One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
Comments
-
Hello Everyone,
My sister had her biopsy on Thursday and received the results today. Good news... B9!
What a relief! The past few weeks worrying about her have worn me down. She still has a lot to deal with personally, but thankfully she has her physical health.Speech, You did it! I'm glad your home. Try to take it easy and give yourself time to heal. Your body has been through a lot and it will take some time. I wear a very comfortable bra - Warner's element of bliss. Style # is 2003. IamOK told us about this bra months ago and it is the only bra I wear. I look "normal" in clothes.
Tink, Glad to hear you are doing much better than last time. I had tingling in my arms for a looong time. It will get better over time.
Fortunate1, DH and I have been looking through slides of our honeymoon in CA...part of my new project to create a wedding and honeymoon video. CA is such a beautiful place! Are you happy with the final outcome of the tattoo!
Tracy, What great news... B9!
Sit back and enjoy your summer! Yes, some of us have a lot to be grateful for.I hope NewBride is OK. We haven't heard from her in a long time...she was doing really well though!
It's another Hot, Humid day in NY...spending time by the pool as much as I can. I hope everyone is having a good weekend!
0 -
Meg9 so glad your sister's biopsy results gave HAPPY
news....its a relief for all!Thanks for the info about the Warner bra...I will check it out. Seems they may be on to something over there at Warner.
0 -
I have a question for those of you who are at least a month or more post-op. How much swelling did you experience in your breasts and for how long?
I had a right MX with alloderm and implants on 6/28 and will be 3 weeks post on Monday. Both my breast feel a bit swollen but not hot. I don't see a pattern with the swelling--they swell when I am lying down, sleeping, after exertion such as walking around, when I use my arms a little and when I don't.
I have no swelling anywhere else...is this normal??
0 -
Speech, I remember soreness, fatigue, a bad skin spot near the incision, but not swelling. I healed quickly without much in the way of problems. I should have kept a diary... I could have remembered more. You went on quite a trip very soon after surgery. Definitely ask your doc, but maybe you just need to take it easy longer than you (or I) would naturally do. Does heat make you swell?
Meg, I am happy with the tattoo. I could be really hyper critical and say.... nipple a little bit darker, areola a little bit bigger... but gee it looks sooo good. I am satisfied, and recommend it as a great last step.
Happy summer day everyone!
0 -
Hi everyone,
Such wonderful, B9 news for TracyAnne and Meg9's sister. What a relief and it's also reassuring to remember that not all biopsies bring bad news. In fact, I think 80% are B9, but somehow we start to believe otherwise. It's good to be brought back to reality.
Speech, sounds like your trip went well. I would have to agree with Fortunate1, I think it's time to slow down a bit. The initial healing period is 8 weeks, so I'm not surprised that you are experiencing some swelling. I continued to have slight swelling for quite a while. Be careful not to wear bras that are too tight. It sounds like you have found some comfortable ones.
Speaking of lymph glands, Tinkerbell, even if you had no lymph nodes removed, there has still been damage/trauma to the very fragile lymph tissue. Damage to lymph glands can result from all kinds of surgery and trauma (i.e. broken bones) and is sometimes even a hereditary condition. This increases your chances for lymphedema (swelling). Do you think a visit to a lymphadema therapist would be in order?
Fortunate1, I'm glad you're satisfied with your tattoo. Now that my tingles have abated, I'm beginning to think about tattoos again. I'll wait until at least the end of the summer.
Wondering about NewBride and hoping she is busy, healthy and happy with a full head of hair!
I have become interested in the idea of making my own yogurt. With the temperatures in the high 90's, I'm thinking now would be the perfect time to try. I've read you can make it in your car, so now, I want to try! I'm thinking I'll try my experiment on Wednesday. I'll keep you all posted!
0 -
fortunate1 and okiegal thanks for the suggestions...I think maybe my bras are too tight. The one they gave me at the hospital may have shrunk in the wash as did the ones from Walmart. The Warner I bought at Kohls feels so much better. I returned home Friday and have been the poster girl for laziness and still having swelling intermittently. I read that this is normal during healing. I am going to put the Warner bra on and see what happens.
