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Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction

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Comments

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 4,750
    edited August 2010

    I read quite often but think sometimes I just don't have anything exciting to add on the topic.  I can add today though about my first mamo after NSM (I'm a uni).  The order was written to do my non-surg side.  My ps had said specifically no mamo on that side.  Of course the technician insisted on doing that side too since I still had breast tissue with a NSM.  And of course I'm worried now that my implant is damaged.  Has anyone else had a similar experience?

  • PB22
    PB22 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone, I was on vacation in NYC.  We started back to school and its early to bed and early rise.  BC Colorado,  good question, interested in the responses.

  • Kate33
    Kate33 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2010

    vmudrow- So happy you have your exchange date!  It's so nice when you have a date you can circle on your calendar.  It will be here before you know it!

    bc- I would call your PS and tell them what happened.  I can't believe a tech would question a doctor's specific orders!  My BS told me that after my NSM I would never have a mammogram ever again so I don't know why she insisted on doing one on your MX side.

    Well, I am about 7 weeks post exchange.  I went to Nordstrom's for my very first bra fitting and I was a 32D!!!!!  I couldn't believe it!  Found some great bras based on the recommendations on the thread "Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate".  If you haven't read that one check it out.  Basically, you need to have the right bra to keep your implants in place as they're healing.  Anyway, the Nordstrom's experience was really great and I love my new bras! 

  • jessamine
    jessamine Member Posts: 123
    edited August 2010

    hi! I'm still here too...just don't have much to say mostly. But my exchange is MON!! And I'm so excited...or at least, excited to have it done soon, if not for the surgery itself. Everyone says it's so easy, but I still find it hard to believe. But I hope so.

    I'm really hoping that after exchange, when my boobs are squishier and more mobile, I will stop having this problem I currently do of bumping them into things and not realizing right away because they don't really have a lot of sensation, you know? So I'll feel something, sort of, and look down and realize i've just jammed my foob into a doorframe, or sneeze guard at the salad bar or whatever! So embarassing! (though I don't think it's noticable). They're not even much bigger than they were, it's just that they stick straight out! Am I the only one this clumsy (very possible it wouldn't be the first situation like that!) or have others experienced this with the TEs?

  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    Still here too but been gathering up information for the exchange. Prob a month or so.

    Vmudrow-we'll probably have surgery around the same time, have to call next week to set it.

    Jessamine-awesome! We'll be thinking of you. I can relate about bumping into things!

  • PB22
    PB22 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    Jessamine, I'm going to think of you whenever I see a salad bar guard.

  • Kate33
    Kate33 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2010

    jessamine- YEAH!!!!!!!!  4 DAYS TO YIPPEE SQUISHEES!!!  So happy for you!  So, yes, you do stop bumping into things- at least I did.  We have double doors into our closet and I've also been able to just open one door and slide through but with the TE's I crashed into them every time.  (I swear so hard sometimes I thought I'd taken the nipple out of my NSM!)  So I'm thinking after your exchange the sneeze guards are safe once more!  My TE's were expanded to 365, I went with a 375 implant, and have not bumped into a single thing since surgery.  Another thing I noticed after exchange?  I am getting lots and lots of sensation back in the skin.  My nipples and about a 1/2" around them is the only thing that's numb anymore.  Hope it gets better for you, too!

  • fairportlady55
    fairportlady55 Member Posts: 152
    edited August 2010

    Valerie! Sister! ( prophy sis) Im so happy for you having a surgery date!!!! Yay!

    Kate 33  I have Nordstroms envy: none here! ugh! 

    Sweetie: hope you get that date soon.... hugs!

    PB 22 how was the big apple? my fav city!

    BC in col: havent had a similar experience, but just wanted to say by way of reassurance: I think its really REALLY hard to damage the implants  I can understand the apprehension but Im sure it will be fine.... 

    Been off line a bit, took my son to DC : so sad to say good bye. Dating "the patient nice guy" still which helps take the edge off my melancholy :)

     Getting used go my new self: some rippling which I am trying to accept, not severe but still.....I do think I am being exceptionally critical of myself, looking for perfection which I didnt have BEFORE so why I look for it now I dont know!

    Thinking of you all....:) 

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 4,750
    edited August 2010


    Thanks for the input ladies!

    Fairport, I can relate to saying good-bye to our "kids".  We saw our son last weekend and he is moving to San Antonio.  We've been able to see him several times a year while he was in college.  Now he's graduated and moving further away from home.  He hasn't lived here full time since 2003 and he's 25 but I still bawled my eyes out!

  • Naoko2013
    Naoko2013 Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2010

    Hello everyone

    I just had my last fill this week and have now been asked to make another choice.  Saline or Silicone implants? Any opinions?  I will be seeing my ps in eight weeks, I guess to make sure everything is stretched out enough and then set an exchange surgery date. 

