Exchange City
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JEAN.. no way.. OMGosh.. I am joining your pity party.. I would be JUST like you!
Ok... You can also have a surface infection... take the oral anti.. and then.. did they tell you to put anti-biotic cream on it?.. Topical might be right too... You caught it right away and you started the pills right away. It will be gone in a few days!...You are going to pull right through this and see the other side soon! This is NOT gonna be a bump in the road.. just a curve.... It will look better by Monday when you do in. I would 100% go in Monday too, just to have a doctor look. Just to help you feel better. I would too!...Hang in there sweet lady... hang in there!
Ladies.. just got home from a long good day at work and just poured a glass of white wine. Off to visit with the dear dh that made this house look like a million bucks today.. and will join you all later and catch up on reading here... I hope you all are ok. I saw Jeans post and had to stop...
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Jean, So sorry to hear about your infection! Please take care of yourself!
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Jean
You caught it early. Way to be on top of your body! Things will settle now with the antibiotic...I just know it.
xxo Kathie
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Jean,
I had an infection about 5 weeks before my exchange, and I too thought I might lose the expander. It was an open wound and pussy/bleedy as well. However, the antibiotics worked beautifully, and I had an uneventful exchange. I'm sure you will have a good outcome as well. Take care.
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Thanks so much for all the positive vibes. I am off to wash the area and get a topical antibiotic on it. Maybe a glass of wine is in order too. Thanks ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Digger - I am going to be like you!!!
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mykidsmom, I happened on this site by accident and feel so relieved. I had prophy. mastectomy bilateral 12/8 with expanders- 800cc on left, 920cc on right-done immediately which was a shock to me and family.( I chose to have the mastectomy for reduction-size G- due to back problems and family history). At 4 weeks began expansion 100cc each visit biweekly. Final expansion left was 1100cc, right 1020cc (PS had trouble with last right insertion) I thought this was "normal". I had to wait 4 weeks. I chose b-c cup. told 600cc-700cc. I had implant done 3/30/09 only to find out that 800cc were put in (but husband says PS told him 960cc?????). I went to buy new support bra as directed and had trouble as I could only get a DD to DDD,depending on style. I had always been so large and severe back problems. I am devastated! Please don't get me wrtong as I am thankful because I feel I am trying to do everything I can to be here for my boys-something my sisters didn't get to do as they had small children. I go to the PS surgeon this week and don't know where to begin. I truely didn't do my homework and believed he would obtain a B/C size,esp.due to the failed beack surgery with complications. Any comments wholeheartedly appreciated!! Thank you.
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mykidsmom, just read about "possible infection" - I had that too initially and PS didn't believe so but I persisted and put on antibiotics orally- it worked. You are in my prayers and my families.
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Jean.......fingers and toes crossed that this will all turn out OK............stay positive......don't get down........I have faith that you will be moving on on schedule!
Cheers to everyone else........thinking a glass of wine seems in order!
Jax
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Jean, I posted to you on the October thread so won't repeat here ... but didn't want you to think I was ignoring you.
Jeanie - your nipples are failing? Did I miss that somewhere else? I'm so sorry,sweetie. What type of procedure did you have? Any possibility of them "coming back"?
mythreesons - I can only imagine how disappointed you are. Have you talked to your PS about why he did what he did? It sounds like he still ought to be able to exchange for smaller implants if there aren't concerns about the muscles already being expanded. Can I ask why you went with mx rather than reduction?
Sheila
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Jean, I developed an infection post-exchange, and wound up in hospital for 4 days, but the IV antibiotics are working and I should be fine (boobs, too). So don't worry too much, you might need additional treatment but I think all will be well in the long run. I am certainly thinking of you.
