Exchange City
Comments
-
Have flown a number of times and never noticed any changes. Only the times when I've gone to stay at higher elevations (6,000-11,000 feet).
0 -
Sherryc-
I have been following your story for a while now, and I am so sorry to hear that you have another surgery looming. My exchange is scheduled for 11/19, and I am hoping that that will be it and that I can put my experience behind me. I have heard that revisions are pretty much the norm, but I try to keep a positive attitude (as you do). You have provided a lot of inspiration to others and I'm sure this latest setback has you pretty upset. I'm thinking of you...
0 -
Layla you crack me up that you are "fluffing all over the place" . So glad you like them now though!
Sherryc I am also set for a revision. I like my PS though so I will be using the same one. Hope we are both happier with the results next go round.
CMartin If I hear of any incidents on a plane, like unexplained floating I will think of you!. All kidding aside I guess in the olden days when my cousin was a flight attendant one of the girls got "enhanced" My cousin said they had no sooner reached their flying altituder and the girls implant on one side went flat. Lol can you imagine trying to do your job for the rest of the trip. I guess there were alot of differences in cabin pressure as well as the implants themselves back then and I guess it happened occasionally to a couple of her passengers as well over the years.Thank goodness for modern improvements!
Dx 1/17/2012, IDC, <1cm, Stage Ia, Grade 1, 0/6 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-Surgery 05/01/2012 Mastectomy (Both); Prophylactic Ovary Removal (Both)
0 -
Hi all! Had exchange surgery this morning ...7:30 and was home by 12:30! YES! Piece of cake...ok, percaset talking (did I spell it right?). I also had 2 attivan around 5 this morning so it was a breeeeze. Yes stupid drains back but again, they don't hurt, just look wierd and will give me back aches sleeping on the couch recliner. Drugs and horse racing (breeders cup on Fri and Sat) and a break from house work. So glad it's over and scar nowhere as big as orig double mastecomy one.
Good luck all!
0 -
Golden01 - I haven't traveled to any higher elevations since exchange, but I do notice I can now predict the weather. Whenever a low pressure front comes in, I feel like The Girls are going to explode like the aforementioned potato chip bag. (This was also true with the TEs.)
CMartin - it probably isn't noticeable in a plane, as the cabin is pressurized. Should you choose to jump out of the plane at 12,000 feet, however, you may notice some definite boobage activity!
BTW, do we have any skydivers here? Or SCUBA divers? It would be interesting to see if there are any changes felt....0 -
Blessings- I think you need to apply to be a weather forcaster for the National Weather bureau!! That's funny. I also love the terminology on here - your "boobage" activity and Laylas "fluffing all over the place"
0 -
layla- what the heck is fluffing? Is it something I want to happen when I get my new "girls"?
christy
0 -
Hi 7of9! Glad to see one of my fellow "June Bugs" and glad to hear you're doing well. It's nice to hear from people just after their exchange doing so well. It makes me less nervous about my exchange next month.
Wow! I just realized its November so I can say my exchange is next month! Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!
Lori0 -
Chrisrenee...they tend to drop and fill in a bit as time goes on. My pictures are on forum and you can kind of tell from those.
Blessings....when are you going to write that book???0 -
Hello June bug TX!
Today was a breeze and I mean it. Left the hous at 6:05 and was home before 1. Yes the IV was a little ouchy, yest I'm a little/moderately sore on left side (BC side) but right gal hardly aches at all. On Percocet which make me droooogggy. But went for a 20 min walk with hubby, son and dog around 5 today and felt good! It literally seemed like a 10 minute nap (the surgery). You will do GREAT. Stay busy and don't think about it until the night before when you are touching up your house cleaning. Then pop an Ambien for bed, take 2 Attivan in the morning and VIOLA...you are back home. Thank you Lord. Let this be the last of it for us ALL
0 -
Vinnie in two weeks!!!!!!
0 -
@ Cindy - I will be eagerly awaiting your posts after seeing Vinnie. I am not even going to try to schedule until after my PS visit on Dec. 17 when he clears me to go. I realize it make take a few months then to get on his schedule...but I'm also going to take a look at the work that's done in the office of my PS by someone who comes in just to do the tats. Really, thinking strongly about NOLA, though. We KNOW he does wonderful work. Hope you're feeling more comfortable.
0 -
Hi Everyone!
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since my exchange. I physically feel almost normal, just some twinges now and then and some achiness and burning inside my left foob where PS did some internal stitching. I hope I am not overdoing it, but it's hard to rest with 5 children running around.
Emotionally--I have been on a major roller coaster! I started crying Saturday night and cried all day and night Sunday. I had to leave my church service because I just couldn't stop crying. I felt like I was having anxiety attacks over and over again. I could not pull myself together. I can't remember what I looked like before the BMX. I just want to make it through even half a day without thinking of bc. I am so thankful that I am cured. I am so thankful that I am alive. So I feel guilty for even having a pity party, I have stayed so strong and positive through it all, I just don't know why I fell apart now that it's practically over.