    OK, so I have to share this story.  My ps and his nurse are awesome.  My DH had been coming to all of my appointments and had actually asked, tongue in cheek, if he could take a syringe home and fill up my te's while I am sleeping.  My PS thought that was hysterical and just said, do not get her infected!!!   ( I was barely an A cup before surgery, so having boobs is kind of a novelty still)  At the last appointment my dh was there for, he pulled out an enormous, leopard print bra (that barely fit in my purse)  and told my PS that was what we wanted to be able to fill out.  PS looked at it, jaws dropped and eyes bugged out, and said he could fit his head in that thing!!  We were just rolling with laughter.  I have to admit that my bs and ps have been awesome through all of this.  We have not lived here long, and I do feel really blessed to have found such an awesome team of doctors and nurses to guide me through this and you all are great to have around for advise and a listening ear!

    I cannot wait until my exchange surgery.  The te's are so hard, that we call them softballs and I tell my dh all of the time that I could use them in self defense. 

    I woke up at 4 this morning and could not go back to sleep, so now I am going to try to go back to bed for an hour or so.

    Good night all!!!   

  • vmudrow
    vmudrow Member Posts: 415
    edited August 2010

    Naoko2013 - my PS recommendeds silicone for all his mx patients - I haven't done lots of research but he said the studies have shown they are safe and they will look and feel more natural especially for mx patients.  Funny story - my PS is great as well, my husband told him that he is getting bruises from my "softballs".  Hooray for your last fill - had my last one a month ago - exchange in October - do you have a date yet?

  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 724
    edited August 2010

    Hello Ladies:

    I'm starting my BC journey.  I have been to surgeon, PS and oncologist and going for a 2nd opinion at DUKE with oncologist and surgeon.

    I have hormone positive HER negative and had an MRI done with no axillary node involvement. Praying that no nodes involved at surgery.

    I don't have my surgery date yet for DMX with skin sparing but I'm getting that with implants.

    What is the procedure and time frame?  I'm hoping no chemo but if I need it will it affect TE.

    PS seems to think entire treatment, surgery, etc will be approximately 1 year. Sound right?

    Thanks

    Jan508~

  • vmudrow
    vmudrow Member Posts: 415
    edited August 2010

    TN Lady and everyone else - glad to hear you are still on these posts. 

    jan508 - Sorry you have to go through this - but these ladies are awesome and will be lots of help.  I had surgery May 6 (no cancer ALH), so no other treatment, but my exchange will be 5 months later and could have it had sooner, just had scheduling conflicts.

    jessamine - GOOD LUCK on Monday - hugs out to you!!  I too bump into things and people, I';m sure they are wondering what hit them!

    Kate - Glad you had a good time at Noordstroms.  I can't wait to go myself.

    sweetie2040 - let me know when you set your exchange date - Oct. 8th, a Friday sounded good to me!

  • jessamine
    jessamine Member Posts: 123
    edited August 2010

    hi jan- so sorry this is happening to you,but welcome anyway... My tx ended up taking- by the time i recover from my upcoming exchange surgery- about exactly a year. There were delays, but i think that there always will be, so it can't hurt to be prepared for the whole year- if you're lucky it'll be shorter.

     Naoko- there are a couple threads addressing slicone vs saline- just do a search for those terms, you'll find lots of info and comparisons...

  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 724
    edited August 2010

    thanks for the info.

  • TNLady
    TNLady Member Posts: 219
    edited August 2010

    bcincolorado,  I don't think you have anything to worry about.  We took a motorcycle spill, in a patch of ice, about 2 months after surgery and landed right on my right implant.  I was very worried, but my PS said that everything was okay.  I think they make the implants to withstand a lot of punishment! lol  I'm am always bumping into things! hehe

    Kate, We don't have Nordstroms here either. :(  I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!  Shopping is always good therapy!

    jessamine, Best wishes for Monday, let us know how it goes.

    PB, I want to take my kids to see the Big Apple.  I have seen a lot of New York City, my Dad was stationed there, so we would sight see a lot.  Our next big trip that we are planning will be out West.  We are hoping for next Summer! :)

    Fairport,  I do the same thing, I think it is just human nature.  I have to tell myself the same thing too, I was not perfect before, why am expecting perfection now?  Our poor boobs have been through a lot,

    vmudrow,  My PS uses silicone also. You don't have long before you will no longer give your DH bruises!  Yay!

    Jan, Welcome to our thread!  You will find a lot of support here!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    Very Important:  voting started today on Timtam's site to move forward with the new one or stay with the old.  Please vote as they need at least 50 interested to proceed with the picture forum and the poll ends the 28th!

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 4,750
    edited August 2010

    Welcome Jan.  I'm sorry you have to join us but we can answer questions about this procedure you may have.  We are all big fans of "Save The Nipple"!!!  If there are cells in there, of course, it will have to go, but I know my PS said it does give you the most natural result since it is all your skin on the outside.