In regards to making yogurt, you can make it in the house. My DH is from India and they make their own yogurt daily there. I make yogurt at home, too. Basic recipe:
1 quart milk (whole or 2% is best; 1% works okay too)
2-3 Tbs plain yogurt with active cultures-it will say on the carton
Boil the milk in a non-aluminum pot over med-hi heat; stir to keep from burning if necessary. When it comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and allow to cool to about 115-120 degrees F. Measure out the yogurt starter and add a little bit of the cooled milk to it. Stir until smooth and then add it to the cooled milk, stir. You can pour the mixture into a bowl and cover with saran wrap. I leave mine out on the counter top for 8 hours or so to cure. If you keep your house really cold in summer, put it in the oven to cure. When it is cured, put it in th fridge.
If you want Greek yogurt get a yogurt strainer to remove some of the whey. I use this to make dips, flavored "mayonnaise" and desserts. I have used a yogurt strainer for 20 years now--you can still buy it on Amazon--it's called the Danvier yogurt strainer.
Take care ladies
0 -
Just spoke with my PS--breast swelling is typical if it is symmetrical and there is no redness which is my situation. She said it will come and go throughout the day--esp in the am and with too much or too little activity. She told me to wear a snug sports bra and not the one the hospital gave me. So I have some peace now and just have to wait to completely heal.
0 -
Speech, thanks for the yogurt tips! I am feeling very confindent now. All I need is to buy a thermometer. I'll try it tomorrow. Glad you have peace of mind about the swelling. I was so uncomfortable and swollen immediately after surgery. I tried to "soldier on" with the bras given to me at the hospital and by the PS, thinking that they were somehow an absolute, medically necessary size. I finally gave up and realized that they had just grabbed the most convenient bra and that they probably wouldn't have been comfortable even before surgery! Stay comfortable. That's my advice!
0 -
Whew...I just spent 90 minutes on my feet preparing dinner. My breasts are swelling again telling me to go sit and put my feet up! Gee whiz...the girls are some doosie of a barometer!
0 -
hi everyone..i am so glad to hear abt Tracyanne & meg's sister being b9...gosh that wait..i hated it & still hate it..i wish there was a way for an instant way of getting results....
Speech glad to hear ur swelling is "normal"..lol ...i had so much swelling in the begining..well a looong time i shld say, but i had so many other issues..infections...oy vey!!! But keep an eye out to make sure its not red & hot!!!
I have a warners bra that is "comfortable", light padding but underneath the breasts its always uncomfortable..sports bras r more comfy but nothing is really unless i am braless!!! i keep trying though...
after phone calls & e- mails 2 my BS, i saw her today. She has ordered a MR
0 -
hi everyone..i am so glad to hear abt Tracyanne & meg's sister being b9...gosh that wait..i hated it & still hate it..i wish there was a way for an instant way of getting results....
Speech glad to hear ur swelling is "normal"..lol ...i had so much swelling in the begining..well a looong time i shld say, but i had so many other issues..infections...oy vey!!! But keep an eye out to make sure its not red & hot!!!
I have a warners bra that is "comfortable", light padding but underneath the breasts its always uncomfortable..sports bras r more comfy but nothing is really unless i am braless!!! i keep trying though...
after phone calls & e- mails 2 my BS, i saw her today. She has ordered a MRI ..i go on Thursday & see her Monday...so the wait begins again..she thinks its fluid..not sure why..is it from the allorderm, the implant, lymph nodes....so i'll keep u all posted..i also have to go for an MRI for my neck..my p/t wont even work on me now ..oy vey!! My boss is not happy w/ me..i saw my BS at the last min today & they didnt tell me they moved..went to old office to see they moved..got lost on way to new office..i was gone a lot of the morning..now the MRI Thurs, seeing her Mon & the neuro on Tues...i dont know what to do..i didnt plan all this ..they say they r short on coverage..i dont see it that way....i dont want to go to all these dr's & test either!!!
hope everyone is staying cool!!!!!!!!!
its so hot & humid here!!!
enjoy !! Tink..
