.
Laura - they are literally cooking you from the waist up!!! No wonder you are feeling so tired all the time. Good grief...is all that necessary? I guess so or they wouldn't do it just for fun. I don't want to sound like a horror story monger, but my mom actually could taste a burnt taste by the end of her 7 weeks of rads. She thought she was going nuts but when she mentioned it they said that her esophagus had been a bit over radiated. So...make sure that you let them know every little new thing so that they are on top of things.
Jaimieh - WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO for clean scans!!! So happy for you.
Lisa you are amazing posting so soon!! You are one tough cookie. So glad you have softer girls and are loving them.
Robin - Sorry that you had a tough couple of days and drains SUCKKKKKKKK!!! Big time!!! We are all praying that things turn out for the best this time. It sounds encouraging so far.
Okay Deborah I think we're renaming you Superwoman! You really must be on drugs to be out playing dog-ball a bit more than an hour after you got home!!!! Way to go girl! Wide load...that is how I feel with my TE so I understand that!!
Sounds like things are looking good Digger...can't wait to hear what you think with the bandages off.
How you doing Jean?? Worried about you...everything okay?
Candi....do it, do it, do it....my mom is 71 and is having regrets that she didn't get recon. Her rubber prophy's are bugging her and she says she wishes she had done the recon.
Speaking of my mom...her liver scan came back good and they also told her that all the other innards look great! Her liver enzymes were elevated but are down now so whatever was causing it,it wasn't the C word. Thanks again for answered prayers.
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Quick pop in to say yay for DEB and LISA.........glad you are home and resting comfortably!
Bought a new car this morning........HUMMER H2......so excited.......all packed up for Vegas.....leaving first thing in the morning......we are taking the laptop so may be checking in......but hoping to be having too much fun....lol
Love you all!
Cheers
Jax
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Oh ladies, I just cannot keep up with this thread, even when I check it every day! So I know I won't respond to everyone that I want to!
Deborah, Lisa and firstmate, so glad your surgeries are over and went well. Can't believe Deborah and Lisa and your activity after -- yikes!
Jax, you can scope out the good slots for us for Sept!LOL
Marilyn, you found the Exchange City thread too -- woohoo!! So cool to have you back on the boards! I'm the opposite of you -- if anything, my implants are too narrow for my chest. But I have a really wide ribcage. Still, I guess I'd prefer that than feel them under my arms, so I totally understand why you want to lose those! I have 400cc and projection seems pretty good for me. I have quite a bit of rippling too tho. I only see it without a bra -- if the girls have any kind of support, the ripples disappear. That won't help me with a cami this summer tho ...
OK, my daughter just told me she's ready to read to me, so I better go ... more later!!
Sheila
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Jax.. have a BLAST!
I am so glad to hear from all you exchange ladies so so fast... It is just great! So happy you are home...
I prayed for this whole group today... you are all so awesome....
I just got home a little while ago and I am pooped... I always taste something in my throat after rads.. always.. Thought it was me being my normal insane.
WE HAVE OUR GRANDKIDS all weekend.. wahoooooooooooo ( they are 2 and 1)... we get them at 8 am in the morning... We are thrilled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dh will have them all day alone as I have to work from 10-3... pray for him...HEHE....
I am so excited..I cannot wait to have the 2 yr old snuggle in bed with us... ahhhhhhhhhh... heck.. I might even get both of them to sleep with Papa and G.ma La La.
Love and HEALING to you all!
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hope everyone has had a good week and that your exchanges and healing are going well..
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Laura.....I will pray for your DH......and also for you.........these damn rads will be over soon.....so sorry they suck so much!
Cheers
Jax
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