One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Hi everyone,
NewBride, Good luck at your PS appointment. Don't give up on that nipple!
Shoshi, Still praying that you beat that infection.
I went to my PS today. The stuck feeling is not CC. What a relief!...it is a very tight muscle from my beast (at the incision) up to my shoulder. She said to massage the muscle aggressively and I should begin to feel better. She said nothing about "tweaking." She took pictures of me. She was disappointed that I didn't go for the nipple tattoos yet. She said the person who does the tattoos at her office does a good job. The NP and staff said all the patients are pleased. I made an appointment for a color match on Feb 17th. YIKES! I'm a little scared!
I ask her why some have nipple sparing and I did not. She and my BS do nipple sparring mx, but my breast were too large...(a large C) With the "one step" you can't go larger then a B and have a good outcome. My size C left too much skin to do nipple sparing. L
My next visit is in 2 years for an MRI to check the health of the implant. With all the talk of tattoos and being relieved about not having CC, I forgot to mention my weak left arm! I remembered driving out of the parking lot! I'll wait and see if the tight muscle has something to do with my left arm.
I hope everyone has a good night!
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hi everyone....i'm checking in too.....new bride...glad your nip is hanging in there. you can always get 2nd and 3rd opinions regarding the chemo and further treatments......i'm curious about the hyperbaric thing....i looked it up...sounds interesting....hoping shoshi is ok.....i had my usual busy day at work. still not wearing a bra, looking forward to a relaxing weekend...it's still very cold here, and we may get snow again on saturday......this has been the longest winter of my life.
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NewBride, I'm hoping for an oncotype number of 0 for you. I actually read a post from someone who had a 0.
We had a dismal rainy day here. The rain gauge is reading 2 1/2 in. Doesn't seem to bother the finches. Dh had to don his boots and go out to refill the feeders. I put on my student cap and spent the day at the computer taking the AARP Defensive Driving course. Dh completed it earlier this week. We'll save some money on our car insurance. Plus I thought the course was quite a good refresher. I need to be reminded of how important it is not to be distracted when you're driving.
Shoshi, I'm thinking about you and hoping you're on the mend.
Since my mother's weekly hair appointment got rained out today, I'm taking her out to lunch tomorrow. Then she wants to check out the brand new Winn Dixie (supermarket) that finally opened in the area where I live. This is our first convenient supermarket. I'm expecting it to be swamped with shoppers.
Have a good evening, everyone.
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great news meg......so glad it's not cc.....tatooing sounds exciting too. i know the massaging has certainly helped my pecs.
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Yes, a busy, but normal day, here too. NewBride, here's hoping you can skip the chemo and the hyperbaric treatment. And here's hoping that things are going well for Shoshi, too.
Carole, sorry to have you experiencing tingling sensations too. I bet we can all expect this from time to time...especially if we go too far too fast. I'm pretty sure I have a mix of muscle pains, but also nerve pains. I'll meet with the pain guy on March 1. Until then, I'm keeping a log so I will have specifics to discuss.
Have a good evening everyone!
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Hi Meg: Having an MRI to check the health of the implant--that's the first I've heard of that. Is everyone else doing that too? Let me know about the tattoos. I am leaning that way as well. I'm glad it's not cc and Ally is right that massaging will help. Carole had a good suggestion about crossing your arms and pulling the implants in towards the centre when you are showering. Maybe she can explain it better but I do that.
NewBride and Shoshi: Thinking of both of you for the difficult times you are having.
Have a good weekend everyone. Going to see my daughter at University.
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upcreek.....i remember my ps telling me i would need an mri every 3 yrs to check the silicone implant....make sure it's not leaking.....i was told by the ps that these silicone implants don't last forever and might need to be replaced in about 10 yrs or so.....i thought about that the other day and decided to just block that out of my mind for now.
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Hi Ladies,
I have not posted for a bit as have been waiting for my implants to 'settle'. I am 4 months postop one step after PBMX for LCIS and wonder... how long did you all wait for nipple recon? My high riding right side still seems to be dropping albeit slowly. Any suggestions?
DRT
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Meg, when I checked in earlier, I missed your post. I'm delighted that you don't have CC. In retrospect, are you thinking you should have gone with the TE's so that your reconstructed breasts were large C's like your natural breasts?
DRT, my right implant is still riding a little high after 6 mos.
Ally, I hear stories about women who've had their implants for 30 years. And these were the older "unimproved" silicone implants.
