Exchange City
Comments
-
Jan--I was both hurt and surprised by more than a few people who said after my BLM--and before I was home from the hospital (I had clean nodes) "Well, thank god all that is over with now." As we know, there is so much more physically, emotionally, and spiritually after the initial surgery. I try hard to educate people about reconstruction, treatments, SE, lurking fears, and what survival really means because so many of us are surviving so long. The flip-side to that is the number of people who've said to me, "good it is breast cancer, nobody dies of that anymore." If only.
Anyway, lots of thoughts and good wishes to our friends who will "exchanged" this coming week, Dietcokemom and Kmmd, I hope it all goes well.
Karen
0 -
Karen, your words are heartfelt. I am wishing that everyone that has to go through this process, is at least gratified by the gift of technology and having some sort of a breast recreated. Thank you all for the warm welcome, I am a posting fool on this forum, a big lurker on the others. I am in need of information at this juncture, therefore I am trying to ask all of the questions before hand so that I don't have any regrets at the time of the exchange. Here is holding out for 6-15-09. Jan
0 -
I read through the last several post from the last couple of days
1st off so happy to hear Jean & Kathie's story
that things are going so well
Jan I will try and go back and read what you said and get the size of your TE
something I forgot...
last summer I noticed I was a little more sensative to the sun which I think is from the Tamoxifin
I was out in the sun Friday on my road bike (almost 50 miles hea so much fun and it was 75 degrees) and got quite red
so just a warning watch out for that sun
Bad me I took sunscreen with me but just didn't put it on
I will next time
0 -
Jan, I was only three weeks from my last fill to my exchange -- I had read here too that a lot of women have to wait several months, so I asked my PS about it. He didn't go into details but just said there's no reason to wait when I haven't had rads. Anyway, it worked for me -- but sometimes I wonder if my foobs might have turned out a bit better if I had waited longer in between (maybe they would BOUNCE!) LOL Sandy and Deborah are the resident TE/implant experts here, so I'm not even going to try to answer any of your questions about that!
Also wanted to say that most of the people in my life also feel like this was all "over with" for me months ago. My BM was last August, and as soon as I went back to work everyone thought I was just fine. That attitude of "Well, that's over with" seems to be the norm -- and I guess those who love us just WANT it to be over with, but it sure would be nice if they could understand this experience wasn't a switch that was turned on one day and off another.
Yvonne -- good for your DH but man, I'd be envious too! I'd be feeling like it was ME who should get the break!! LOL I am SO BUMMED about your new little healing bugaboo -- that is so not fair! Sending lots of superglue-type thoughts your way!!
0 -
Kathie,
I can totally relate to you feeling happy with your results. I can honestly say I actually love the way mine look and feel...they even jiggle! I no longer feel that I have strangers on my chest. I can hardly wait for the nipple surgery!
Hope everyone is doing GREAT!!
Jean...soooooo happy for you!!
Prayers are going out for all who have upcomming surgeries! GET ER DONE!
Tracey
0 -
Jan this is what I got from the web site:
354-6213 450 cc 12.7 cm 10.8 cm 7.0 cm 0 -
opps comes up goofy when I tried to copy and paste it
354-6213 is a 450cc TE which dim are aprox 12.7 wide, 10.8 high and 7.0 projection
This is the same TE I had
everyone can be different but I will say my rib cage is 29 inches
I went with 550cc high profile Mentor implant (13.6 wide by 5.5 projection) and it gave me a D
I still don't have as much projection as I had with my TE but better than what I had the 1st implant
550cc was my 2nd exchange if you don't know my back ground
if you want to keep most of your projection you'll have to go with the Natrell implant style 45 which offers the most projection
0 -
Jean and Kathie, So glad your exchanges went so well - I think it gives us who are waiting for exchange hope that YES good things can be coming our way too. I'm really glad you are recovering so well.
Jean - You already added my exchange - May 19. I didn't think you would be able to get to it until next week which was fine, but you are on it! It looks good to finally be on the board.
Sweet dreams to all.
Peg
0 -
Hi gals! just wanted to chime in with this, regarding lotions and potions and what to put on your skin etc.....be really careful with what you put on your skin, I am a product junkie, but upon realizing and researching that 99.9% of all the lotions out there promote estrogen in our bodies I have gone all natural, remember everything you put on your skin gets into your system faster than if you were to injest it. Shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, makeup, moisturizers, everything has pretty nasty chemicals which again mimics estrogen in our bodies. Its not for everyone, but I have switched to all organic all natural products (if I can't eat it it doesn't go on the skin or hair (not easy!) - for skin 100% organic virgin coconut oil at the health food store about $9.00 I use it on my body, on my hair and my face oh! and you can cook with it too LOL!! check out the website below it has really helped. I have also switched out my laundry detergent, dish soap, household cleaners etc, these are also mimic estrogen when inhaled or come in contact with skin.