    Timing varies depending on final diagnosis it seems.  Hang in there, you will get through this and you do have a great support system here.

  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 724
    edited August 2010

    i understand there are alot of problems with the TE.  Is that true?  How long do you have them in you?

    Thanks

    Jan508~

  • fairportlady55
    fairportlady55 Member Posts: 152
    edited August 2010

    Hi Jan..welcome!.sorry about what you are going through we are all here for you! I had BMX Jan.11 and exchange surgery to the implants 3/26. Didnt have cancer: ALH and ADH. The TE process is different for everyone, but the problems you may have heard of are related to some muscle spasms that many of us experience...there are ways to manage that though, including deciding with your PS how much expansion will be done at each visit. Many women have said this is not a race and to go slow and steady and that is good advice.

    My PS uses silicone too: feels softer he says.  

  • jan508
    jan508 Member Posts: 724
    edited August 2010

    thank you for your reply.  What is ALH ADH? 

    I have to get through the surgery that's what is driving me nuts...the waiting, anticipation.

    Jan

  • Kate33
    Kate33 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2010

    jessamine- Just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow in your quest for Yippee Squishees.  Hope the boob fairy is kind and generous!  Keep us posted when you're feeling up to it.  (((HUGS)))

    jan508- Just wanted to say hi and welcome.  You're right.  The waiting is the worst part.  It's hard to say how long everything will take since everyone is different in how fast they move through the TE process.  Looking back, though, it did seem to go by pretty fast.  I had my MX on March 8th and my exchange on June 29th, but no chemo or radiation.  Good luck! 

  • Kate33
    Kate33 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2010

    For those who are post exchange, what bras worked best for you?  Don't get me wrong.  I love that I could save the nips but now they are permanently "on".  I found some great DKNY that had just enough thickness to cover the nips without having tons of padding which I didn't want.  Just wondered what everyone else's experience has been?

  • PB22
    PB22 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    Good luck jessamine, big day.

    Jan,  welcome, I had the one step so no expanders.  ADH acute ductal hyperplasia, AHL acute lobular hyperplasia

    Kate, yes I noticed that too of lately, through bra and tank or through sport bra and tank and thought whats going on with this.  Now that you mention it, I should be conscious of it when bra shopping.

  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2010

    Kate33-I'm still in the TE but I have the problem with the nipple always being on and of course to make matters worse I lost part of one. So I have one on and one off which looks evens stranger. Right now still wearing sports bras, or barely there bras. I used to like to wear light weight clothes and tanks, but I have the feeling it's going to be difficult unless I get a thicker bra or something to cover the nipples. Someone mentioned that you can get something called Nip-its that covers them. I saw them at Target and Sears sells them.

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 4,750
    edited August 2010

    Kate,

    I went to Nordstroms and tried on several different brands/styles and ended up with Wacoal.  My PS recommended non-underwrire and lined to hide the lumps and bumps and since I'm a uni, it has support to bring up my non-surg side since I did not do any revisions there since I was sick of surgery!

  • GAgirl01
    GAgirl01 Member Posts: 53
    edited August 2010

    Oh wow! How has everyone been? Reading about all of the exchange dates has me so excited for yippie squishes I can hardly stand it!!  Kate-You sound like your finally healing well? So glad to hear! I've missed being on with everyone.  Chemo had kicked my hiney...butt..lol...nah! I'm ALL DONE!! I meet with my PS on the 2nd to get my exchange date! YAY, finally. It feels so good to be done & I still have all of my long brown hair!  For anyone who ever has to go through chemo... the penguin cold caps work! I've managed to keep my work schedule through chemo, but neuropathy has been my worste enemy. If thats all theres been, I'll take it.  My onc. says it should improve with time.  I'll let ya'll know when my exchange date is! I can't wait to among squishy friends...these TE's gotta go!

  • jessamine
    jessamine Member Posts: 123
    edited August 2010

    Home and done! Will give all the full report tomorrow but for now just a little hello. I feel crappy, but pretty clear headed and normal- and I can feel my boobs move when I walk! Just a little jiggle, not painful or anything but NORMAL! It's been so long!! And very little pain. HOORAY!

  • PB22
    PB22 Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2010

    Congrats Jessamine. 

    Gagirl, wow, thats great you were able to keep your hair with the cold caps and now finished with the chemo.  

  • whitedove
    whitedove Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2010

    Jessamine BRAVO! Congratulations!

    GA Girl - I am so pleased that the cold caps worked!  Good for you for persuing this as from what I know it is a monumental effort to order them. How wonderful for you to keep your hair.  Congrats on being done with chemo.  

    You are going to love being on the other side of TEs. I cannot tell you how giddy I still am about my new acquisitions. Good luck!

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