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carole...implants lasting for 30 yrs....that's so good to know....i guess we'll be the "test group" for the newer more improved silicone.
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Hello ladies!
Meg, I am proud of you. Are you going to have 3D tattoos? I have PS appt on Feb 17, and I am going to schedule nipple reconstruction, so scared.
fortunate1, how do you like your new nipple?
NewBride, shoshi, keep my fingers crossed for both of you.
ally, I think 10 years is a warranty time, and implants can last longer.
DRT, I am 3.5 months postop, and now I feel mine are settled. I have not noticed any changes for the last month.
upcreek, enjoy time with your daughter!
Good Night everyone!
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I am Ok, you seem to be doing very well. I'm happy for you. It must be someone else expecting path report result, not me, thank goodness.
Meg, I say "go for it" with 3D tattoes or nipple recon. That is, unless you're happy with your status quo. I'm debating with myself about letting the PS persuade me to go back to surgery for tweaking. I may make an apptment to discuss with him what the recovery would be. I'm not fearful of surgery. It's the "down time" that holds me back. It's also the thought, Maybe the tweaking wouldn't result in improvement. Oh, the joys of being a Pisces when it come to decision making.
New Bride, I'll try to locate my oncotype thread. I remember being so afraid that my Grade 3 would affect my number.
Hugs all around.
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NewBride, I found my thread under IDC. The title is Oncotype for Stage1, Grade 3, 0 Nodes. If you'll do a search, you'll find it quickly.
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Good morning everyone, it's so good to see you all here.
I-am-OK, I love the nipple. It has shrunk in the past month but still makes the mound into a breast. There is still no mistaking the reconstruction for the natural breast next to it but I am glad to have kept one with all the feelings intact and the real shape, too. The nipple looks different depending on the viewing angle since the last pointed part of a natural breast is missing. A little sad, I guess, but I am truly amazed at what has been done for me. Tattoo next, no hurry. DRT, I waited a year... not necessary, it just happened that way.
Last night I ushered for Aurelia's Oratorio, a surreal little circus of visual illusions by Charlie Chaplin's granddaughter. I love ushering. In the middle of it I got a needle stab to the foob that made me jump in my seat. Interesting to note that after a whole year you can still get one of those.
My PS says that the new improved implants will last much much longer. He was very sure. Does that mean I'll be getting new implants in my late 70's? That sounds a little odd too, but why not? What about this isn't odd?
Meg, I'm glad you don't have CC. Massage away, I thought it was such a help. I should do more of it myself. Hope it helps the trembling arm too.
NewBride, sounds like your team is working it out. I think they often treat younger BC patients more aggressively. Maybe a fabulous oncotype score will mean you draw a get-out-of-chemo-free card.
Hey Shoshi, how are you?
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Wow, Meg9, great news! I think about four of us must have posted at the same time....I didn't see your post either. I think if you can get your muscle to relax/loosen up, it may very well help your week arm. I thing I remember reading something about constriction of the nerves causing muscle weakness.
DRT, I waited approximately four months to have my nipple reconstruction. I could have had it earlier (3 months), but wasn't mentally/emotionally ready. If you aren't happy with the positioning of your implant, you might want to see if you can get that fixed first. Can you wear an elastic band to help push it down? I suppose surgery is an option. And to I_AM_OK, nipple reconstruction is potentially a very simple procedure if you have a skin flap. It can be done under local with or without sedation in your PS office if he/she has the facilities. If you have a grafted procedure, it's real surgery with anesthesia and everything.
Ah, Fortunate1, to live in a larger metropolitan area where there are such interesting things to do! By the way, I saw some pictures of a woman with breast implants...she was 76, I think. And she looked good!
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UpCreek, Like Ally... my PS said I will have an MRI every 3 years to check the health of the implants. I will go in 2 years, because I am near my 1 year anniversary (in May), but after that I will go every 3 years. At a previous visit PS said to massage forever...CC can happen at any time.
DRT, My breasts were constantly changing for the first 6-7 months. I think this varies by individual. I am at 8 months and I'm glad I waited.
I am OK, My PS knows I am not up for additional surgery. I feel fortunate that I have not had any complications so far and really don't want to push my luck. My PS and I discussed nipple reconstruction yesterday...I express my concerns: possible infection, uneven nipples, a nipple that collapses, etc. She understood my all my concerns. She added that nipples are "up all the time". She said since I am apprehensive about nipple reconstruction 3D tattoos is the way to go. She said that the tattoos look real...she preferred a lighter color. She has pictures of my breasts before bmx and the woman who does the tattoos will match my original color. I am glad I waited this long for my breasts to settle and to learn about nipple reconstruction and the ups and downs. I hope my tattoos come out well. Good Luck with your nipple reconstruction! Let me know how you make out.
