Exchange City
Comments
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Hello my dears, sounds like we are all pedaling along, getting thru it....
JazzyGem: I just did this for the same reason. Also going for a prophy on the remaining girl, as I'm just sick to death of waiting for things to go bad on me. I don't have the gene, but I've had this twice, and I was the estrogen queen, (and I am 53) so bring on the menopause already!! Anything I can help you with in this decision, PM me, and I'll try.
Hope I can pick your brain on nipple sparing when I go to get the prophy. I'd like to do that, but was unsure how they go about it.
Someone else was posting about post surgical depression (JG, I think it was you); however, it's like post traumatic stress disorder...hell, it is post traumatic stress disorder. With all we've been thru, it's not an easy thing to remove these girls; we've had them our whole lives.
On the other hand, the power of cognitive thought is amazing.....you can choose to see how you process it. I'm going with "well, they were looking pretty bad at 53, might as well be cancer free and get a boob job with the deal". That, and a really really overactive sense of humor saw us thru.
Love to all undergoing procedures, recovering, etc. I just got the all clear to exercise, etc. after hyst/ooph (so far, so good. Just some minor warm ups
)xoxox
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p.s. To everyone worrying so much about our environment, perfumes, hair dyes, etc.
One of my former oncs is now head of research on cancer and lymphoma at our hopsital here, which is a teaching hospital affiliated with SloanK and Yale, so he's pretty on top of his game.
In response to my many, many queries on all this stuff, he says and i quote him:" It's impossible to get it all out of your life. This is the planet we live on. Eliminate what you can, go organic, but creams, lotions, sunblocks etc., are not enough to cause cancer, nor is hair dye, altho do not use black dye. Be vigilant, but don't make yourself nuts. Long term studies have shown that the folks who overdo it and go completely into a bubble do not fare as well. "
So, hope that takes some worry away....worry is the worst for you, anyway.
A very wise friend I met right on these boards also told me: "This horrible thing that has happened to us can only be gotten thru it by forgetting it.....not forgetting it, per se, but letting time move on and the cancer experience move on with it. Otherwise it robs your life of the joy you could have in it today."
I thought that was so wise I printed it out and keep it on the fridge. I will never forget it, but I will try to let it wash away with time. I keep trying to envision it like the waves washing away marks in the sand.
Since I'm a two timer, thought that perspective two good people shared with me that helped me so much might be able to help somebody else.
xoxoxo
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NVDiane:
I did get rid of the little estrogen bomb makers, and I don't regret it!
You will have to do weight bearing exercise, take calcium supplements and D, and exercise more, but all worth it.0 -
Hi Anniealso -
I am also thinking of getting my ovaries out at some point in the future. I want to cross one bridge at a time and my exchange is in May so I will probably do it in the fall. I've already had a hyster which they did lapriscopically about 7 years ago due to problems not related to cancer so they left the ovaries. My biggest fear is sudden onset menopause because I am 49 and don't have any symptoms at this point (night sweats etc.) I hope you don't mind my asking but,have you experienced anything like that yet?
I also had nipple/skin sparing mx if you ever have any questions about that.
Peg
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KEW - just wondering what prompted the ooph? I have my first follow-up appt with onc in a few weeks and am getting a list of questions for him. The first time I saw him I was so focused on whether I'd need chemo or not, I simply wasn't prepared with other questions. I'm on tamox now. Supposedly peri-menopausal (47), but haven't had a period since the week of my diagnosis - ironic, huh? Was on the pill (for menstrual & migraine issues, since I had infertility), but obviously stopped that week. I'm thinking hyst & ooph might be a good thing, except for the osteoporosis issues. I'm already having night sweats with the tamox. Hang in there for the next week or so!
anniealso - did your onc recommend the ooph for you or did you have to push for it?