0 -
Jan1 I have a question...
from reading your post I thought I read your natural breast is a B
with having 500cc in your TE what size are you now?
my 1st implant was only 11.4 wide which I didn't think was wide enough so I went wider
if you like the 12.7 on you just make sure your implant is at least that wide
a long time ago I posted many implants that are real close to my TE size but I have made so many post it's hard to find that
I may have a paper copy of that if you'd want me to look for it...
night ladies
0 -
Dietcokemom--looks like this is our week. I facilate between can't wait to get this rock off of my chest and dreading another recuperation after finally starting to feel better after chemo.
To those who have posted regarding people thinking as soon as surgery is over this ordeal is over, there are a couple of great threads such as suddenly I have psychics in the family, and dear husband (and everyone else in my family) rant from webwriter regarding this exact issue.
My DH said it best yesterday, they want it to be done and over and never hear about it again because it makes them feel safer and less scared for you, but for you it will never be over.
0 -
To my exchange surgery sisters scheduled this week - best wishes and gentle hugs. They are so much more comfortable, I think you will be pleased!
4/20 - dietcokemom - Exchange surgery
4/23 - Kmmd - Exchange surgery
0 -
Laura,
Another post from another sister wishing you all the best. You are a brave woman. I'm so glad your tanning sessions are over! (That's what my mother used to call them after her mastectomy!)
(((Laura)))
xxoo Kathie
0 -
4/20 - dietcokemom - Exchange surgery
4/23 - Kmmd - Exchange surgery
Good luck this week......continued healing to all others......softness sounds wonderful......I however would just love to settle for a non leaking boob..........I continue to leak seroma fluid......no slow down.......just a new spot to leak.......PS says we will continue with fills......and even potentially move onto exchange even with leakage........but I have to say.....I just want it over.....I miss my bath.......and really miss the hot tub........not allowed to soak in any water for fear of infection........I am now chronically on antibiotics......and they are doing a number on my tummy.....but I need to be sure to avoid infection.....I don't think I could handle losing another TE.
Anyway I am glad to hear from all of you......your successes give me hope.......and I too wanted to say congrats to you Laura for finishing rads.....and welcome all new posters........you all rock!
Cheers and hugs
Jax
0 -
Jean - I am so happy that you are happy with your new boobies. Hooray. Although I agree with Sheila - mine don't bounce at all. BTW, you have Allergan Natrelle Style 20, 400 cc round smooth silicone implants.
Kathie: I got tears in my eyes reading your post about the drop and fluff epiphany. I just rejoice with you!
0 -
Hello sweeties: sorry to be so MIA, lifes' been a bit nuts what with recovery, etc.
Jean: So glad for you, aren't they soooo soft and comfy? Wait til you see them drop and "fluff"!!!
Kathie: WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO You dropped and fluffed! They get even better, subtly, each and every week.
Everyone in surgery, post surgery, "tanning" expanding, . Go girls, you are doing it!!!!
Love you all
annie
0 -
(((((Jax)))) I am there w/ you lady hugging you all the way. The seroma has GOT to stop!! And these TE's will be successful!!! Toes and fingers all crossed!
Ladies - All the positive comments are appreciated!!! Implants are SO much nicer than TEs. Perhaps that's why doctors created TEs... So that we would love our implants!!
0 -
Rockwell girl, I am a lot bigger on the TE side, the right side. That breast was always larger, a small to average B. I think I will be a good C cup as my rib cage is about 33 to 34 inches around now. I like the bigger size as the left side was a very small B possibly, large A cup. It will be nice to have somewhat symetrical breasts, since I have never ha them. Right now the R TE is riding hard and high, but have noticed that it is dropping a little. Because I had the mastectomy, I didn't have rads, despite the DCIS being a high grade III and the surgeon states that he KNOWS he got it all, lymph nodes were negative. I chose not to go on tamoxifan, or Evista. I may live to regret this, but I will keep up with the yearly Mammograms and pray that I don't have a recurrance.
Sheesh, you are so right about the loves or our lives wanting everything to be normal. We as women are the glue in the family and when we have issues, the stress in the family affects everyone. My husband admitted just a week ago that he was terrified that I would die, this even though I reassured him along with the Dr;s that I would live long enough to drive him nuts. I cracked the surgeon up during the consult when my husband wanted me to feel better about losing the breast. I told him don't worry, California is a community property state and that since I was losing one, the one going was his 50%. I thought my surgeon was going to snicker himself to death. We used a lot of humor to get through this ordeal.
