One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Carole:
I do have an abdominal incision and a brand new belly button. The scar is thin and low, but the belly button is right in the middle where it should be so, I'd like to fade it as quickly as possible. I am very fair and I'd like to not have the belly button be so obvious, just in case I decide to let it see the light of day : )
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Hi everyone, looks like I've been MIA for a while. I haven't been up to anything special, just busy. I guess summer has me away from the computer? Carole, your chicken sounds fantastic. How was it? It seems like the only thing I did last week was cook. I'm really trying to stay on WW and I'm usually more successful when I eat at home.
Guess I shouldn't have certified myself as "back to normal". I had a return of the all over prickles last week. I'm still not sure what caused it. My best guess is that it was caused by wearing a few newer/ tighter bras four days in succession and working out. I think it may be linked to some sort of undiagnosed truncal lymphedema. I also had swelling and tenderness in my underarms. The good news is that losing weight is one of the recommendations, so I now have more than just vanity as inspiration. I have an appointment with my internist today, perhaps I'll bring this up. However, I don't want her to go overboard with other tests.
BigApple, you may have ditched the drain by the time I'm typing this. For your sake, I hope so. What a relief! I'm glad to hear you are doing well and on the mend. Let's all hope for the right kind of nerve healing and feeling to return.
We had rain last night and will have high temperatures today. That means it will be hot and muggy. Not quite as bad as you Carole, but certainly not very pleasant. Thank God for air conditioning! Hope everyone has a good day!
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Okie:
Hopefully today I'll get rid of the last drain. Apparently I'm a juciy apple and required additional drainage time : )
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Hello Everyone,
BigApple, Sorry your feeling pain...My BS and PS took me off percocet after 2-3 weeks. Then, extra strength Tylenol that did nothing for me.
My PS gave me Mederma cream. I think it made a positive difference after a couple of days. My PS also recommended taking SinEcch (Arnica). You purchase this at the health food store. I had never heard of it before and have sensitive skin so I did not use it. Some hear have...NewBride and Annl have used it and said it worked well. I hope I never need to, but I would use Arnica.
When do you get the drain removed? You know you will feel a lot better when the drain is removed... My thoughts have been with you. I hope you feel better soon.
Carol, Where are you headed in the 5th wheeler? No vacation for me this year...just day trips and a couple of days at the beach. We have wasp nests near our pool. DH hasn't had the time to remove them and I will not go near them.
Fortunate1, I was in California once for my honeymoon. We traveled by car from San Francisco to San Diego over 2 weeks. I loved all of it. We stayed at the Pebble Beach lodge for two nights...I loved Carmel.
It is another muggy, rainy day in NY... definitely not pool weather.
Thinking of NewBride and everyone else....I hope everyone is doing well!
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Another cool hazy day here, but the sun looks like it will burn off the clouds pretty early today. I think I did well at the sale this weekend, I won't get the results for a few days. My very dear DH helps so much. I don't know how I did it alone for so many years, way too much toting and hauling.
Meg, Carmel is so pretty, a storybook town.
Bigapple, it sounds like you are healing well... drains are such a nuisance, extra juicy apple, funny. Can you tell how the two reconstructions are going to be next to each other? It is probably too early to tell yet. As a unilateral, I have one natural shape and one blunter rounder shape that is very good but not a match. The PS mentioned switching the implant for an anatomical one, not on the market yet for all PSs. I thought that the shape improvement would be nice, but maybe the firmness would be a bad trade off. Now I think I'll just settle down and be happy, but I still wonder.
The sun has come out while I've been typing. Sorry you all have heat and humidity... yuck. San Diegans are terribly spoiled, but I'd put up with humidity for some southern smothered chicken, Carole. Okiegal, so sorry to hear that the prickles are back. Could heat be making them worse?
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Meg: Not only muggy in NY but it keeps threatening to rain and then nuthin, its like being tortured.
The last drain came out today!!!!!!!!!!
I bought something called scare guard MD, that you apply with a brush, it is a cilicone that binds and applies pressure to the scar so we will see how it goes.
Fortunate:
The two reconstructions look great next to eachother. My left is a 410 which has the anotomical shape. The IMF is different, I don't know if I'll get it fixed, I'll see if it bothers me. If the DIEP side shinks and I have to either have an implant put under it or use a smaller implant on the other side, then maybe, I'll get it fixed,, I just can't think of another surgery.