(((facecrafter))) ((((dietcokemom))) (((kmmd))))
Valerie
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Valerie, my onc suggested Tam alone, and I was fine with that. I got a second opinion from an admittedly "chemo biased" onco and he said I absolutely should do chemo, but gave me no numbers. I listened to my bs, who said "no chemo" my pcp, said the same. The second onc scared me enough, though that I requested to have my ovaries out, and I opted for the hyster because I'm a good metabolizer of Tam and want to stay on it for 5 years (and I don't want to worry about uterine cancer--although rare), then move to an AI, unless something better comes along. I like that Tam protects our bones and heart, and that it has such a long and successful track record. My tumor was 100%ER/PR. I also listened to my gut. I felt amped up on estrogen for the last couple of years and had just had a huge amount of hormonal blood work done before I was diagnosed--all the estrogens DHEA, PR, testosterone, and tons more. I had the hormones of a 30 year old, but I was 48. All in perfect balance, just not heading towards menopause. I started my period when I was 11, and I feel it is time for all of that to be put to rest. I even got my peroid 3 days after my surgery, nothing slowed my body down. I had one short period after I began Tam in December and none since. I don't like the idea of the AI as I would prefer my body fat and adrenals continue to function normally, but if that is my only option in 5 years then I will gratefully take them. I'd rather the Tam blocks what is produced. Both oncologists said that if I were in many European countries Tam and suppression/removal would be the treatment of choice. Being somewhat controlling, I went to a 3rd onc about three weeks ago, and he said that having my ovaries out was a great plan. He also told me that many women my age opt for chemo even with low Oncotype scores. He said they think of it as an insurance policy. We are all different and so are our choices, with my score of 15, I was happy not to do chemo, but willing to remove my ovaries, and take Tam. He reassured me that I did not make a mistake by not doing chemo, but he told me that if I was obsessing about it I could still have it done, although it would be untraditional since I'm so far out from surgery. No thanks.
Good luck with your decision.
Karen
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((((((((((((((((((Judy))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Heal well sister! Praying for the best news on Wednesday.
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Diane,
Thank you for your response. It is strange to work with a bunch of people who've never heard the word cancer and their name at the same time. I think our priorities change and I think that is good. Really who does give a s**t about a file, in the big picture of life? She just doesn't get it. You will make the 8 months, because it will be a gift to yourself to retire, and then get to know the new you!
I held some really nice implants today, I can't wait. The pre-op went well and two weeks from today, I should be in my hospital room recovering.
Karen
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Karen, what is that you are holding on your lap in your avatar? Is it a dog or a child? I wonder every time you post and I thought I would just ask so that I can put to rest my perplexing question.
Deborah
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Sandy! Really funny vidio clip! I can relate to the BIG nipples!! I just had mine done and I think they looked that big at first LOL!! So sorry about your friends dad. I know first hand about suicide, and how it can effect other family members.{An Uncle}, Prayers for their family and thoughts going out to the Exchange ladies this week. Gentle hugs, Jeanie 0
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Annie - little estrogen bomb makers! I love it! Thanks to you, Janet, and Karen for your input. I see my oncology surgeon for followup Wednesday, and I think I'll get her opinion (which I value).
Karen - I got to play with a whole basket full of implants the last time I saw my PS; he wanted to see which size would be best to enhance my non-cancer girl in my next surgery (probably 400-450 cc). It was fun! The 800cc like I have now looked huge! The one thing they had in common was...softness!!!
Hugs,
Diane
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I want to thank everyone for the nice comments about my friend's dad
well I saw the PS today
she thinks my nipple is looking good
I mentioned how I thought it looked a little wide but not that long (I can't hang no glasses on mine lol)
Her nurse made me a new foam piece to wear which will squeeze it together just a little bit.
After wearing that for a couple hours I took a peek and I thought things looked better
I will probably wait till 1 month post surgery and post pix again on the pix forum
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Deborah,
It is my new puppy, female yellow lab. She is 13 weeks old and has brought all kinds of energy and joy into our home. Me, I baby her, my boys play with her, the cat ignores her, and she cracks us all up everyday. The one good thing about my job is that we are allowed to bring our dogs. So we go to work together everyday, and I now get up multiple times to take her out--good for both of us. Her name is Easy, my youngest son is a huge history buff and loved the HBO show "Band of Brothers" their company was called Easy Company, and so in honor of the men of Easy Company, her "registered' full name is Easy Company's Honor. His biggest thrill in life to date was when I took him to a book signing by one of the members of Easy, Donald Malarky, he is from Astoria, Oregon. You'd never think a teenage boy would be so excited by meeting an elderly person. It was really sweet. He also got to meet Peter Sagal from NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me." You'd think he was talking to one of the Beatles he was so thrilled!
Diane--Yup we decided on the Allergan Style 20 800's, unless it is too difficult to close, then he'll go to the 750's.
I'm wondering if anyone who has had their exchange, and was on Tam, got their period before surgery? My onc has me going off the Tam for 10 days (and stay off 10 days after) prior to surgery and I'm wondering if my body is going to try and slip one in before surgery and everything is removed.
Sandy you are too funny, hang your glasses!
Hugs,
Karen
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KEW
Is the Dr having you come off the tam to reduce blood clot risks?