KMMD an Dietcokemom, you will be in my thoughts and prayers for an easy time and great recovery. And for nice soft breasts that made this journey a little easier.
Jan
\
0 -
Anniealso and other ladies, I keep reading about Fluffing and dropping, I get the dropping I think it sounds like when the TE's drop an settle some is this right? Fluffing, I don't have a clue what this is, so if someone could give me a description of what it is I would be grateful, just another thing I have yet to learn. Thanks again for another piece of the process. Jan
0 -
Mykidsmom, you cracked me up with the TE's a plot created by PS's to make us love the implants. I cannot wait until the exchange. You give me hope along with the others that have already been there. How sore are you and what limitations have you had to endure? Jan
0 -
Jan - My PS is not very imformative, so I am not quite sure of the limitations. I can drive after I am off narcotics, and I take very little for pain. So I should be able to drive this week. I am wearing a bra 24 / 7 and taking it easy w/ my arms for 4-6 weeks. Otherwise I think things are pretty much as I feel up to it. As for pain, I have almost none at all thanks to numb chest walls. So I am not very sore, just a bit worn down. Take care. - Jean
0 -
Lorraine: Yikes...I am a product junkie also! The website you linked is the one I used to find my sunscreen last year. So many of them [Coppertone, Neutrogena, Bullfrog - all useless as SPF coverage]. I completely forgot to look on that site for moisturizers....did so just now. BTW, do you have to refrigerate your coconut oil?0
-
Hi girls, I've got to tell you, Kathie your post made me teary eyed as well. How wonderful for you!!! YAY!! {{Kathie}}
Yvonne I think it's so great that your husband has realized how wonderful life can be if you make decisions to better yourself. You have taught him that. Just by going through all of this crap you have continually made decisions to get you through. Life can still be wonderful if you make it that way! I see fun times ahead for both of you even if you have to work! {{{Yvonne}}}
My exchange was done March 10th. I wore the binder bra for a week, bought a sports bra but only wore it like twice. I actually don't wear a bra...I have worn one my whole life it seems and I could hardly wait to be able to go without. J
I had my Bilateral Nipple Sparing Mastectomy 10/1/09. That's when the expanders were put in place. My ps injected botox in my pec muscles so the expansion would be a breeze! It TOTALLY was. I was fully expanded the 5th day after my mastectomy!!! NO PAIN!!!
I started chemo 11/11/09 (my first chemo and our new president all in the same day whew!). My expanders totally softened up and I felt very comfortable with them. (Am I the only one who was happy with expanders??) My last chemo was 1/20/09. YAY!! Although it totally did a number on my body and I ended up in the hospital with very low white count and cellulitis on my left breast. This moved my exchange date up a month.
My exchange on 3/10/09 went smoothly, but the anesthesia did crazy things to me. It caused an irregular heart beat during surgery. They had to put me on a heart monitor. I am still wearing one just to make sure all is well before my next surgery. Another thing that happened to me which threw me for a loop was... I developed post surgery depression. I couldn't understand why I was so emotional and completely sad. Here I had these new boobs and I should be grateful and happy, but all I could do was cry. L Once I read up on post surgery depression I somehow felt better that I wasn't making it up and it was really real. It went away after about a week and a half. YAY!!
The exchange was so easy. The only pain was from those dang drainage tubes! I had to have those darn tubes in for 2 weeks. YUCK!
I had a nipple sparing mastectomy so I got to keep my own nipples! They don't look the same, but at least they are mine! The brown color is starting to come back in the areola area! I just think it's so amazing what they can do these days and I feel so fortunate to take advantage of it all!!
I have lurked from time to time and I have been keeping you all in my thoughts! We all have to stick together! We are strong we are warriors!
Good luck to all of the exchanges this week!!!
4/20 - dietcokemom - Exchange surgery
4/23 - Kmmd - Exchange surgery
{{{HUGS}}} to ALL!! JazzyJ
0 -
dietcokemom and Kmmd - it's your week for softness! I hope you both have easy surgeries and soft new girls.
Yvonne and Jax - what is happening to you is so unfair! Sending healing, glue-like vibes your way.
Yvonne - I read in one book that some ladies who are healing their skin from rads use bag balm. I might feel odd using a products designed for cows' udders, but who knows, it might work? I just use a lotion with Vitamin E, aloe, and shea butter.
Laura - great minds think alike! When I have my last surgery, my PS is going to correct a droopy left eyelid that has hidden half or more of my eye for my whole life. We deserve extra goodies for whipping bc!