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hello everyone....sounds like you are all feeling well....big apple...i'm glad things are going well. my scars were from the lumpectomies and where the drains were, my armpit. mederma cream has been working great. you have to use it twice daily.....okie....every time i try a bra other than "barely there"...i end up in pain....it seems like a bra has to be exactly right for me to be comfortable....most sports bras are too tight and thick, i found a very thin, lightweight one at sears, it's by "apostrophe" ...meg, carole, fortunate, tinkerbell.....you all sound busy. i'm enjoying the warmer weather....stay well
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Congratulations, Big "juicy" Apple! I'm sure you are thrilled to be unteathered! By the way, I'd be happy to send some rain to you. We are 3.5 inches above our normal rainfall this Spring. How is the garden every going to produce tomatoes with this weather?! I bought Mederma, haven't really used it much. My BS said it doesn't work. Go figure, Ally, I'm glad it's working for you! And thanks for another bra suggestion. I'll check out Sears.
Saw my internist yesterday, she's worried that my recent episode of tingling and now, over the last several months, my itchy arms, are symptoms of my body reacting to the implants. Of course, that's among one of my thoughts too. However, all the scientific studies seem to suggest that there is no provable link between silicone breast implants and autoimmune diseases, etc. I think there are other possible causes. Maybe the itching is a reaction to the Neurontin? Maybe it's all related to some sort of sub-clinical lymphedema issue? She referred me to another PS for a second opinion and to a physical therapy person....ah, spending more money. The only cure for a reaction to the implants would be removal and I'm not ready to give up my "foobs" without a whole lot more thought, investigation and proof. I think the answer is probably much more simple. Don't wear tight bras, avoid overexertion, lose weight, apply lotion and eventually, wean off the Neurontin.
After my appointment, I went to get a chest x-ray. The x-ray tech, Rose, related that she, too was a survivor of BC. We chatted for quite a while. She had traveled the entire BC journey with rads, chemo and tissue expanders, as well as a failed reconstruction on one side. My encounter with BC has been so much more easy and fast, in comparison. She said it all took 5 years, but she was now finished and back to normal and seemed like a lovely, happy and content person. Is there anything more beautiful than a pleasant demeanor/spirit?
Hope everyone has a great day!
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okie...glad the x-ray tech is happy now....5 yrs of all this stuff.....that's rough...i have itchiness as well on my left upper arm which is still numb...i wonder if the itchiness is caused by the nerves regenerating....that would be nice....i think an auto-immune reaction to the silicone would be a whole host of other symptoms, but i agree, there could be some sort of sub-clinical lymphedema...i don't think the neurontin is the problem.....it's frustrating, maybe you need to increase the dose of neurontin, you did very well for awhile on it. anyway....keep us posted, i feel ok, not normal, bra on, or off, i always feel them, not pain, just a weird discomfort. i'm hoping this will eventually go away.
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Ally1423, It's so nice to have feedback from others. Your thinking is tracking with mine. I think that I may have nerves that grew into the healing scar tissue or get rubbed by the implant with movement or maybe it's just regeneration? I've had "strange sensations" since almost the beginning. My only current day-to-day annoyance is itchy arms. I'm beginning to think that a little more Neurontin might get rid of that, too. I think this is all nerves, no matter what my very attentive and well meaning internist suspects and no matter what or where my over active imagination might lead me! As for the two day return of my "prickles", I remembered last night that I had jogged a short distance the day before while on a walk. Now, I suspect that the bouncing motion may have been the cause...or maybe it was the newer, tighter bra? I'll have to experiment and see if I can elicit the symptoms at will. Possibly narrow it all down before I go on another wild goose chase visiting new physician$!
Sunny today and I found a few, tiny cherry tomatoes on the plant that I accidentally over pruned!
Have a good day all!
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Hi everyone,
BigApple, Glad to hear your drain is gone! I hope you continue to heal well. Keeping my fingers crossed you're happy with the outcome.
Yuk! Another cloudy, muggy day in NY.