0 -
Hello Everyone,
Speech, My breast were swollen for awhile... so was the area under my arms along side my breasts. After a few months the swelling went down and the new breasts dropped a little. My breasts felt hard at first, but got softer over time. At my six week appointment with PS she said to start massaging. Check this with your PS...all are different. I was told not to lift anything over 5 lbs for a while. How is your range of motion? At six weeks I started simple exercises...standing in front of a wall and having my fingers walk up the wall to where it was comfortable...then repeat standing sideways to the wall...also check this with PS. PS also gave me Mederma cream to put on my scars. I believed Mederma helped. A friend used coca butter that she bought at the health food... she said it helped.
Tink, Good luck with your test. It sounded funny that your PS moved and didn't tell you! Good luck with your tests...wishing a good result.
Okiegal, ummm I mean Martha. Are you really making yogurt! I just bought 5 containers for $4.00 at the supermarket! Unlike me, you must really enjoy cooking! I'm beginning to feel bad for the DH and DS...look what they missed! There's a reason the call me the queen of take out! lol I kid...since I am home more now, I cook at least 4 times a week...sometimes.
How long was Carole going to be away?
We had some big storms yesterday, but today it is nice and sunny! Going for my 3 mile walk and then back to scanning photos. I'm also trying to learn to quilt a 12 inch square which will be a part of a larger quilt. I don't have a clue of what I'm doing....I watched a few you tube clips..now I'll have to find material and start practicing.
Hope you are all well and have a great day!
0 -
Hi all,
The yogurt turned out pretty good, maybe a little too tart for my taste, but I'll try again. It was easy. Meg9, I buy yogurt by the quart and it goes pretty fast. Plain Dannon yogurt is about $2.00, but a gallon of milk (4 quarts) is about $2.75-$3.50/gallon (I think?), so there's a savings to be had. I just wanted to experiment and see if I could make yogurt in the car. The answer is definitely yes and it was so easy, I may keep making it!
I heard by way of the grapevine, that the PS who preformed my "one-step implant reconstruction with alloderm" is going to cease doing breast reconstruction! I'm not sure what his reasons are, the speculation is that insurance companies don't want to pay for Alloderm. Or maybe it's that they just don't want to pay as much as he thinks they should? I really don't know, but it will be a real loss for the women of this area of the state/country who want immediate reconstruction. I feel sad for them knowing how relatively easy the whole process was (in retrospect!) I certainly would have recommended his work....
Hope you are doing well, Speech and you too, Tinkerbell. Good luck with your apps. next week.
0 -
Congrats on the yogurt Okiegal. Try a shorter culturing time... might make it less tart. When I make it, (rarely, but maybe I should stop paying the $2 too) I put the container on my stove where it is nicely warmed by the pilot light.
Sorry to hear about your PS going out of the one-step business. I would think that no exchange surgery, no expander visits would be less expensive. I saw my PS yesterday and asked him if he was doing many one-steps and he said "more", a vague answer. Maybe the small C size limit will keep the procedure from widespread usage.
Meg, Tink, Speech, HI. Tink, hope your MRI goes well. I had to take a Xanax before I had one, I'm such a wimp.
0 -
Speech529: I had a bilateral mastectomy on June 16 with immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders and alloderm.. I had four lymph nodes taken on the left side. So that side is a little more swollen than the right. One thing I have continued to do is wear an ace bandage around by breasts whenever I am at home and even at work or running errands. It really keeps the swelling down. When I don't where it for a long period of time like 6 - 8 hours I really feel it in the swelling and the aching. I am getting my first fill next Tuesday. So I am excited for that. I also had my first of 4 chemo sessions today, which went really well. Hope this helps.
