Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Take our poll: Caregivers, what do you find most difficult about caregiving?
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?

Exchange City

1…8384868889…1387

Comments

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited April 2009

    Sandy, you look awesome

    Vinogal, cracked me up.  My husband has been giving me a hard time about being obsessed too.  He wanted to know if we could watch one program without me commenting on the boobs of the women in the show. "She has good symmetry....I'd be happy if I looked like that in that sweater when I'm done....oh, that would be a little too big...too small....wonder if I'll be able to get projection like that...etc." 

    Jaimieh, not sure, sounds like from the others on here early July may be possible if someone else can do the heavy lifting, long driving, etc 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2009

    Jaimieh - I had a post-op appt. one week after the exchange.  One week later I had an appt. for the nurse to remove the steri strips from my incision site, but I just did it myself at home and cancelled that appt.  My next post-of appt. is with the PS one month after surgery.  As long as you have no complications after surgery [and you will likely know if you have any within ten days after the exchange] I believe you would be safe to plan a July 1st vacation.  Have fun!!!  Where are you going???

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited April 2009

    We are going to Sarasota, Fl for a visit with my MIL.  Most people would cringe but I normally spent any where from 6-8 weeks with her a year and this year I have spent 6 days :(  I had to get back for a breast surgeon appt. and now chemo is kicking my butt so I have to wait. 

    My poor DH thought he drove a lot of the way before he hasn't seen anything until this trip :)  Hopefully I will have a drive thru surgery :)  I am really hoping without drains this time. 

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2009

    Hey Deborah! Yes, I am feeling better every day...

    I need to get senior announcements together this week and sent out... busy Senior year for our youngest...

    Thanks for asking.. I hope all is well with your sister too! How is she...

    Jax.. you doing ok today..?

    Kmmd.. Tomorrow is your day sister!!! Wahoooooo

  • Lisa810
    Lisa810 Member Posts: 33
    edited April 2009

    Sandy, I too could gaze upon your breasts all day. You look beyond fab! Can I ask, are they both foobs or just one? they are a perfect match! And if you wouldn't mind, can you ‘splain all the numbers to me? ie: 550cc are 12.4 by 6.0 / 600cc are 12.8 by 6.1/ 650cc are 13.2 by 6.2 /700cc are 13.5 by 6.4.

    Laura, thank you so much for your input, I really appreciate it. I hope, if I decide not to do rads, that I'm half and happy and confident about my decision as you seem to be. Btw, I love love love that missive from a survivor you posted on your blog! Would it be ok if I copied and pasted it? (I won't publish it anywhere, I promise). It may help me write my own to explain to my friends, family and coworkers that, just because I'm near the end of chemo, NONE of this is ending anytime soon.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2009

    Hi Lisa, I got that from a gal on here. She told me I could ( on the thread here) use it but not her name. Webwritter wrote it. I took out the husband part.. ( if you look it up on here, you will see it in its entirety).. as my husband has never, not once been anything negative. He is the ONLY one ( besides all of you) that gets this 100%. You'd think he had BC too. Well, in many ways.. he did.

    Laura

  • anna7117
    anna7117 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2009

    Sandy - thank you for the info and the picture!  Yours look beautiful!  That helps me so much since we are close to the same size.  I will ask my ps about the other implants too.  I really appreciate your time and help!  I've been really nervous about the whole thing since I found out I have to replace them and it makes me feel better to know you are happy and look incredible! 

  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 98
    edited April 2009

    Jax,

    I am sorry that you are going through this so I am sending prayers and good karma vibes your way!! Heal well my lady!!

    Tracey

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited April 2009

    My right breast that you can see the light scar is my foob and my left breast got a small exbandable implant plus a lift

    the sizes I gave of the style 45 implants are the width and projection of the implants

    ok back to work for me

    catch u gals later

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited April 2009

    Hi gals:

    Well, to answer the ooph/hyst questions that were posted, my GP reccomended it, and since I have had my period since the age of 9, and at 53 was still getting it and still fertile, evidently, my onc said great idea.  My OB/GYN also said great idea.  I had been on tamoxifen for 5 years, and had it still, all thru the five years.

    I am concerned about the loss of bone, but when you figure that after menopause, which I should have been in anyway, you will have it just the same.  The AI does leach some, but you should begin taking calcium and D supplements and weight bearing exercise as of now.  These can keep it in check.  If not, there are great medications out there, which I am trying to avoid at all costs, just don't like the sound of them, but I know many women take them with no problems and they work great.