Okiegal, I remember you experienced itching after your nipple reconstruction surgery. Were you taking Neurontin then? Your pins and needles have acted up after exercise before too. Just a thought...If your itchy arms were a result of you rejecting your implants wouldn't you be itchy on your chest or neck too?
The tremble in my left arm is totally gone. I am lifting 5 lbs weights with ease, but was told (by my chiropractor) not to increase the weight at this time. I also work out with exercise bands where I can easily control the amount of pressure without straining. My chiropractor has helped with the "poking" feeling in my left breast also. We are taking that treatment slowly, but it has made a huge improvement. My left breast definitely has its problems compared to my right.
I hope you can experiment with your exercises and Neurontin to find a solution. Maybe you should try a chiropractor for the pins and needles. My chiropractor is a non force technique, applied kinesiology. Every time I leave her office I feel like she didn't even touch me...her touch is so gentle... but then I feel better.
Fortunate1, I'm happy for you...so close to being finished with your tattoo and pleased with the results! I hope you did well at your sale!
Ally, I have only one bra I'm comfortable in also. I only wear a bra when I go out. I'm still getting used to the flat look. I don't feel "normal." I had large breasts, but I think these foobs weigh more. Maybe they're just stiff? During my busy day I don't notice them, but they really bother me when I sleep.
I'm still following weight watchers without any success....down a pound and then up a pound...then down a pound.
I weigh 8 lbs more then before bmx. Well, I better hurry to take my walk before the predicted thunderstorm comes. Have a good day everybody!0 -
Hi everyone. As promised, the tattoo report. I got my second visit touchup and I am as usual, hopeful and encouraged. She made the areola a little larger and less pink and the nipple larger and darker. She poked and looked and added more and looked again, definitely considering carefully as she worked. It looks kind of red right now but I know how the color comes out lighter. It hurt a little more this time, all around the outer edges of my breast as she worked. Nothing that would make me want to stop. Maybe my poor traumatized nerves are really hooking back up.
I will go back to her for a photo when I am healed. She does free tattoos for BC patients, and people don't come back after their touchup. I want to give back, something she can put in her example book for those who come after me. Now, I need to settle down and learn to really love this new breast, with no reservations. Nice new breast, nice new tattoo.
Okiegal, you are becoming a great diagnostician. If my nerves don't hook back up any more than they have, perhaps I should be thankful. Right now as I'm typing I'm getting little zings shooting in from the edges.
Bigapple, thanks for the response. The gummie doesn't feel too firm in comparison? That's great to know, I had wondered, endless conjecture.
Meg, glad to hear your working with weights successfully, that's great. Hi Ally, glad to hear from you.
And the garden report. The only rain is from my hose, things are drying up if I'm not careful. Two pies worth of blackberries from the berry patch. Tomatoes are languishing in my under watered over shaded veggie patch, but they'll make it eventually. Snails apparently like rhubarb leaves. I thought they were poisonous.
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Hi all, I've decided to increase my Neurontin and see if it helps. I did a good upper body workout yesterday and the "pins and needles" have reappeared slightly again this AM. I also wore the tighter bra and don't have any swelling, so maybe LE isn't an issue? Meg9, I do have the tingling in my head, hands, neck, upper chest etc. It isn't as strong as it was originally and subsides if I don't exercise or am inactive with my upper body. I continue to lean toward it being a mechanical irritation as opposed to an allergic reaction. My PS, early on, said that a true rejection or allergic reaction would happen almost immediately (within 15 minutes or so). But I am having a reaction, of some sort. My BS conjectured that maybe it's just my body reacting to the implant and, of course, as mentioned in my previous post, my internist is worried that it's some sort of systemic, immune system reaction. Like my sister said, millions of dollars have been spent trying to prove an immune system reaction and none has been found. So....I'm sticking with the obvious, it's probably scar tissue or nerves.
I'm so happy to hear that your weights are helping! And that your chiropractor helps too. Gives us all hope. As for the WW up and downs, vigorous exercise would probably up your metabolism enough to move the needle. That's what made the difference for my sister and what will make the difference for me. I'm also trying to add muscle weight...burns more calories!