0 -
Hi Okiegal, Sorry to hear your PS is no longer performing the "one step". Has he stopped all breast reconstruction or just the one step? My ex PS did not accept insurance ...she accepted whatever my insurance company paid her. I have no idea what my PS was paid. I never saw a bill.
I hope you know I think it's great that you made yogurt! I am always amazed at your many talents... painting, gardening and cooking!..because of you I purchased a crock pot!
0 -
Hi Ladies
thanks for the input on breast swelling. My PS told me to wear a sports bra as tight as I could stand it. Sometimes I wear two of them. The swelling is worse in the morning. I have discomfort b/c my pectoralis muscles are stretching. I used some ice packs over my bra for about 2-3 minutes and that helped with discomfort.
My DH and I are leaving for a weekend away in the mountains to get out of the heat. It's raining there--monsoon season! But I don't care I want to get a bit cooler!!
0 -
Good morning everyone,
Hi Michelle1014, and welcome to our little forum. Do you find it difficult to keep the bandage in place and to get it the correct tightness? I've heard of women who are fitted for stretchy camisoles, but I think that's if they have a diagnosis of lymphedema. I guess you have to keep trying until you find something that works. For me, it was looser bras, but it sounds like you and Speech are getting different advice from your doctors. Good luck with your first refill, you must be very excited to start getting some "volume"! Most of us on this forum had immediate implants (immediate "volume"!) with alloderm. I didn't realize that surgeons used alloderm with expanders also. Guess I didn't bother to research it! Sounds like you have the best of care.
Fortunate1, I do think the size limitations of the "one step" limit their use. Also, the need for chemo and radiation. I'm not sure about my PS, what I heard is that he won't be doing the "one-step". I don't know if he will quit doing reconstruction entirely. I'm sure he will still do breast augmentation. I would think every PS would practically have to do those to stay in business!
As for the yogurt...I noticed that different recipes call for less starter than I used. I'll try that next and then reduce the culture time, if necessary. The recipes vary quite a bit online, so it's good to have everyone's personal advice and recipes. Even though it's tart, if I blend a banana and some vanilla syrup in, it makes and outstanding smoothie. Very yummy! A favorite in Korea and Japan, so I read.
Meg9, so glad that you are a Crockpot "lover" now?! I hope it is helping you avoid complicated cooking and keeping your family happy! I know you won't believe this, but I only cook about 3 times a week too. I get tired of all of the shopping, chopping and clean up! But I do like to experiment.
Speech, here's hoping you enjoy your little getaway and that you join all of us in a nice weekend!
0 -
My answer to too much cooking.... a husband who cooks! I taught and encouraged an interested enthusiastic sweetie who is now as likely to be the cook as I am. we end up eating very late sometimes, but just snack a bit to tide us over.
I don't think that chemo precludes the one-step at all, but a known need for radiation even after a mastectomy might. I'll try to remember and ask.
I have to get that old crock pot out and try it. You are all having such success with them. I don't need it to escape the hot kitchen, though. Our cool overcast weather is back. It was misty yesterday, very unseasonable. The Comic-Con convention is in town. The cool weather is probably welcome to the folks wandering downtown dressed up as Klingons and Spiderman.
Speech, enjoy the coolness, hope the rain lets up. I think our little sample group of one-step women has had a really wide array of recommendations, side effects, complications and successes. More variation than I would have expected.
I have peaches falling all over the front lawn. Everyone, come on over and I'll feed you a peach cobbler.
0 -
Hi everyone--glad to read all your posts. Carole--are you still up North?
Fortunate 1: Peaches on your front lawn? Okay, I'll be over.
I can't think of crockpots in the summer. It's been hot.
Had a great family vacation and 125th anniversary of my Home Town. Saw school friends that I haven't seen in 30 years! And Meg--had a bear encounter while we were camping. Just my sister and I were at our property and the bear came out between us. I had to grab her puppy and we both headed to our trailers. The bear left and didn't come back.