Janet
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Hi everyone, I have been reading through a number of different discussion boards and am always amazed with the amount of information and the support shared. I usually don't write, but it seems that I have so many questions. For a little background, I was dx in 9/08, chemo (ACT) 10/08-01/09, bilat. mast. with TE 2/09 and should start radiation in a couple of weeks. I currently have been filled to 525 cc. I am only 5' tall but am fairly broad. Prior to surgery, I was a B/C cup and would like to end up as a regular C. My PS said I am probably at that point now. Can someone give me an idea how many CCs for the TE would be a C in the finals? Also, women seem to be mentioning different types of implants (410s, Mentor silicone, high profile) and I feel like I am not informed enough. At this point, all I know is that the PS uses silicone implants. What else should I be finding out about the implants? I am very relieved to hear that the implants will be more comfortable and will be happy if they drop down a little. I apologize for all of the questions and would appreciate any insight women have to share. How unfortunate that we are all going through this, but how fortunate that everyone supports each other. Thanks.
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Jean.... I am sooooooo sorry to hear that.....it sounds a little like the area I had to have revision on.......is it in the incision line? My PS said it was thin skin and lack of enough tissue for proper healing.....He added that allograft stuff this last time.....my thoughts and prayers are with you.....I know all the waiting is hard......keep us updated ....love Elaine
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Hey ladies, mind if I join you here to ask some questions? I am still getting fills (am up to 260 ccs) and don't plan to have my exchange surgery until my kids go back to school in the fall, but am starting to think about "the next step" which will be replacing these rock hard turtle shells with gummy bears.
My first question is whether any feeling comes back and when? I'm pretty much numb from my foobs up to my collarbone. It would be nice to get some back, if not in my foobs, in the area above them. For example (and this is so embarassing), if I'm eating, I can drop a piece of food on my chest and not even know its there!!!!
My second question is about fipples. I wanted tattoos, and my surgeon only does grafts. I guess I should have asked about that earlier, but I really like her and really wanted the gummy bears and she is in the trial. She said she thinks tattoos look unnatural and said if I don't want the surgery, I should just get silicone stick ons. I don't really care about whether they look a little unnatural; I just don't want to scare anyone in a locker room or fitting room! So, should I wait until after the exchange and find a new ps that does tattoos? Should I consider the surgery? Stick on fipples? Help!
Thanks ladies.
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Samiam, it seems like nipples are a really individual choice. The best way to decide is to see pictures of both tattoos and grafts. And there's a combination too -- it seems like a flap method to create the nipple and then tattoo for the nipple color and the areola is the most common. There is a picture site that one of the ladies here started, which you've probably already run across -- if you haven't tho, send a PM to her to ask for access. Her username is Timtam.
I'm personally getting the flap method for my nipples and skin grafts for areolas, then will decide afterward whether I also want tattoos for color. I went with that because, first of all, it's my PS's personal preference and I've come to really trust his judgment, but also because I feel it will best duplicate my "real" nips and areolas. Not that I'm trying to match anything - I had bilateral mx - but I like the idea of looking as much like before as possible. But again, it's a really individual choice.
updt82 - I'm not the best one here to help with TE questions (rockwell_girl knows a LOT, but she's off on a 3-day adventure camp right now), but I do know that you can't just equate a certain number of cc's to a cup size. It depends a lot on your frame too. For instance, I have 400cc silicone implants which is a smallish B on my frame, but it could be a C on a smaller frame or just an A on a larger fram. Anyway, Sandy (rockwell girl) knows a ton about TEs and implants and can direct you to more info. Someone else here does too -- whippetmom maybe? -- drawing a blank right now!!
Sheila
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Oh ladies - after 24 hours on the antibiotics the white pussy area has gone down. Still red and sore, but improving. I am relieved. I am beginning to think it may have been an area that rubbed on my surgical bra. That side is filled much more than the other and the point w/ my problem was the furthest out. Perhaps I rubbed it and then opened the area for a small infection. At this point I am pretty sure it will continue to improve. I did my relaxation tape last night and absorbed all the positve thoughts coming from my friends here. I owe you all Thanks. - Jean
Samiam - I am also numb, though not above my foobs, so possibly not as much as you. My PS tells me that some feeling w/ come back, but it may take more than a year. One interesting thing, I noticed my area of infection first because it hurt. I didn't think I could hurt there any more, but I guess I can.