Fortunate1, you are so generous to your tattoo artist. I'm sure you will be one of her favorite clients for helping her build her portfolio. Playing it forward, giving back. You are an inspiration! I would be happier with my new breasts if I wasn't having so much "sensation". Then I'd only have tattoos and bras to worry about, but I'd probably join you with second guessing everything, too. It's my nature!
There's a farm that's open to the public this Saturday where you can pick your own blueberries. I may see if my niece can join me....if it doesn't rain! Have a good day everyone.
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Hello ladies!
I am glad to hear from all of you!
Fortunate1, you are done, congratulations! How long it takes to heal? My tattoo is next Monday. Did you feel 5.2 earthquake in San Diego last Sunday?
Meg, it is wonderful that exercises helped you to feel better. I also work out with exercise bands. My PT showed me what to do, and I found it very helpful. I am also lifting 5 lbs weights, but I am not going to increase the weight. I think this is enough for me.
Bigapple09, I hope you are healing well and will be pleased with results soon. My PS told me to apply any lotion or cream to the scar, I used Cocoa Butter Cream and Mederma. My scar looks good, but still visible 8 months after surgery. My PS told me she probably will use lazer leter on to make it less visible.
ally, have you recieved your computer back? I am so happy that all 3 bras I have now are very comfortable and I don't feel any pain at the end of the day. I don't feel them with bra on, but with bra off sometimes I feel like something doesn't belong to me.
Carole, do you still have shoulder pain?
okiegal, hope your issue is time related and later or sooner (sonner is better) all symptoms which are bothering you will disappier. Saturday sounds like a fun!
Yersterday was 8 months since my surgery. I am very pleased with results so far. I am going to Mexico at the end of July for vacation. I tried some swim suits and I like how I look now. "New" side is a little bit flat, but not very noticeable. More good news. My PAP test was positive in December,I repeted it in May and it came back negative. Doctor said now everything looks much better than in December, so I'll see him in one year.
I would like to hear from NewBride, Thinkerbell, TracyAnn and everyone else from our thread. Hopefully, everyone is fine.
Have a good day everyone.
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hi, everyone......i_am_ok.....i'm still on my work laptop, and plan on buying a new personal computr soon....okie....i hope the increased neurontin gives u relief. like you, i think nerves were damaged, and are hopefully regenerating....meg, sounds like you are doing very well with your chiropractor, weights and exercise routine. these foobs are heavier than my old ones, and like you, sleeping is a little uncomfortable, or it just feels different, and like you i'm not bothered by much during the day.i spend alot of time rubbing my left arm which is numb, but less numb than a few months ago. fortunate....sounds like your final tattoing went very well, except for the additional pain.....hope the results are great......big apple, tinkerbell, newbride, carole and tracy...hope all is well with you......upcreek...i i'md u
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I_am_OK, I sure did feel the earthquake. DH and I were lolling about on the couch watching TV... a couple of rough shakes and the sound like a heavy truck coming down the road. It was much milder than the Easter Sunday quake. I have never been afraid during quakes, they're kind of fascinating, but bigger ones are a little scary to me now.
Enjoy your tattoo appointment on Monday. If it hurts you can ask for more numbing cream, but its not bad. It took maybe a week and a half to heal, I don't remember exactly. The important thing is not to rush the healing process. No picking at the scabbing, as that can take the pigment with it if removed too soon. The final result is much lighter than it appears at first so don't worry when you see a dark areola.
Have a good day everyone, I'll try to check back.
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Hi to everyone. I just caught up on reading posts and am glad everyone is doing well, with only minor complaints. Fortunate, I would imagine that it's good to have your "new" breast looking complete with nipple and aureole. I am Ok, I expect you to do as well with your last procedure as you've done every step of the way. Okie, you definitely must have something going on with nerves that cause the tingling sensation. Meg, I'm 8 lbs heavier, too, as I come up on my dx anniversary on the 24th of this month. I think the arimidex is making weight loss more difficult, but it's probably also consumption. I haven't been tracking or making much use of the WW website subscription. I may just drop it and go back to WW meetings when we return home in Oct.
The 5th wheel camper is parked outside the house (just as it was last June when the radiologist looked at me kindly and said, "Your test was positive." I was too stunned to process the words for some seconds.) We were going to leave July 6th but we're leaving sooner, next Saturday, the 26th. My only regret is abandoning my poor mother who has 5 other children who could pitch in and fill my spot if only they would.