    As for the adrenals and body fat giving you estrogen, you know that's probably true, as I was on lupron for 7 months, and now they have stopped it for the surgery.  It does seem as tho I have had a surge of hormones as my face is breaking out and i do get a few warm ups.  So it seems that I still had some adrenal function that rocketed back, despite the AIs.  The Lupron stopped the adrenals as well as the ovaries.

    In the end, it's a big crap shoot, and you have to do what you feel comfortable doing.  For me, I just said, oh the he*** with this, as I felt in my case that the other shoe was waiting to drop.  Just my gut.

    Hope this helps!

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited April 2009

    Thanks, anniealso!  Sounds like you made a perfectly educated decision.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2009

    Jaimieh - You ought to try to hook up with FACECRAFTER - she lives in Sarasota.  She is a regular on this thread. 

  • fruity
    fruity Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2009

    Hey Everyone,

    Thought I posted earlier, but I don't see it. Just checking in.... 

    My exchange was last Tuesday. All went well. Lots of friendly faces at the surgical center. Physically, I am fine, things look great, there has been only a little discomfort at the incision sites. 

    Mentally, I am a bit of a jumble. A bit blue, I guess. I was a trooper for the mastectomy, focussed on getting on with my life, didn't really deal with any sense of loss at the time, and was looking forward to the exchange as a bit of a consolation prize for having cancer... eh, its no big deal, and in fact, I am a little irritated at some of the attention my new breasts seem to be attracting. 

    I know I need to work through this, just knew you all would understand how complicated this can be emotionally. 

  • dietcokemom
    dietcokemom Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    Good Afternoon Ladies,  I have completed the exchange to gummy bears, and although I am in a bit of pain, I am thrilled to be over with it.  I have 'sneaked a peak" and so far am disappointed.  Seems larger than I wanted and not as soft as I expected.  Is this due to swelling?  I think the hardness is common with gummy bears.  Is this true?  Thanks for all of your love and support, I would not have had the courage to go through with it had I not been inspired by all of you.  Thanks.  Terri

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited April 2009

    Jamaih - Only one visit post op w/ my PS and now no more until August when I will be pre-nips.

    Fruity - I am so glad you are post exchange. We were about the same date. I think your reaction is normal, kind of a PTSD. We have been through so much and the BMx is such a big deal, and now the exchange is IT. Try to give yourself a little time to grieve. You deserve some time for yourself.

    Dietcokemom - I have silicone implants. They are reportedly softer than the gummy bears. But I don't know from experience. The gummy bears were not even offered to me.

    TodayI had my post op visit w/ my PS and she tells me that pretty much I can return to most activities (at least after four weeks) until the next surgery for the nips. She says the nips will be a more significant surgery since she will be doing some skin grafting from my c/s stomach scar. For now I am off MD visits, kind of a nice change. She also says I am not very swollen, so I might just do some bra shopping tonight. NOTHING FITS from pre-BMx and I have had it w/ surgical bras!!!

    Gentle hugs to all my exchange city friends!!! - Jean

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited April 2009

    Gals I have to admit I'm guilty of doing the boob watching also

    isn't it weird how now we do things we never thought we'd do or know so much more about things we never thought we would know.  But it's nice to pass it onto other gals that want some advise.  I know I apreciate when you gals or my at home BC friends help me out.

    I'm hoping Jaimieh gets that drive through surgery.  As long as you don't need a lot of pocket work it should be a peice of cake. 

    Wow Laura isn't it hard to beleive he's a senior and will be done with high school.  Just yesterday I was talking to one of my co-workers and her baby is graduating also.  Heck it seemed like just yesterday when she had him.  I guess they say time flies when your having fun.

    Deb I thought of your sister the other day and meant to also ask about her but lost that thought.  Fill us in .  I hope she';s doing well.

    Terri I don't know anything about gummy bears but I know after my 1st exchange things did get a little softer when the swelling went down.  I didn't actually realize I had swelling until I got smaller.

    Tracey can you remind us what type of implant you went with?  I didn't know if this would be helpful to Anna.  If I remember right I think you also have a small rib cage.  I hoope your still liking your new boobs.

    Jean have fun shopping for those new girls ; - )

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2009

    Fruity.. I am sorry... I think Jean is right though PTSD.. I have heard BC people get this often. Especially if you have been in treatments for a long.. long.. time.. ((HUGS))

    Dietcokemom... ((hugs))

    Jean... get busy sister!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited April 2009

    Hi..Jaimieh  It's true. I am in Sarasota.  And since it is a small town, really, let's see if we can hook up!  It would be fun to meet another "Ta Ta Sister"

    I'm just recovering from the Mast, but Vinogal, Jax,  my thoughts are with you for a good outcome!  (((((jax)))))  Hang in there girl!