Best wishes to this weeks surgery sisters!!! -
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Samiam--I have not yet had my exchange, as you know, but I, too have no feeling, for the most part. I had nipple sparring surgery and they respond to hot/cold, but I'm not aware of it. I used to touch myself to see if had feeling and thought I did, but realized it was the sensation coming from my finger tips. Now while in the shower, with my eyes closed I sometimes run the end of a comb in transects up and down my breasts. I actually discovered I have some feeling coming back on the inside of my left breast. I've been told by all my doctors that some feeling may come back, but it may take awhile and they tell me not to count on it. So, I imagine, it is like so much of what we are going through, individual. It is probably a gradient from none to a lot depending on our bodies.
Adding to that, we have to be very careful of our numb girls. I have a friend who was getting ready for a doctors appointment and she dropped her curling iron. She finished getting dressed and when she got to her appointment and her doc looked at her chest, the doc gasped. My friend had a 3 inch long 2nd burn, she didn't feel.
Jean--glad you are kicking that infection!
Karen
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Jean - So glad you're seeing improvement with your infection. Who would have thought that could happen after all this time?? This stuff just keeps us on our toes, doesn't it?? I'm sure you'll be fine for your exchange surgery. I think you're just a day after me!!
Samiam - I too am very disappointed with how numb I am. My BM was the first part of December. I was told at the very beginning that there was a chance of numbness, but my PS made it sound like it was just a slight chance, so I was pretty bummed at how bad it is. Who knows, maybe the feeling will slowly start coming back. I sure hope so!!
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Jean, oh no. Hopefully the antibiotics will clear whatever up. That really bites..... especially after so long.
Bkokie, congrats on the exchange. It is great to hear that you are doing well.
I had my last fill last this past Tuesday. I am having a different pain now. It is in the area where the fill port is. I can feel the big plastic piece too. When I move it around now it makes a noise and is painful when I push on this area and really painful when I let up pressure. It is breath-taking. It feels like it is getting caught up on something. Could it be scar tissue or some kind of infection brewing? Has anyone experienced this? I am thinking that I went too big with my expanders. My tops don't touch my skin between my collar bone and breast. Will the implants be different? I also started the Tamoxaphen this week and am feeling quite bitchy. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get out of this funk? I would appreciate any advice.
Kristin
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Kristin - Thanks for the well wishes. I am sorry, I cannot relate to the feeling you are having w/ your TE's. If it continues I would suggest you call your PS. As for the tamoxofin, I don't know too much about that, but a friend on the AIs told me that it nearly drove her crazy. As I related on an earlier post, she knew she was in trouble when should could cry over hard large the pieces of cake needed to be. I hope it eases over time. Take care. - jean
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Mine got pushed up from April 23rd to April 2nd (last Thursday!). It all happened so quick. I had an open area in my incision and they said why chance it, he had a cancellation and it all worked out. I can't believe how much smoother this seems to be than the bilateral with expanders. I have the two drains, sore, but what a relief to get those things out of my body! It is only 4 days out but so I am little disappointed wiht the size. I didn't want huge ones but these seem a little small. Apparently I have a wide chest area, etc. Who knows. I am thankful for what I do have and will wait before I decide how happy I am with it!
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Hello Jean,
Just wanted to join in and say that I am so sorry that you could be facing an infection. I am praying that things will be fine and that you will respond quickly to the antibiotics perscribed. I am sure you are gonna be just fine and be able to get back on track with your surgery plans asap! Let us know how you are tomorrow after you see the PS. We are all pulling for you!!
Laura, Well this is the last week that someone will have to be bothered with rads and her name is "kick butt Laura"! Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can hardly wait til it's over!
Luv ya Ladies! Happy Sunday!
Tracey
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Sam.. I have 75% feeling. Hang in there.. it just might come back to you too! It is all a waiting game...