Yesterday I had my 6 mo. apptment with my cancer dr.s NP. She did an ultrasound on my armpits and chest and said everything looked great. I have an order for bloodwork to check TM's. We discussed revision surgery to exchange the implants for larger implants. She said the recovery time is only about 2 wks, no drains, and recommended that I consider it if my insurance paid everything. I'm pretty sure it does. She said my final result would be better and she thought I would be very pleased. I have a sunken spot on the left cleavage and some rippling on the bottoms that isn't visible but I can feel it. So I may have the procedure next winter.
I am Ok, thanks for inquiring about my shoulder. It feels fine now, but the discomfort moved to my left wrist!
Now I'd better close and make use of morning time. In lieu of walking this morning, I'll go outside and whack the wisteria bushes growing on either side of our driveway. They remind me of the maniacal plant in The Little Shop of Horrors with their vigorous growth. We cut them back drastically before we depart and when we return, they're almost blocking the driveway. This is truly a tropical growing environment in the summer.
BTW, we're headed for Minnesota, hoping to find cooler weather. Sure hope the twisters are over by the time we get there. Heard something on tv yesterday about violent twisters in MN.
A wonderful Saturday to all.
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Carole: Will you have computer access while you are on the road at all? How long do you plan to be in Minnesota?
Been lying low recuperating from some minor finishing touches. Will know more when the dressings come off at the end of the week.
Glad everyone is doing well. Okiegal--I think your nerves will settle down and it is that and not a reaction to anything. I agree with Meg--chiropractor, PT, naturopath--whatever it takes to help the healing.
Fortunate 1: Tx for sharing your journey in regards to the NAR. It has helped me allot.
Engagement/Graduation Party for my neice tomorrow. Hasn't been a nice June but July promises to be hot.
Hi to all. Will be back soon.
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Fortunate1, Congratulations on completing your tattoo! I bet you look beautiful!
Okiegal, I hope increasing the Neurontin is the answer. Yum! Blueberries did you make blueberry pie?
IamOK. Good luck with your tattoo. Are you going to someone who uses permanent makeup or tattoo artist? I look forward to hearing how your experience went.
Ally, for the longest time my left arm and hand had no strength. I was slow to exercise concerned that I might hurt the healing process. I think that was a good decision. Recently, I started working out with exercise bands which I think is the way to go. You have better control on the amount of force and pressure depending on where you hold the band. Also, I have 4 bands of different strengths.
Carole, I'm glad your 6mo appointment went well. You're the only one I know of who had an ultra sound check up. I think that's great...it must give you piece of mind. My ex PS signed me off and said I'll see you in two years. At least I have a lot of time to decide on a new PS! lol
I hope you have an enjoyable trip to MN. I mentioned before that I have been following this black bear that had a web cam in her den when she gave birth to a single cub. The biologist and these bears are in Ely, MN. From what I read it seems like a beautiful place with many camp grounds around lakes. I read that you can rent boat houses on the lakes. I though that might be something to try....DH said no way...his army days were enough camping for him. Maybe someday....lol
UpCreek, I hope you're feeling well. Did you have revision surgery? Take care of yourself.
BigApple, My chiropractor...a big health nut, said that natural coca butter is excellent for scars. She buys it at the health food store. I hope your feeling better.
It is hot and humid today. As I ate breakfast I watched a little rabbit eat the buds off my plants. Now I know what happened to some of the zucchini flowers! It was really cute and I didn't chase it away...I think there's enough for all of us! I hope everyone has a good day! Now I'm going to watch the vacumn in the pool...do you think I'm bored!
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Carole, it is so good to have you passing those one year anniversaries. I found it to be happy and surreal, both. Have a great trip.
Hugs to all.
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Meg, DH has been to Ely. I think that is a big canoeing area, the Boundary Waters. DH and his brother went on a 1 week canoeing trip up there a few years back.
We've been busy transferring clothing and all sorts of things out to the rv. Yesterday DH started up his truck, our towing vehicle, and the engine ran rough and smoke belched out of the tailpipes. He was afraid to try to drive the truck to the dealer's so he called a tow truck. We were prepared for delays and huge expense, but the repair was quick and didn't cost anything because the labor and parts were under warranty.