Carole, My natural breasts were larger and gravity got the best of them! I did have to get used to smaller breasts, (especially buying clothing) but my alternative was no breasts. I miss my natural breasts, but not because of their size. I still would not decide on the TE route. I am OK with smaller breasts, but I don't like looking at them without nipples...it's a constant reminder of bc. Are you happy with your outcome? My PS never says anything about how I look, but I think she is pleased. She just asks me how I'm doing. I told her about my bc friends and some of the complications some have had...infections, nipple and implant problems. She said, "They may have had some problems, but none have lost their lives". That put things in prospective! We are all fortunate! So many don't make it through bc. My breasts may not be perfect, but neither is the rest of me! I look fine in clothing. Oh! I enjoyed Avatar also!
Ally, I worried about the 10 year warranty also. I can't imagine going though this for cosmetic purposes as I got older... I have these implants because of the "one step." My guess is... if I had to replace them in 10 years I probably would not. DH says in 10 years it will probably be an easier procedure with less chances of complications. I hope he right!
Okiegal, When will you get tattoos?
Fortunate1, Sounds like you have so much fun! Thinking of New Bride & Shoshi.
I hope every one has a good weekend! We are expecting some snow showers, but not the big storm that is expected in NJ! Carole, Go Saints!
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Meg9, your PS is right. There are worse things than many of us have experienced and it's good to remember that occasionally. Neither my PS or BS has mentioned needing an MRI, although I have read about using MRI's to monitor the health of the implant. I'd be happy to avoid the experience and the expense!
I'm going to wait on tattoos. I want to let the tingling subside, then get the uneven nipples fixed and then get tattoos.
It's been so gray today...almost as if the sun never came out. I'm with Ally, this has already been a long winter. Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow...?
Have a nice weekend everyone!
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Okiegal, how does the PS fix the uneven nipples?
Meg, you asked how satisfied I am with my results. I would be more satisfied if the symmetry were better. The left breast looks very natural when I'm standing, hands on hips (the photo op pose at the PS's office!) and the nipple is placed exactly where it should be. The right breast has a slight rounded bulge at the top and the nipple is not exactly where it should be. And I have to admit that the PS and BS are right--larger implants would look good with my height and medium-boned build. But on a scale of 1 to 10, I give my results about an 8. However, I look fine in my clothes when I'm wearing a bra.
The Saints Mania here in the greater New Orleans area is incredible! People are lined up in stores to buy Saints shirts and other memorabilia. Even though the Superbowl is in Miami, people have swarmed into New Orleans from all over the country to party. Mardi Gras is in full swing, too, so there will be parades rolling the whole weekend. There's a big parade, Krewe of Eve, tonight here on the northshore. We're invited to a Superbowl party here in the neighborhood on Sun. afternoon. I hope the magic year continues and the Saints win. Of course, the Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning, grew up in New Orleans. His father played for the Saints.
A New Orleans sportscaster named Buddy Delaberto always said that if the Saints ever made the Superbowl, he would wear a dress to the game. Buddy died a few years ago. Last Saturday there was a huge parade in the French Quarter in memory of Buddy D, as he was called. All the men wore dresses and skirts. Dh said, Only in New Orleans! Our neighbor, Rodney, went to the parade wearing a kilt. He actually looked pretty good!
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
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Carole, that sounds fantastic, I don't care at all about anything football, but New Orleans in full swing ... I'd love to see that!
Yes! We have all had problems, but we're all still here. That's why I am Fortunate1. I looked around ... friends have died, had BC twice, had brutally hard treatments.... Me? I found a sneaky difficult cancer myself, had an new and easy surgery, no chemo, no rads, look fine. In this crazy BC world, how lucky can you get? I'm fortunate, and need to remember it when I get down about it.
The nipple dilemma, shape concerns..... I bet if we could get together in person it would be show and tell within five minutes.
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Today was a good day. 16 days post-op and (drum roll, please)... THE DRAIN IS OUT! I took a Vicodin before my PS appt. and had a friend drive me there. No problem. But the best news is that PS says my nipple is going to be OK. Thanks to Ally and Carole for holding my hand while I was so worried. You were right. It's just going to take some time. Probably about six weeks according to PS.