0 -
Hi to all. I'm writing this in our current rv park home in Detroit Lakes, MN. It's a lovely park and we lucked up on getting the best site. This morning we went into town to check out the Farmers' Market. It was wonderful, possibly the best one we've ever found on our travels. We bought a loaf of bread, veggies, and rhubarb jam. We wasted no time slicing into the bread when we got back to the rv and sampling the jam. Yum. Yum.
There are golf courses in the area and also bicycling routes, so we decided to stay a couple of weeks. This morning it was so cool that I wore a long-sleeved shirt and the A/C is getting a rest.
Thanks for your concern about our safety. Fortunately we were down in Spirit Lake, Iowa, during those bad MN storms. We spent a few days there in the company of rv friends who were enroute to Custer, WY. Spirit Lake is a nice area, too. There we could bicycle out of the rv park and cross a street to access a biking/walking trail.
So all is well. I upgraded my cell phone service so that I can talk often with my mother back in LA. She sounded cheerful when I talked to her today. The storm headed for New Orleans seems to be fizzling out and not a big concern.
Speech, I'm glad you enjoyed your conference. Meg, where did you go on your vacation? I hope your sister has good news by now. Okiegal, I hope you conquer the mold. Fortunate, I wish I could drop by for a fresh tomato and a juicy peach! BigApple, it's wonderful that you're doing well. Tracy, what a relief for you to get that Benign report. Hi to Tinkerbell and Upcreek and Ally. Have I forgotten anyone?
The wireless internet works well here so I should be able to check in during the next couple of weeks.
Happy weekend!
0 -
Hi Ladies,
UPCREEk, was that scary w/ the bear? carole, glad ur enjoying ur vacation...how did u upgrade ur cell? ur phone or service? Speech, i hope u have a gr8 weekend..its nice to get away...its so hot here, the only good thing to do is go to the pool..its tooo hot to cook or do anything w. A/c!!! YUCK
Well what a fun time I had @ my MRI..NOT!!! The MRI was supposed to be a ½ hr, but instead it was an 1hr on that table & even though they have cushions, it hurts laying like that. After the MRI, they wanted to do an Ultrasound & I gotta tell you, the radiologist was a real jerk!!! I think he has a fetish w/ implants...he wanted to know why I was having this done. I said it was b/c I have been having swelling for several months now & it's not getting any better, if anything, it swells more & gets hard. If my implants were like this all the time, it wouldn't be so bad, b/c the right side fills a bra cup better & looks better...lol..it just feels weird & hurts @ times...so this radiologist kept moving my implants & he asked why they were not even...he said my left one that I just had fixed is still to the side & basically b/c it looks "lopsided" (not the word he used, but it meant that) I am getting the feeling its swollen...UM.....NO!!!!!! I know the difference when something is swollen..he said my skin is NOT thickened so its not swollen....he kept moving both implants towards the middle...I came so close to saying something to him ....there was a woman in the room with us. I don't think he was doing it b/c he really has a fetish, but still..a little more sensitivity would have been nice. So he suggested I go back to my PS & my BS of course goes by what they say. So thank goodness there is no leak or any fluid..now just to figure out what is going on & what to do abt it...oh what fun more dr's!! Just what I need now @ wk..my boss said to me that if I have any more surgeries or have to keep going to the DR I wouldn't be able to work there..its so nice to have support. Think I like having these surgeries? Think I like being in pain & going to DR's? NO!! Thx for listening!! more to come !! xoxox Tink
0 -
Tink: We are here to listen anytime! Would it be wrong to say I found your post amusing? You have a way with words! And you couldn't have explained it any better.
Yes, it was scary with the bear because I thought my sister was trapped at the end of the road and not able to get to her trailer. But don't worry--I would have and did protect her. The bear left on his own but you never know what they are going to do.
Take care, it can only get better.
Beautiful summer day here in the 80's.
Carole: I checked out where you are and you are quite west and south of us.