Nothing much else to report. Golf tomorrow morning and a bone density scan tomorrow afternoon. Thank goodness, that's the last medical apptment.
A good night to all.
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Hello Ladies
I was so glad to find this thread. I am going to have a one-step unilateral mx with Alloderm reconstruction/silicone implants on Monday 6/28. I had a lumpectomy on 6/2 and margins were not good. I have nearly A breasts so I thought that having the uniMX would be safer for me. Otherwise they were recommending more cutting and rads. They took out a fairly large segment on the lumpectomy. I am going to have the left breast implanted also in order to have symmetry and a fuller look. Probably a large B.
In addition to the lumpectomy, I had a vaginal hysterectomy with removal of tubes/ovaries. I found out I had to have the hyterectomy (uterine prolapse) just prior to my DCIS diagnosis. I go to Mayo Clinic so the docs said they could do it all at once. I am recovering very well--just discomfort and fatigue at first. I started walking and am up to 2 miles a day for the past 3 days now.
Although I am BRCA neg, my family history is strong for breast (2 aunts) and ovarian (mother) cancer.
I read all the posts up to about page 4 and then realized this is a huge thread! Just want to know how each of you are doing and thoughts about the surgery you opted for? I am not one of those ladies who would be happy having no breasts. I wish I were, but I know that about myself. I am looking forward to getting this DCIS breast off and being able to wake up with a breast.
My PS told me that the mx breast would be flatter than the unaffected breast. I find that it already is flatter. I lost the projection behind the nipple when they did my lumpectomy! I have a dent in my breast and when I wear take off my bra, the nipple gets pressed flat into that concave area. So I am getting a preview, I guess.
My other concern is that I have to travel about 2 weeks after this surgery. I am going to a professional workshop that I don't want to cancel. It's something I have been working towards for a long time and it means so much to me to go. I will not have to be active physically, just sitting, listening and verbally participating. My PS said that I would be okay to go, even with the tube! My BS said the same, also. My only concern is being distracted by pain and fatigue. My pain from the hysterectomy was about a 2-3 the first 2 days and then went away a completely. I had no pain from the lumpectomy; I know that mx and implantation will be totally different but the unknown is a bit daunting!
Would love your honest input (and encouragement).
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Hi Ladies,
I had a long post already to everyone & lost it....ugh...so now I am trying to do it on word & cut & paste. So if this works I'll write more....
I had my revision surgery yesterday & do not know what it looks like b/c in the hospital they really don't have a mirror I can see myself in. I was in a lot of pain yesterday. He basically put the implant back in its "pocket" & stitched the pocket on the side so it wouldn't fall again....& then put the implant in its proper place & stitched the outside of my breast on the side as a double protection. He also took fat cells from my belly using a fine needle(I don't think I could ever have the surgery where they use the fat/skin from your belly to make a breast) my belly hurts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has me in a tight bra right now & have to wear 1 for several weeks..YUCK!!!!
I am going home today...the nurses here remembered me from Jan/Feb & most have been very kind & remembered my tolerance for pain..ZERO!!!! lol
SPEECH: I HOPE UR SURGERY goes well & u have a fast recovery. I would have never been able to go anywhere in 2 weeks after my surgery, but many women here have went back to work after a few weeks...this is a great forum to help you. Good luck!!!
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Hi: Two weeks is really fast. I started going back to work at 2 1/2 weeks and it was rough, I traveled by air within 4 weeks from NY to DC for a bd of directors meeting, it was brutal, I was so exhausted. I even developed some muscle cording on my SNB side from the slowing of the lymph system during the flight. Everything resolved, but it was really really rough and in hindsight, I probably should have taken it a little easier. I had a lot of double concentrating and maintaining the stamina that I needed, I did it, but wow. At dinner both nights my colleagues kept taking bets on if I was going to fall asleep in my food.
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Hi, Speech. Welcome to the thread. I, too, tested BRCA negative and have a family history of bc and ovarian cancer. My paternal grandmother had ovarian cancer and my father's half sister of both of her daughters had bc. One daughter is a survivor. My bc dr. knew the history well since my aunt and younger daughter were also patients of Dr. Lagarde. I opted for bilateral mx. It was good to leave the hospital with breasts, even breasts without a lot of projection.