Jean... well alright sister !!!!!!!
CrisTlC... wahoooo.. glad you are done.. I hope the fluff "out" for you!
Tracey.. thank you
.. tomorrow is my last whole TOP OF MY BODY rads..:) 
... then I have only 5 boosts to the scar area... wahoooooooooooooooooo.. THANK YOU FOR riding my wave for so long!.. I hope you are feeling good!Happy Sunday Ladies... dh just bought us the new Blackberry Storm... He is charging them both now.. it will take me six months to figure it all out..LOL.. I do love the Huge screen and love the idea I can be online with it ANYWHERE...wahoooooooooooooo off to play with it for awhile...
God Bless you all!
Love love love.. Laura!
SANDY....... HOW DID YOU DO???
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To UDPT82,
Absolutely yes you will be so much happier when you get the implants in. They look and feel amazing. And as I like to say they are so much more "compliant" than the rock hard stiff TEs. As for how many ccs there needs to be in the TEs to get you to a C cup it's tricky. Because everyone is different. I was filled to 575ccs and my PS put in 600cc silicone Allergen implants and I have a D cup. I am a 5'3 petite framed girl. So the 600 cc implant did the trick for me. But if you are going to have radiation I know you have to fill past the point of where you wanna be because the skin will shrink some through the radiation process. You may want to PM Laura her user name is ESTEPP she could tell you a lot about that.
The main types of implants are Mentor and Allergen and my PS described them as being equal just different brands. Sort of like deciding between a BMW or a Lexus. I choose silicone and I LOVE them. They look and feel great.
I hope I helped some. Dont hesitate to ask questions. Best wishes to you! And congrats on finishing chemo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tracey
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Hey look I have a picture..I found out that I can only make 5 entrys on here in 24 hours that stinks.. So I tring to learn who everyone is and what they are going through. I've missed a lot. So first of all my name is Trudy. An old name... Not gurtrude. I have many things to ask and talk about since I've found you guys I think of all the questions and things that I want to talk about and never could. I need to have a journal next to my bed for all of my thoughts because I ussually think of them at night time when i'm in bed. speaking of bed... I tried to make a pillow Mt. to let me sleep on the belly.. something that I truely miss.. It however did not work. I think my expanders are to large or so they feel large when I was on my belly. The weight suck on the belly. I am thankful to hear that everyone says that after the exchange it feels better..I am looking forward to that.
Does anyone has "artict tata" syndrome? this is what I have called it when you go into the cold and it hurts, aches, and the muscle spasm kick in.
Do the spasms and sharp stabs ever stop? I was in the store the other day and a masive spasm ran from one side to the other. I grabed my chest..I looked around thinking I must have gotten stabbed..lol.. not really.. but I noticed others looking at me. I'm sure they were either thinking I was a pervert playing with myself or they were ready to call 911 thinking I was having heart problems..only if I could read peoples minds. If I was a superhero with a power I think that is what my power would be...reading minds.
I hear of this nipple sparing..amazing. I asked if I could keep my nipple and the bs said no, unless I wanted to go through radiation for 6 wks and have the chance of the breast cancer coming back. I want nothing to do with going through any of this again. I had 5 spot on my L breast. The bs said if I had a bil. mast. that I would be considered cured. Hey that sounds pretty good to me..So with this info..do I still need to be worried? Of course I am.
It is hard to take..implants and tatoos...I have always wondered why people do this to their bodies..When your 80 you fairy looks like a stretched out monster. However I don't know what it is going to be like when I am 80. most likely I would not think of the tat as a bad thing, but a reminder of how cool I once was.. I love the country song "I'm not as good as I once was" It feels true to me right now.. And ouch implants. I don't believe in conflicting pain on your self...just because I am a super wimp..