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2009

    How you doing Judy?

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited April 2009

    OH I forgot...We got the results of the pathology report today and..drum roll here....
    There was only one node with cancer of the 18 nodes (all that were there) so not to worry, they got it all.  And none on the other side. (It was prophylactic, but still..)

    So YAY for me.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2009

    CONGRATS JUDY!

    That is the news we like fellow Ta Ta!

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited April 2009
    As far as rads and TE's go--here's the story:
    I got 240cc at the time of surgery.  I have 300cc allowed before rads- they are afraid over 300cc will interfere with the rad field cause it to go into the other breast.
    My ps wants to put more than the 300cc into the muscle beforehand, and then take out the excess over the 300cc.  This makes the muscle stretch and offers a better chance of success in the future, than waiting until rads are done and trying to stretch the muscle then.  So we will see if he has time before rads to do that.  If so, good.  If not, we'll wait and see till the rads are done.  In any case, I will have 300cc before rads.
  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2009

    Thanks for inquiring about my sister Laura and Sandy.  She is doing great.  She had a nipple/skin sparing and her nipples are going to thrive.  She just had her first 150 cc fill - nothing was filled at the time of surgery.  She is thankful for a little bump Wink  Her PS is uber conservative and waited a month after surgery for the first fill and subsequent fills will be three weeks apart - until she reaches around 450 cc's.  She will probably get the same Allergan Natrelle Style 20, 550 cc's that I have at the time of exchange. 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2009

    Somebody just shoot me.  Sandy, how do you import your photos here?  Mine are saved in Microsoft pictures files. Do I need to resize them? 

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited April 2009

    the only way I can do is if I have them on facebook, myspace or the private pix forum.  I just hi-lite the pix and copy and paste it.  I can't do it if I just have them saved on my computer.  Or if there is a way I don't know how too other than what I said.

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited April 2009

    Thanks for the drive thru wishes Sandy. 

    Judy~ I will let you know when (if) I get to come down so we can meet up :)  I have to get BS clearance and kidney doctor (back when I had braIn cells pre-chemo I used to be able to spell nephrologist) clearance. 

    I gotta get my list together next week for my appt. with the PS because I am sure once I get into the chemo. hole I am not going to remember.  I need to ask about post-op bra, follow up appt., size options any other questions that I should ask ???? 

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 448
    edited April 2009

    Judy - Great news on your path! Congratulations!

    Deborah - I am psyched that all is going well for your sister.

    Ladies - I couldnt' wait any longer. So off to Kohl's I went tonight and bought two bras. They are C cups! One is a 36 and the other a 38. I was always a barely B, so this is a thrill for me. At least something kind of fun has come of all this stuff! I found that the Bali's had a style that looks okay w/ less than normal projection and no nips. It was fun and that's even for me since I HATE shopping! Tongue out Thanks for cheering me on. I don't think anyone else would understand the thrill.

    Hugs to all that are recovering from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic tests or any other procedures! - Jean

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited April 2009

    Annie--as far as bone loss goes, my onc suggested a bone density test before surgery.  Although I'm planning on staying on Tam ofter the ooph, I want to be able to track the bone density.  I was offered the bisphosnates (not sure if that is right) study, but turned it down--a little overwhelmed with decisions back them.  If  my density changes I can use zometa, or one of the others, with a prescription, otherwise zometa is about 1500. per infusion.

    One interesting positive SE from all this, I've been eating better and my cholesterol level has dropped from 205 to 150 in 6 months.

    Sandy, I can't even see your scar.  I hope to be as lucky, you look great!

    Best,

    Karen

  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 114
    edited April 2009

    Hey ladies......thanks all for your well wishes.......I am feeling a bit better.......I am continuing to keep my fingers crossed that everything works out this time........new stitches are holding up pretty good.......and things are looking pretty good........guess where the drainage is coming out now?.......my bullet hole where my drain tube was.......yeah I thought it was all healed up.......but......apparently not.........not too much drainage though......and I don't feel that swollen......so could this possibly be a turning point for me.......I almost don't want to think about it and jinx it.........but I need some good news.

    Cheers and hugs to all!

    Jax

  • sheesh1961
    sheesh1961 Member Posts: 65
    edited April 2009

    Judy -- what fantastic news!! So happy for you!

    Deborah -- I must have missed your post where you told us about sister. I'm sorry she had to join the "club" but I'm glad she's doing well!

    Jean -- yay for the bra shopping and the C cups!!!!!

    I'm sure I missed others -- not much sleep last night and my eyelids are drooping as I type, so more later!

    Sheila

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.