I could not possibly have attended a conference at 2 weeks, but you're probably much younger than I. Is it possible to re-schedule the surgery until after the conference? In my case there was no big hurry. My bc dr. said I could take my time in deciding on a surgery option, but I was in a BIG HURRY to get rid of the tumor.
Good luck. Keep in touch and let us know how you get along.
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God please you all, I hope everyone here continues to get better. I am glad I saw this before Monday. I go to PS Mon. and not sure what to expect. So this is great to hear about a "one Step" implant. I hope I can get one. I wish I didn't have to have it take off at all but since I need too then at least there is a simple way, maybe. I know that there really aren't any simple ways but less surgery and less Dr visits sounds really good to me.
My ? is....Did the PS match your other breast to look like the implanted breast? I only have to have Lt. one removed and was told that the PS would fix the other breast to match my implant.
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Tinkerbell, welcome back. I hope the revision looks great and above all, that your pain completely disappears as you heal.
Debpurple and speech, the one step is easier. Some of us have had problems, but I know that my experience has been a world of difference from people I know. I am a unilateral, and the match is good. From the front it is just about perfect. From the side the implant is fuller at the top and woefully flat in the nipple area. A common problem, I think. I know the PS chose the closest one he could, opting for the width of my remaining breast, which cost me the projection. I mourned it for a while and am now pretty much over it. It is great in a bra, and even nude I think it might not be immediately noticed.
My recovery was surprisingly quick and painless, but though I could probably have traveled I think I would have worn out really fast. I went into work for one day two weeks after surgery. Perhaps you could delay until after the surgery?
You came to the right thread. Ask away.
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Welcome Speech and deppurple, I had bmx with "one step" a year ago. Here is a short news clip that explains the "one step" procedure. http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=137257@wcbs.dayport.com
Recovery time has been different for all of us. I did not do much or feel better until my drains were removed...about 2 weeks. I was on percocet during that time and I would not have considered traveling. At one month I was driving locally, but my arms still felt weak and my ranch of motion was limited. Speech, maybe you can have your surgery after your conference and take the time you need to recover.
I was large breasted, but many who had smaller breasts had "one step nipple sparing" mx. Some have had nipple reconstruction and nipple areola tattoos. I plan to have nipple and areola tattoos without nipple reconstruction. Although it is called the "one step" many have revision surgery after to fix small imperfections. Although my reconstructed breast are flat in front and have a couple of imperfections, I am glad I had the "one step". I look like my old self in a bra. Expanders and additional surgery were not an option for me. I wanted this to be over as soon as possible. Please feel free to ask us questions.
Tinkerbell, I hope you are pleased with your surgery and not in any pain. You sound much, much better then last time!
My sister went for her annual mamo and has been called back for additional pictures. She has an appointment for another mamo and ultra sound on Monday. I pray she is OK. On a happier note my great niece is having her graduation party from HS this weekend at West Point. She was born at the West Point hospital and lived there as a child...they now live in there own home nearby.
Have a great day everybody!
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TO debpurple: yes, my PS will match my "healthy" left breast to the right breast. I am going to go larger--might as well since I am going to have these implants. I know that my right breast will be flat in front--oh well it already is now with the lumpectomy that I had!
TO all: Thanks for all the input. I am concerned most about fatigue, but I am determined to go to this conference. I cannot postpone the surgery because I have already taken 4 weeks off work and they expect me to be back July 26. I am more worried about being able to function at work. I am a speech-language pathologist and I work with young children--I love it but it is physically and mentally tiring! Hope I will make it through the 9 hour days!
I am 51 years old; I am sure age has a great deal to do with recovery but I think the physical health you are in, support at home and attitude help a great deal. I had a vaginal hysterectomy three weeks ago. I started to feel my strength back at two weeks, so I am hoping that this will go okay for me too. The hysterectomy helped me so much--I did not realize the difficulties I was having until now that I feel so much better.
My flight will be a long one--from AZ to the east coast--but my dear, dear husband booked me in first class using points. Hopefully that will help!
Thanks so much for the honest responses. I would rather know that I am up against a bit of a wall than just going in with my head in the clouds!
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