I had my period the whole 5 years I was on Tam. My only weird thing is that since my BIMX on 3/9/09 my periods are now 7 to 10 days long and they have been 5 days long since I was 14. I'm not sure what that is about but I'll have to ask my ovarian oncologist.
From the women I know who's periods stopped while on tam, it did not come back as soon as the stopped it took a little while.
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thanx
c
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Okay - I know we have covered this, but now that I am post exchange I need to read it again. What are the general rules of engagement post - exchange? My PS is very low key and basically tells me nothing. Here's what I think I know and what I am not sure about. Please correct me if I am wrong:
1. Wear a bra 24/7 for at least 2-6 weeks to make sure everything stays put. I am wearing a surgical bra that she gave me. It is soft and comfortable, but not tight. Is this a problem?
2. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 4-6 weeks. Walks are okay.
3. Stretching exercises?? When to start? Still necessary like w/ the TE's?
4. Massaging?? Helpful? If so, what kind?
5. Lifting arms overhead? Not to do? If not, for how long?
6. Cooking, cleaning, other general housework? How long till this is okay?
7. Nips. When can I go in for this next surgery? I would love to look somewhat "normal" again. Should I avoid during the summer - heat, swimming, hiking weather? How long is the recovery from the nip surgery.
Thanks ladies. I really appreciate your expertise!!
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dietcokemom
Hope you are feeling soft and perky this morning........
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I'm glad you are asking these questions Jean as I was wondering the same things. I was kind of pre-worrying!!!LOL
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Hey Ladies...it's been a while! I know after some of you had looked at my photos on TimTam's site that you had wanted to know what size my 410 gummie implants were. I finally got around to checking! LOL Sorry it has been a while...business has been booming and I'm not online as much!
Here are the specs- both breasts:
Allergan FX410450-Full height, extra full projection
Make it a great day!
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Karen-Thanks for the info. That will help me formulate my questions for my next onc visit. I really appreciate it!
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There are some sisters who had surgery last week who have not reported in yet. You know who you are!!! We all are eager to hear how you are doing. I want to hear from coffee about her impressions of the difference between her 410 gummies and her new Allergan Style 20's - after her post-op appt. tomorrow.
Thoughts and prayers going out to dietcokemom and Kmmd.....surgeries this week....
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Hi Ladies - I am new to this site and am loving it. I have been out of the loop for awhile on implants and would like your advice on an exchange. I had my BM 5 years ago and am having my implants replaced b/c they are giving me some problems. I looked them up and they are mentor becker 600 cc gel/saline (15.1 cm x 5.0 cm) but overfilled to 740 cc. My ps wants to replace with mentor high profile silicone gel 500 cc (13.2 cm x 5.3 cm). It looks like I will get similar projection but I just wanted to see what your thoughts were. I am afraid they are going to be much smaller and more of a risk for rippling. I'm a 34D now and would like to stay that way. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Hello Everyone~~I've been reading posts when I can, and after all that catching up, I've been too tired to post! I design, make, and alter prom dresses, and it's the height of the season, so very little free time. It will slow down by next week.
I too am anxious to hear from Coffee about her implant exchange. My PS appt is today, and I'm going to speak to him about the lack of projection with my Natrelle style 10. My exchange was 2/9, so I think I should be healed enough to look at options, since I'm unhappy with my results.
There was extensive conversation here about post-surgical depression, which makes me feel much less alone. I'm not sure if I'm just unhappy with my results, and having it suggested to me that I may need to learn to live with two totally different breast sizes on the same chest, or if my mood swings are just the result of this whole BC experience.
I'm hoping to be able to ask intelligent questions today, based on all the wonderful information I've gotten from all of you, and not based on being an emotional basket case!
I'm going back a page or two right now to study! KMMD and Karenp62--best wishes to you in your upcoming exchanges!
Suzie
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OK, Jean, let me see what I can answer!
1) My PS said he wanted me to wear a "full-coverage, well-fitting" bra but not tight -- because of concerns with cutting off blood supply. I actually found a Playtex at Kohl's that fit the bill -- or the boob, in this case! It was comfortable enough to wear to bed too.
2) Strenuous exercise - my PS only told me to not arm wrestle or do heavy construction! He was mainly concerned with me not doing anything that would injure my foobs, and he particularly said to be very careful not to get immersed in water and make sure no one decided to give me a bear hug. I can't remember how long that was for, but I took it easy for 3 months til my next appt with him, just to be on the safe side.
