BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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Carrol mine said large B/small C and I feel I ended up bigger than expected. Remember not all manufacturers are the same. Talk to him.
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Carrol: Yes. Your TEs are 650 cc TEs. You can exchange out to 750 ccs - especially since you have plenty of skin. My TEs were 400 ccs and my implants are 550 ccs. [I was only overfilled to 425 ccs.]
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Carrol2: I was happy with size at 450cc so my PS "overfilled" to 500cc (in 600cc TEs). So, I like 450cc, but he has already told me he will likely use 600cc or a bit more in implant size to achieve a 450cc "look". His PA has been reminding me that when I wake up from surgery and ask what size implant they used I should be prepared to hear a number bigger than 450cc.
Hang in there!!!
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Thanks everyone. I am just looking at my lopsided TEs and can't wait to be even again. But I just started working after being out for 2 years and wearing more form fitting clothes and it is very odd that my tops are now so big on me. But my PS did worn me I would not be able to be that big again. I think I will be ok with that once they are implants and placed on the right place and squishy and have a nice slope. I just feel like this was such an ordeal I am really hoping to come out on top in the end. I know my scars looked pretty good so hoping those will fade a lot in time too.
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Hey, ladies! I am supposed to have my E-Day on Friday, but might have to postpone it, which might really be a blessing in disguise! Meeting with the PS tomorrow to go over your information, WhippetMom! Thank you again for your input, and wish me luck!
As for maybe having to postpone???? I found out Saturday I have S*H*I*N*G*L*E*S! AGAIN! Almost exactly one year to the day I had them the first time! I read over the weekend that cancer and chemo may play a role in these little buggers, and I know I've read where some of the other ladies on the forum have had them, also...
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Aw Natalie -- so sorry to hear that. Get better!
Carrol -- my PS overfills as well... so I was filled to 850 ccs (which was painful!) and she exchanged to 685 cc's (which is how I spell: INSTANT RELIEF). As Lago said, you really MUST talk with your PS. Whippetmom is right that you could exchange to implants larger than what you were filled to, but only if that is something your PS is comfortable with (IMHO). So really you need to tell your PS what you are telling us.
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YamahaMama: I have shingles also. This is significantly more pain and discomfort than I ever had with the MX. Not to mention the annoyance of these blisters - the worst one just a millimeter now from my implant. I would not go through the exchange until you are healed. No way, no how.I am going to get the shingles vaccine NEXT time, although I have to wait two years to get it.
So Lilah or MBJ, could you handle the pictures forum requests for awhile? I am using my iPhone, as it is too uncomfortable to use the laptop. The shingles lesions are all on the right side.
Thanks everyone!
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Deb -- of course! So sorry to hear you also have shingles. Man that sucks! Sounds like you have a bad case too.
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Deborah, sorry to hear you have them also!!! What a bummer! I hope you got on some of the antiviral medicine right away. Last year, I had them Labor Day weekend. I thought it was a spider bite or something at first, so didn't get to the doc or get started on the meds within 72 hrs. This time, I knew right away what it was, so went in right away, and I'm feeling much relief after just three days on meds. Mine is on my butt cheek, same spot as last year, so at least there's little risk of me sharing Chicken Pox with anyone, although sitting is a wee-bit uncomfortable. I've also been using the Aveeno anti-itch cream with calamine lotion in it, and it seems to give me some itch relief.
The doctor I saw Saturday said once you've had shingles, you can't get the shot. I thought I had read otherwise, and I'm hoping she was wrong. She also said approximately 50% of people who get them, will get them again... I hope this is your first and only time! Get better soon!
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Owchie wowchie! I had shingles (very uncomfortable location) last year - I feel your pain! I thought for a few days that it was poison oak because I had just been hiking so was too late to get the meds by the time I went in. I was told that you need to be a certain age (can't remember - 60?) to get the vaccine. I can't remember exactly why, but my internist said I couldn't have it.
YamahaMama - sorry you're in pain and delayed as well.
I hope the Shingle Sisters are on the mend soon!!!
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Shingle Sisters? Tina you should be spanked!!! LOL
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LOL
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yamahaMamma my exchange was supposed to be mid April. I had to postpone till June 24th because of the shingles. I also had to postpone the colonoscopy and gyno appointment. What a PITA. My PS wouldn't touch me till the pain & break out were gone. They even put me in the "time-out" room when I got my herceptin so I wouldn't infect anyone. )
Yes having a reduced immune system (chemo) makes us more susceptible. I also read while they used to think it would be very rare to get shingles a second time they now think that if you have a break out that lasted more than a month you are more likely to get it again. I need to look into getting the vaccine. I do not what to do it again. Never heard you can't get the shot if you've already had them.
I had it for more than a month and a pretty bad case of it. Still have some scars that are slowly going away. I hope you got the antivirals and don't have too bad of a break out. Shingles suck. Hurt more than bmx. I'm shocked you got them in the same spot. I thought that couldn't happen.
Deb you too! Shingles should not go to the other side of your body. If it does it is considered more serious and they might want to inject the antivirals. The pain is hell. Sorry I have no suggestions as to what to do to reduce the pain other than go around naked and stay away from breezes
I really hope yours doesn't last as long as mine did. I had it on my lower torso, some leg on the left side from my belly button to my back. (cancer was on the left side too).Vaccine was just approved for age 50 this spring but your insurance probably won't pay for it till you're 60 which I believe is the recommended age to get it.
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Lago: My shingles are all on the right side. So HOPEFULLY nothing out of the norm. Did anyone take Neurontin? My doctor rx'd it but I am reluctant to take it....especially when the bottle shows the symbol of a little bracelet it is recommended I wear, to alert medical providers I am taking it, in case of emergency.