Yesterday was ok, and today was much better. I did not cry at all today!
Have any of you felt this way?
I don't understand how my implants will "fluff up" or fill out over time.... Mine are silicone. Will they appear bigger? They do kinda look like fat hamburger buns. With a bra on (still wearing a stretchy sports bra that hooks in the back), they look good and I have cleavage--which I did not have before. I need to buy a real bra. Should I wait to see how they settle or change before I do?
Thanks for all of your friendships!0 -
Roam- check out the thread "why was I stronger when going through treatment" in the "moving beyond cancer" topic. You are not alone in feeling this way. There is a lot of nice support there.
I would definitely wait to buy bras. Your implants will change shape and get fuller as they settle into their final look. It takes some time.0 -
Hi 7 of 9:
I'm glad to hear the exchange went well. Mine is scheduled for 11/9 and I'm hoping it goes smoothly.
Where is your incision for the exchange? My PS does it below the expander in the crease instead of through the mastectomy scar.
Also, can anyone on this thread who had radiation with their TE's share their experience with their exchange surgery, healing, etc?
Lovesdogs0 -
Layla, You have been a help to me before and I have noticed you have exactly the same 600CC Mentor High Profile Silicone Gel. I am 1 week post exchange and wondering when you started the massage and when you started seeing the drop and fluff. My PS doesn't know anything about it so I am asking you. I knew they would be small compared to my DD but they aren't projecting at all in my clothes. I won't complain because I am cancer free but my tops make me look flat as a pancake. I actually look bigger out of my clothes than in them and I really prefer wearing clothes. Anything you can tell me about the time you started massaging and when they started dropping and fluffing will help. I go back to PS in a month. He seemed to think they would stay where they are, I forgot to ask about massaging. Help and thanks to all, I learn by reading and enjoy every post.
0 -
Staynsane thanks I do try to stay positive it has been a long two years. I told DH that I really think my PS was waiting for me to get upset and cry. I do trust him and know he will do everything possible to fix the issue . DH and I are on a much needed vaca in TN attending a very intense Christian conference for some training on a new ministry. A nice diversion from bc.
2friedeggs--what will your revision be for
Layla glad you are finally happy with your drop and fluff. I dropped so soon maybe not so good now they are bottoming out. Wearing good bras until next surgery0 -
LovesDogs - My incision was on the mastectomy scar but didn't start till alomst an inch inside and about an inch or so short on the outside. Looks like healing up nice already. Going to give it several several months to do nipples I think...I need a break and my skin could probably use one too...so not sure if I'll do them after next summer since I hear they bandages look like little forts on them and I'll need bulky clothes to cover. But no nip lines for great summer halter tops...that's what I'm talking! BTW we got a boxer puppy this summer and my mother is adopting a Golden Retriever tomorrow so we are big dog lovers too! They are so great for your spirits and I love hiking in the park with them.
MS - with 5 kids no wonder you are emotional! I haven't had a crying day in about a week or two and that seems like a loooong time for me. I am so thankful that I'm not like so many other people diagnosed with other more aggressive cancers or diseases. Diagnosed in January, I could have been wrapping it all up right now instead of feeling like the new me is ready for the second half of my life...game on.
Ginger, thanks for the bra advice. Going to stick with the hospital bras I managed to get - 4 of them with no underwires just snug (not too snug) sports bra type things. Will get some pretty ones maybe after Christmas sales...
0 -
I have the CO2 tissue expanders, love them! After eight weeks I am at a 36 C size. I was 36 D, but as these ride higher, they are the right size for my clothing, (which I do not want to replace!)
Exchange will be in about 4 weeks. What do folks think about saline v silicone v gummy bears v ???? I felt the saline implants and they were so much water balloon, I didn't like that. But shouldn't I be worried about silcone?
Yey... these footballs under my chest will be gone soon (but they look fab now anyway!)
0 -
2FriedEggs - whenever our local TV weatherman predicts an incoming low pressure system, DH turns to me and asks "Is that true?" Glad I still can be of use around here....
Chrisrenee77 - "Dropping and Fluffing" is a term you'll probably never hear your PS use unless you tell him. Here's what happens. The TEs are like deflated saline implants, only they have hard, rigid backs. This is to allow them to push out against the fronts, and strech the skin and muscle in order to create the pocket where your permanent implants are going to go.
On the day of your exchange surgery, the TEs are removed, and your implants are inserted. Most of the time, on Day 1, they end up looking like hamburger buns that are trying to climb over your shoulder. As the swelling from the surgery goes down, the implant gradually "drops" into the pocket, and "fluffs" out, to assume a more normal boobishness.
Whether saline or silicone, the implant starts to conform itself to the contours of your chest rather than being stuck up high. As it "fluffs" out, it can appear to be bigger and more natural looking. Most docs will say to give this process at least 2 - 3 months, although some ladies report changes are still taking place 9 months after exchange.