0 -
Hi Ladies
Back from the mountains...it was cool & raining on Fri/Sat but we got to do a small hike on Sat morning. It was so gorgeous hiking in the forest and meadows but I could only go a 1/2 mi and we had to turn back. It was disappointing to me because I usually hike 5 to 10 miles when I do these big ones. I am so out of shape after 7 weeks at home. The temp in Pinetop was about 60 and back here in Phoenix it's 106!!
I go back to work tomorrow and I am afraid but I have to jump in and do it. I am afraid of being exhausted and breaking down and crying. That happens when I get totally wrung out, I just cannot handle anything.
Fortunate....would love to come over and sit under your peach tree and enjoy the luscious fruit! Yum.
Tink...I hopeyour issues are solved easily and without surgery. Sorry to hear about your boss' unsupportive comment. That's upsetting--I worry about that too. In my case if I miss more work, my clients will go elsewhere.
Well I am going to sign off now. Hope everyone has a great week!
0 -
Tinkerbell, What can I say? I really wish you could get to the bottom of this! You will just have to keep bouncing around between doctors until you find someone who can help you. The diagnostic process can be so convoluted! On another note, I've recently realized that the occasion armpit swelling I've been experiencing (and that no doctor can detect!) is related to hormones. The last several days, I had noticed that my left armpit was feeling swollen and tight again. Was it a too tight bra? Did I "over do it" with a weight workout? I was starting to get worried about lymphedema again until I started my period. This is the second time I've noticed this relationship. I suppose without breast tissue to be affected by hormone fluctuations, I now have swelling in my armpits! I doubt this is your problem, but thought my discovery might save someone else some worry.
UpCreek, EEKS! A bear! Glad you are both okay.
Carole, sounds like you are having a delightful summer. It's nice to hear about your adventures.
Speech, Here's wishing you enough stamina for today and the week. How many weeks are you since surgery? Has it been seven already? I really started to feel better at eight weeks.
Fortunate1, my mother made an "icebox" peach pie this weekend. It involved a graham cracker crust, fresh (uncooked peaches), a little jello or something and a whipped cream topping. I didn't think I would like it all that much, but it was divine! So fresh and light. Can I drop by for some peaches this afternoon?
Stay cool, all!
0 -
Tinkerbell I hope you are getting some answers and help with all this. It's new territory and it can be really frightening. Keep us posted!
Carole your vacation sounds wonderful! Enjoy
Okiegal have you made any more yogurt? I need to make some more--the peach desserts sound wonderful. Maybe I'll make some peach yogurt.
Yesterday was my first day back to work--it's been 4 weeks since the unilateral mx/recon (I had a hysterectomy 7 weeks ago). I made it through the day but I had lots of breaks so that was helpful. It was a real boost to get back to doing something normal! It's very hot here (105-108)and staying in the house all day can get depressing and I haven't been cleared to swim yet. My daughter says the pool is too hot anyway.
Take care everyone--watch out for bears and the heat.
0 -
Hello Everyone,
Carole, Good to hear from you...sounds like you and DH are having a good vacation.
Okiegal, I had swelling under my arm pits and sometime I still feel swollen on the outsides of my breasts. I have not had a period in 4 years. I wish there was a safe form of estrogen we can take. I'm seeing more wrinkles on my face. Someone asked me the other day if I was retired! Ugh,
My sisters...18 and 7 years older then me look young for their age. I rarely look at me breast, but I recently noticed that my right breast has dropped lower and out to the side. I've decided to wear a leisure bra when I'm at home rather then no bra. I wonder if women who chose expanders have the same problems and those who chose the "one step." ...flat at the nipple, dog ears, sunken area at top of breasts. Maybe your PS stopped performing the one step due to unhappy results? Does anyone know if women who had expanders have the same problems? Right after mx my breast where the same round shape, standing up and front. They look a lot different now.
Your mom's peach pie sounds delicious! DH like peaches...maybe I'll make it this weekend. You are going to become a rock star at my house! I need some of fortunate1 peaches!
Speech, Good luck returning to work. I am sure your coworkers will understand if you feel tired. Is it possible to work half days until you feel stronger?