3) I didn't find stretching exercises as necessary post-exchange as massaging to keep the nerves from getting tangled in the scar tissue. Plus, now that I've had my nip surgery too, I'd like to add that you should do whatever you can to make your scars nice and pliant. I have one stiff, fairly thick scar, and already it seems to be distorting the new nip a bit, plus it's pretty uncomfortable.
4) Massaging - my PS showed me how to put two or three fingers (like you do with a BSE) along the side of the implant and massage fairly hard in small circles, then move all the way around the implant doing that. I should have been doing it to my scar too -- by the time I realized that my scar was the tightest part of the foob, it was almost time for my nip surgery and there wasn't too much more I could do.
5) Arms overhead - I don't remember any restrictions here. In fact, at my first followup after my exchange surgery, my PS judged how well I was healing by seeing how far over my head I could lift my arms.
6) Housework -- milk this one for as long as you can!!! My exchange was very easy, so I'm sure this isn't the case for everyone, but I was vacuuming and doing laundry within days.
7) I'd definitely recommend waiting several months (maybe 3-4) for nip surgery. My PS said he'd do it at 4 months to give the implants time to settle. It ended up being 6 months just because of scheduling stuff. I'm now almost 2-weeks post surgery, and I can tell you I wouldn't want this done in the summer, but I had flap surgery for the nips and skin grafts for the areolas. I imagine that without the grafts, it might not be as big a deal when you have it. But even thinking about what to wear -- I've got dressings on both nips yet, and will probably have them for at least another week, and fortunately in MI it's still chilly, so I can hide them with sweatshirts. Not sure what you would do in summer!
Sheila
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Anna -- if no one else jumps in with a response on your implants, wait for Deb or Sandy (whippetmom or rockwellgirl) to reply -- they're both REALLY good with sizes/projection/width/style/brands.
Sheila
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Anna - How do those 15.1 cm wide implants look on your frame? You have a small ribcage if you wear a 34D....
With the numbers you present, you are going to have 2 centimeters of pocket width difference and the risk for rippling is high, unless your PS intends to do some pocket revisions at the time of exchange. It sounds as though he would have to do so to narrow the pocket for the silicone 500's to fit properly. I personally think that this is going to somewhat diminish your 34D statistics though. A 550 cc Mentor HP would be better [13.6 x 5.5] to keep you at your current bra size. You will get more upper pole fullness - fullness at the top of the breast -as the millimeters of projection increase, and your PS' thoughts likely are that you do not have the pocket sufficient to handle the projection differential of the HP's, which is why he is using smaller implants. But the width seems to be the issue and so he should be able to explain to you how he is going to address this. Incidentally, do you have photos you could post on the pictures forum so we could see what you look like currently?
Let's see what Sandy thinks....
Deborah
PS: [Sheila - Sandy and I thank you for the KUDOS!!! You are too sweet!]
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Hey ladies.....so my saga continues.......remember my new small opening that was draining fluid........well I paged my ps on Sunday to say that it was getting larger and that I could feel the TE sharply in that spot.......I didn't feel comfortble waiting until Friday to see her.....so she said to come down yesterday......good thing.......because by yesterday......I could see the expander almost popping out of the skin........I had 3 options.........remove another one........and start again....nooooooo!......put in a small implant and be happy with the size.......nooooooo!.........or agree to having surgery to clean it up......cut out some skin.......and sew her back up in layers.........I had to do this in office so just a local........was a bit rough.....and I am sore today......but she put in 60 CC and is putting in 60 more on Friday and then 60 more next week......The idea now is that we are getting to the exchange surgery as soon as possible so that I will hopefull only need one surgery to fix up everything.......so I actually have an exchange date of May 19th.......
Please keep your fingers crossed and add me to your prayers.......I really want to make this date and get passed all this.......I don't think I could handle having to start again....
Thank you all for being here.....I think of you all often.....and am happy to have a place to come when I need support.......you guys rock!
Cheers, hugs and softness to all!
Jax
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Oh.....and Lisa thanks for saring your implant info......I do believe that I will end up with these exact expanders.......and I think yours look fabulous. Thanks for the hope!.....Do you mind telling me your height, weight and bra size......I know I'm not asking for much....lol.......only if you are comfortable sharing.
Cheers and hugs
Jax
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Karen: How sweet! Easy is a great name for a dog! I love also hearing about your son and how touching it is he has this affinity for "The Greatest Generation" of war veterans. I also love to listen to "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me..." hilarious!!
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hi ladies
I just hopped on at the end of my break
I escape out of here about 3:20 and when I get home will give some input but sorry to say I better get back to work
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