CMartin - a book, huh? I think the only time I'm funny is when I with mah BCO sistahs!!! I am SOOOO envious about your trip to Vinnies....I wish I could stow away in your luggage. I think it would be a hoot to go together. Unfortunately, I've been thinking there may be a revision in my future down the line, and I'd hate to have Vinnie's awesome artwork bisected by new incisions. Can't wait to see your pics!!!!
Oh, Roan - you are JUST out of exchange surgery - you need to give those New Girls some time to fit in!!! As for crying in church, I was certain our pews were going to be washed away two weeks ago. We had some AWESOME inspiring music that morning, and all my friends around me were just bawling and snorting into the Kleenex.....it was exhausting, but sure felt good afterwards!!! (And not one shred of mascara left on anyone's face....) Regarding bras - wait until you get the clearance from your PS. You are still healing on the inside. I just wore my Genie bras for a month. Now I've got some cuuuuute underwire bras that were professionally fitted!
Caro4 - my doc had me start massaging one month post exchange. All I do is move them together and upward in the shower..."against gravity" he said.
Sherryc - hope you have a fabulous time at your Christian conference!!!
ImSnoozy - I got 700 cc high profile, smooth saline implants. LOVE THEM! I especially like the fact that they are always warm.
~~~~~~~~~~~
I see my PS next week right before we go on vacation. I've come to the conclusion that Lefty's "swelling" from the recon/pocket work is actually a displacement of the implant due to some scar tissue at the bottom.
"Yes, well, thank you, Dr. Blessings, for that professional opinion...."
Oh, who knows. I never wanted perfection...well, maybe, for just a minute, I wanted MELONS....like big ol' fake movie star boobs, but what I really wanted was symmetry. He promises me that whatever concerns me can be fixed, but I was SO hoping I was done, except for Vinnie's finishing touches. I love the size on my frame, and it seems like such a minor issue....we'll just have to have a real heart-to-heart to see if it's worth it.
Hope everyone has a wonderful relaxing weekend!!!
0 -
I"m disgusted with the whole thing. Doctors- OK, not that communicative but all right. I am just mad that I've been through so much for a stinky little early-detected 8mm tumor that no one could even feel. The only think I got to skip was radiation, because of the BMX. and implants. but the side effects from the Arimedex is infuriating and discouraging me.
0 -
Lisa- the AI's are tough for some of us to take. You should talk to your dr about your symptoms and see what happens. Mine has put me on a 10 week vacation from letrozole and I cannot believe the difference. I am not moving like a 90 year old anymore. I had an early stage small cancer and had BMX due to BRCA2+. I did not have rads either. I am going to talk to my dr at my appt after Christmas and I may not go back on. My quality of life is important too!
It looks like your body has gone through a lot in 2012 like mine did in 2011 and it takes time to recover. Keep talking till your dr hears you! Sending you a gentle hug!0 -
Lisa...I'm so sorry.
Bonnie... counting the days!!!!
Snoozy...Ps said the research on silicone wasn't conclusive regarding the negative side effects. I don't have gummies but do have cohesive gel. Regardless of the research I feel a bit better with that. I believe saline is heavier.0 -
Caro4,when I got my exchange done I was very disappointed because I told the PS I wanted to be a C and I was like pancakes right after surg. Then a few wks later the one on the right moved down,what the bc girls call "drop" and it is still about an inch lower than the non cancer side. I have been over exchange now for 2 mths and I have gone from an A to B to a C in bra sizes. The muscle relaxes over the implants and the implants get that rising bread thing going on what the bc girls call "fluff". Its just the muscle was holding the implant gel tightly and now its not and the implant gel is resuming its domed shape that it has( when not inside a person like in the drs office when they show it to you.) I started massaging when the PS showed me how to do it and discussed it with me,about 2 wks after the surg. I gotta keep it up.
These new foobs are supposed to stay soft and feel like the real ones,but the one on the right where I had cancer is starting to feel like a grapefruit and the noncancer side still feels ok like squeezing a loaf of Wonder bread. Problems,hope the meds from PS help.
0 -
Wednesday is the big day to get these TE's out!!!!!Can"t wait. PS told me Thursday that there would probably be a third surgery. Wasn't to excited about that, but what ever it takes! Praying that this will be much easier.
0 -
Froggy...it will be!!!
0 -
I hope it goes well for you Froggy. Just look how far you've come!
0 -
Hey rosetx...hope all is well with you!
0 -
Hi ladies,
I need some reassurance, please. My exchange surgery is tomorrow morning 8 am! I'm five times more apprehensive than before BMX. I think because that surgery was so painful Nd difficult to recover from. I want to be back at work on Friday. PS said I can be. What do you ladies who have been through this think? I'm young, in great shape and I take great care of myself but I have to say recovering from BMX was beastly! Any words of wisdom are appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Theresa0 -
Hi Theresa,
I had my exchange surgery 2 weeks ago. Compared to bmx, it was easy. Although I still have a little soreness, I went back to work a week after surgery. Pretty much back to normal life now.
Good luck to you. I hope it all goes easy for you
0