DH and I have a birthday party to attend. I'll check back later. Have a great weekend.
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Congratulations NewBride. I remember the relief. And the nipple is the best news, you're so lucky to have had nipple sparing surgery. And it's successful nipple sparing surgery. Yay!0
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new bride...you're free.....the drain is out......that's how i felt. in fact, when i went to the ps to have the last 2 drains out, he walked into the exam room and i said "get these things out of me".....he turned to the nurse and said "didn't we order 2 more drains for this patient"...lol, at least he had a sense of humor. great news that your nipple is going to be ok.....carole....sounds exciting where you are...enjoy the superbowl party......i'll probably be dealing with another snow storm.
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Yeah, NewBride!!! Good news on the nipple. You'll be amazed at how good it will eventually look. Isn't it wonderful to get rid of the drain? The puncture site will be sore for quite a while. It may even drain some liquid. I applied anti-bacterial cream. At 6 mos out, mine are still pink scars. I've been applying Mederma to them as well as to the incision scars.
Sunny, cold Saturday. Housework on my schedule today. So first I check e-mail. Then I check discussion forums. Next some breakfast. Procrastinate, procrastinate. Such pointless labor, housework. The dust will only return to the surface of the furniture. Floors will regain their unclean state. Sigh....
Hope everyone else is doing something more fun today!!
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NewBride, What GREAT news!...your nipple is going to make it and no more drains! YEAH! We'll keep praying for a low oncotype score! Enjoy your weekend!
Carole, Enjoy the superbowl mania! Sounds like soo much fun!
I wish we would hear some good news from Shoshi.
It is freezing today. The snow storm missed us...not even a flurry! I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
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NewBride, fantastic news about your nipple and the end of the drains! On one side my scar is completely faded. Wish that was the case everywhere else, but with the nipple reconstruction there were new incisions to heal and an adhesion to be fixed for the longest remaining drain site. Everything will fade eventually. All of this healing takes more time than we expect.
Carole, I'm not sure what the PS would do about the uneven nipples. Move one of them, I suspect. It is all dictated by blood supply. They have both softened considerably and one is smaller than the other, so I'm not sure what he would suggest. I've actually considered asking about having them both reduced and just having tattoos. Hmmm. All I know is that there's no hurry.
The SuperBowl craziness sounds fun! You Louisianians (is this a word?) sure know how to party!
Thinking of Shoshi, too.
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okie....you are so right....i know we will eventually heal, but i had no idea it would be many, many months or possibly a year or more to get back to "normal". if that ever occurs. even though, obviously, i'm grateful that i didnt loose my life to bc, and there are always people worse off, i still want to feel great again, do all the things that i used to do, and look nice, not perfect, of course, but i don't feel guilty that i want those things. ....i'm glad we have options available to us, and that we can take our time and make the right decisons for ourselves.
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HI everyone,
sorry i have been AWOL, but i have been a bit depressed that pretty much of have been recovering & i just keep complaining about the same problems & gettin worse. I was released from the hospital yesterday w/ a PIC line b/c i keep having problems w/ the IV line..now i am havig trouble w/ this PIC line, but the home nurse wont be able to come b4 Monday, so they taught my husband & me how to do this iV stuff. The infection is not as red, but its still hurts a LOT & is very swollen. At least now i can sleep on my left side & reach for things easier. I still have trouble opening child proof caps & carrying/holding heavy items.
it sounds like everyone is doing pretty well!!! Thank gooodness!! We had a major snowstorm....& I couldnt play in it or help shovel
sometimes its hard for me to go here, so its much easier if u e-mail me...since I still sleep a lot. shoshijk@gmail.com... i hope everyone else is having a wonderful jan.
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Shoshi, it's too late to caution you, but you shouldn't put your e-mail address in a post! It's good to hear from you. I hope your condition improves rapidly. At least something is being done to cure your infection. Hope you have a restful Sunday.
We're not having a wonderful January so far here in south Louisiana. We're getting rain, rain, and more rain. Mother Nature seems to revel in excess.
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good afternoon....update from shoshi....i emailed her and she emailed back, that she is definetely feeling better...her implants are intact, the left side doesn't hurt at all, still pain in the right....home with a picc line infusing antibiotics. she is happy with reconstruction results...just some extra skin on one side that can be fixed easily at another time....just hoping the infection resolves with antibiotics....so far swelling, redness is improving......
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Ally, thanks for the update on Shoshi.
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