Diane
0 -
Ok, all of you are getting soooooo excited about my exchange that I can hardly wait. I guess I always thought my chest would feel like it had rocks on it--it was the part of the new normal--thank god it isn't. I can't wait! I kind of wish I wasn't having the hyster/ooph at the same time because I know it is gonna hurt since it will be abdominal, but I'm hoping my chest will make me so happy I'll be content to deal with whatever comes along with the basement stuff. In the garden today planting with my 15 year-old son--beautiful day in Portland. We are putting lots of color in the yard so while I'm healing it will be great to sit and walk in the yard. Also making lots of vitamin D! I wish I could give you all hugs!
Karen
0 -
I'm so glad my post could touch so many. I can say with confidence that the reason I was able to feel that way and put it into words is because of all the support I have received on this site. Reading all the words of love and encouragement that go back and forth between women who have never met is so touching. The strength of our cyber relationships is amazing. I am truly honored to be part of such a loving community.
xxoo Kathie
0 -
Jan, I'm the same as you - grade III DCIS but no rads. Both my BS and my medical onc were waffling on the rads, so my onc sent me to a radiation onc, who took one look at my chart and told me she didn't see any reason for me to have rads because all my breast tissue is gone. Well, whether it's actually all gone or not is probably up for grabs (no pun intended - ha!) but I was willing to go with that assessment. My medical onc told me no need for tamoxifen for the same reason -- nothing left to treat -- but interesting that he wasn't willing to make that same commitment on the rads question.
Yvonne and Jax - superglue thoughts coming both your way! Want to borrow my stapler? LOL I am really, really hoping those little openings give up and close soon!! Is there any reason that your PSs don't just steristrip them closed to help the healing? Or is the drainage the issue?
Karen, I just had nip/areola surgery with grafts from my lower abdomen, and having the incisions in both places does cause a few issues, but for me most of my discomfort is my stomach. Do you know if your hyst/oop will be laparoscopic? I hope so, for your sake!
Jax - botox in the pecs - why don't more PS do that I wonder? It makes perfect sense! So glad you had an easy time with your expanders, and glad the post-surgery depression didn't last long. My problem post-surgery always seems to be a total lack of ability to focus. That causes a lot of problems in my job, but that seems to be preferable to me trying to take an extra few weeks off just because I can't concentrate -- I think that would cause some resentment at the office from people who felt I was milking it. I had one major error at work in january - something I've never done before - but felt I would sound like I was trying to make excuses if I blamed it on my surgeries and just this entire ordeal. It goes back to the whole concept of people thinking that once the initial surgery is done, you're "over" it.
Back to resting on the couch awhile - I cleaned bathrooms and did dishes and am feeling like maybe I overdid the arm/chest workout a bit.
Sheila
0 -
Sheila you take it easy and don't ever feel bad for making decisions that are best for YOU!! You ROCK!
The botox is something my ps was trying to get approved...I was the 2nd patient of his to have this. He told me that if my insurance didn't pay that the hospital would cover it since they are backing him on this study!! It made TOTAL sense to me so I went for it and soooo glad I did after hearing horror stories of much pain.
HUGS to Kathie again for making me teary eyed once again!! Darn you!
0 -
Deborah! I don't put the coconut oil in the fridge, its a jar of solid white stuff, when you rub it betwen your palms it goes liquid and is just awesome! I put all of my products into the database and then threw them all away, based on my research on estrogen+ BC the risks were just not worth it as these products mimic estrogen in the body so thats bad! Its hard work doing it and I miss my lotions and potions somewhat, but I am getting use to it!
by the way gals! I have seen Kathie's (Sam1991) foobies and they are friggin fabulous!!!!!!!!!!
Lorraine ox
0 -
Here you go!
Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Wash your food well to rid the pesticides. Bathe the washed food in a produce wash or ozonated water for 20 minutes before cooking.
Have a good water filter for your source of water. Use only organic based whole foods when you can. Buy hormone free meats and dairy products where possible. Avoid plastic goods - they leach into the environment. Do not microwave food in plastic containers, and especially avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving. Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.
Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun. If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away - do not drink the water either. Don't use fabric softeners as it puts petrochemicals right on your skin. Use a simple laundry and dish detergent with less chemicals. Use organic soaps and toothpastes. Avoid fluoride. Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearal konium chloride. Switch to more natural products. Cheap brands usually have more toxic ingredients. Avoid nail polish and nail polish removers. Use only naturally based perfumes. Most perfumes are petrochemically based. Avoid surfactants found in many condoms and diaphragm gels. Avoid new carpet - it can give off noxious fumes. Avoid X-rays as much as possible. Be aware of noxious gas such as that from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, etc. Computer monitors can emit a high level of electromagnetic force (EMF). Read about the Aulterra Neutralizer for preventing EMF damage. 0