I am an auctioneer..yes I talk really fast when needed.I've done this since I was about 12 years old. family business. anyways, Yesterday, did a benefit auction for Melissa Dullock. We raised some $ for her. You know when you here other stories It makes you stand back and thank the great all mighty for making your life okay..Her story...Dx at 26 year old. now 33. She does not have insurance.. cancer is double negative.. the worse.. she had it through out her entire body when she found out.. she has 2 little kids.. She has been told 3 times that she doesn't have but a year left. She is kicking and doing okay.. She is doing experimental treatment at the mayo clinic. She is a fighter.. and beautiful. I think of how stronge she is...I am amazed..
I am amazed at everyone here too. You give me strength and I don't even know you...An instant family brought together by something so bllaaahhh... sometimes we are lucky to realize the positive out of the negitive.. I thank thank you for being here..I thank the person who invented the computer and internet...
Okay my long winded entry is going to end for now...Watch it though I may get my superhero power and know exactly what you are thinking...
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I just wanted to wish everyone, whose up to bat this week, good luck with your, exchanges, fipples, etc. I hope it goes well for everyone, and that you are happy and feeling good after your procedures! We look forward to hearing from you as you recover.
Best,
Karen
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TRACEY... I had NO IDEA you were short...
HOW did I miss that...hehe.. I am just giggling over here... I thought you were like.... 5'9. You look like a power house in your picture...ROFLOL!!!!
You are still taller than me .. but who isn't...LOL LOL LOL
Yes, anyone who needs to chat about TE and rads.. PM anytime... I will try to help!
Laura<-------------- cracking up about all us shorty's around here...
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ps... I made hubby look at your picture on here Tracey... he guessed you at 6'2...ROFLOL ROFLOL.. I think I would have pee'd laughing getting off the plane in Vegas and seeing you looking "me" in the eyes...
Ok.. Laura has had her laugh.. Thank you!
Ladies.. I prayed in Church today for us all here, I was on my knees.. offered up our healing. EVERY woman on BCO. I believe in prayer and just wanted you to know. I wrote you all in our Church prayer book. I called you " Sisters at BCO."... I am sure the prayer warriors that pray out of this book will have NO IDEA what BCO is.. but the Lord will ...
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mythreesons:
We will try to help you sort through what happened. Breast reduction surgery is so entirely different than mastectomy with reconstruction. I wonder what the sequencing would be for someone who wanted both? If you wanted significant reduction, he would have had to widely dissect more skin than just the nipple areola complex. I will do a little of research on this for you. Did he expand you to the 1000 + cc levels because of your skin flaps? All in all, it seems like you did not get what you want and did not get what he told you he would be doing....with under 800 cc's. So I think some "splaining" is due from your PS. Ask him WHY he did not perform a reduction, as well as a PBLM. You also have the additional orthopedic complication of back pain and now this will not be ameliorated, as you thought it might. So he needs to fix it. Or someone else needs to fix it. Just my oh, so humble opinion.
Deborah
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Hi all,
I feel bad to even ask this with all that others have going on but I feel like I am going into a deep funk. I am 5 weeks post op and should be looking forward to my final fill. I will have my 3rd fill on Tuesday which will bring me up to 450ccs. Instead, I am finding my energy is dimishing and I am napping on and off throughout the day. I don't know if this is just a funk and will pass but wanted to know if anyone else had experienced this. I was doing so well and was even driving 7 days post op so am a bit blindsided but my going through this at this point. Not certain if this is just a build up of the lack of sleep throughout the night. I am used to sleeping on my belly and am now forced to sleep sitting up.
Thanks for any feedback and sorry for the wimpy question
Wanda
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Wanda-I feel like I've been in your shoes ... I think it was even the same week. I asked my bs about what i was going through and she said that 80% of women going through this has mild to severe depression...She said that a lot of this is because I am not as active and busy and that I have gone through a lot. And so have you... I give my self permission to rest more.. However we need to make sure we do not get depressed. It okay to have bad days. If you think it is more than just a few bad days you may want to talk to you doct.....let me know how you are doing and hang in there. I also hate sleeping on my back..not long ago I tried to make a pillow Mt. It worked only for a short time...maybe you would have better success. good luck...
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