Tink, Sorry you are still experience problems after all you have been though. Are you in pain? Don't know what to say about work. My DH had an employee on disability for months. He had to hire a temp to get the work done...not the same as an experienced worker. I hope you can work things out with your employer.
Upcreek, Welcome back! Was it a black bear? Bears are foraging now to fatten up for hibernation in the fall. I've learned that they are mostly afraid of us and will run into the woods or climb a tree for safety. http://www.bear.org/website/bear-pages/black-bear/bears-a-humans.html
On my "bucket list"... I want to visit Ely, MN and take their bear course. The course includes walking in the woods with a biologist to see one of the wild bears in their study group. Yes, some my friends and family think I'm nuts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b64EHj9gF1U&feature=related
I hope everyone is having a good summer! Hi to Fortunate1, Ally, Big Apple, Tracy, IamOK and New Bride (hope I didn't for get anyone?)
It's another Hot, Humid day. We have had twenty three 90 plus degrees days this month. Pool temperature is 82 degrees! Off to walk my three miles.
0 -
Hi all,
Yes, Speech, I didn't think 7 weeks sounded right for being post MX. Guess I had forgotten about the hysterectomy. You must have a lot of stamina to be back at work! I'm glad you are managing, but I bet you will sleep well this weekend! I'm almost finished with my first batch of yogurt. I think I'll wait and make another batch next week.
Meg9, wow, I always wanted to be a rock star!
And now you can join me! Here's the very easy recipe for "ICE BOX FRESH PEACH PIE" 4 med. peaches, peeled and sliced
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
2 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
3 tbsp. peach Jello
Deep dish pie crust (a graham cracker crust works great)Bake the pie shell. Arrange peaches in crust. Mix sugar, water, and cornstarch together and cook until thick. Add Jello and stir well. Cool. Pour over peaches. Refrigerate. Serve with whipped topping. (My mother just put a whole tub of whipped topping over the top of the pie before she cut it up.)
**********
On another note, I don't know why using expanders would give better long term results over all. I think the opportunity for adjustment upon insertion of the permanent implants might help, but I know that there are plenty of women who are unhappy with the final look of their expander/implants, too. I imagine there's only so much a surgeon can do and then one just has to wait to see how it all heals. Some women need "touch ups", while most women probably just deal with whatever they get. Things have continued to shift and change as I have healed, but overall, I'm happy enough with the results.
That bear video is crazy! That bear guy and his efforts remind me of Jane Goodall and her Chimpanzee studies. Very interesting, but they have such big claws!
Hope everyone has a good day.
0 -
Hi Ladies
In regards to the question of how the one step breasts look...I had a uni-mx so I am comparing that breast with my natural one (that has an implant) and they look very different and I figure they will cont to look different. My alloderm breast does NOT look normal...nipple flat and some weird stuff along the edges. I have to be philosophical about it all:
No more DCIS; I avoided radiation as was my choice and desire; I was able to have a reconstruction. I hope I can keep positive.
We have been through alot....life is imperfect....we are alive....hope is alive...I look better now than I did prior to all this.
I have no estrogen either....not sure what's next in that dept! Aging is inevitable. Darn it.
0 -
Hello everyone. I just got home after spending a few days with my Dad. We gave the caregiver some well deserved time off, he's terrific. I had a nice quiet little birthday at Dad's. I can't believe I'm now 63 and coming up on the 2nd anniversary of the drama of BC.
To add to the discussion.... After all this time I can really consider my reconstruction as done-fine-good looking-ME. And it is good looking, in clothes and out. With my picky artist/sculptor eye, I think it took this long to realize they can't replace exactly what we had. That is a really good reason to do a bilateral, but I am still very glad I was able to keep one breast in its natural state. Its a heck of a long time to get some peace with this, and Im sure I'll be scared again at the next mammogram. I wish this or better for each of you.
I think I'll read my mail, go out and pick some peaches, and eat them with the yogurt I've started making again. You all are wonderful to talk to.
Yes, life is imperfect and we are all very much alive.
0