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Last day for TEs. Tomorrow is E-Day! Feeling good and anxious to be on the other side
.Feel better everyone!!!
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Look forward to hearing from you Tina!
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Whippetmom:
O.K., I now have the right size of expander (I hope). They are Stiltex 7200 Med. High 550cc over-filled to 720. I like how they look. I still feel rubbing under my arms, I am now wondering if that could be the Alladerm. Any way I hope this is finally correct information.
I am so excited for those who are getting their exchange this week and can not wait to hear back.
I hope the Shingle Sisters are all doing better.
Thanks Again,
Vickie
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Vickie: Your TEs have migrated laterally [towards your armpits], which frequently happens. It is something which is corrected and should be corrected at the time of the exchange. Just let your PS know that YOU know they have migrated and that this does not represent where the implants will be placed. Sometimes we need to remind them that we would be none too happy if the implants looked like the expanders, which can look pretty funky.
So your 550 cc TEs have the following dimensions: 13.5 cm wide by 11.7 height by 7.4 cm projection. You definitely need more width for your frame. I think you need at least 15.0 cm in width. The preferred size would be either 700 ccs in Mentor's moderate plus profile [presuming your PS likes Mentor products] or 700 ccs in Mentor's high profile style implant. Mentor does not have a 650 cc version in the moderate plus lineup]. However, Allergan has some similar options and some additional volume options. Allergan Style 15 in 659 ccs - which would be the absolute smallest implant I think you would be happy with. Now all of this is predicated upon your current skin integrity and how well you have handled expansion. With the overfill, it certainly is within reason to exchange out to 700 ccs and I just feel that this is the size you would be happy with overall.
A good question for you, not sure if you have already commented, but how do you feel about the size you are expanded to currently?
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whippetmom I don't remember what I took but it wasn't that. It was one of the typical antivirals they prescribe for shingles.0
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Whippetmom:
Wow what a wealth of information. Really, Thank You for this I really appreciate all that you are doing.
I am happy with where I am now. I wouldn't mind being a bit smaller, not too much smaller. I have done very well with the expansion, my skin is a bit shiny looking but you can't really see the out line of the expander's.
I hope to post some pictures soon. There may be some tweaking that I need to ask PS about. So I'll get them posted as soon as I figure out how to do it.
Thanks Again
Vickie
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whippet mom - neurontin is an anti-epileptic that is approved for pain control, both chronic and acute. The reason for the medical alert is probably because it used by so many epilepsy patients. There is some evidence that use of this drug plus antivirals decreases the risk of the chronic pain syndrome that can develop with shingles, but the evidence isn't that strong (based on a quick search of the published literature). If you are having a lot of pain, consider adding it.
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Yes, I am taking an antiviral Lago, but Neurontin is for nerve pain. I did research Neurontin and there are some differing opinions regarding its efficacy and also regarding Pfizer's sort of skewed clinical trials reporting. Also, that tapering off issue....I hate drugs I have to taper off of...eyukkk..
Thanks jvg, that comment of yours - that "evidence isn't that strong" about its efficacy - is what concerned me. I mean, you need to build this stuff up in your system for awhile to know if it is going to work for you. Well, I did start it a couple of hours ago, because I am so miserable. I'll give it several days and if it doesn't help, off with its head!
Lago...what did you take for pain?
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Vickie: If you like where you are but might like to be a bit smaller, then perhaps you could stay in the 650 cc range with your implants. But talk to your PS and see what he has in his mind about size for you. The sizing decision usually comes down to the wire in the operating room, and hopefully your PS will take in a couple of sizes and styles to see which looks best.
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Namaste!
I am feeling so sorry for the SSS (Suffering Shingle Sisters). As an RN I have seen some very miserable patient's with shingles in the past and my sister (who has BC) has had them repeatedly. They always come in the same area for her. She now can identify the initial pain sensations as being her Shingles and so she is able to get on the meds quickly. Still they are a pain both literally and figuratively.
I was lucky in that when I was first DX with BC and went to my Primary Care MD for the physical one has to have before surgery that he offered me the Shingles Vaccine at that time and I took it. He said that he usually offers it to patients when they first start on Medicare, but that he also offers it to those who have a potential to get Chemo or radiation. He did say though that it is not 100% effective and a small # who get the vaccine still might get shingles. On the newbie threads we should offer this information for those who are eligible to receive it. It was very expensive and my insurance paid for it but even if I had to pay for it myself it would have been worth it to reduce the risk.
I don't have any specific advice other than try not to get too hot or sweaty. When you shower, keep water as cool as you can tolerate. Cool moist compresses may give temporary relief also. Calamine lotion offer relief to some.
Karla
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whippetmom I tried taking 1/2 a norco twice but it made me nauseous, constipated and drowsy. (Hate narcotics). I pretty much was on ibuprofen to cut the edge off the pain. But I may have a high tolerance to pain. I never took any meds for BMX, no pain pump or tylenol. When on chemo I did take Advil for back pain from the Nuelasta for a couple of day but that's it. My GP told me to take the narcotics for pain but as you can see narcotics just make me feel crappy too.
Shingles hands down was the most painful part of this journey. My GP didn't really warn me that once they start to dry up the real pain sets in! I laughed when he asked if I had narcotics at home because I had yet to use any.
I really hope you don't have a bad case like mine and it lasts only a few weeks. For me it was about 5 weeks till most of the pain was gone.
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HantaYo I too have read that that vaccine is about 50% effective but I have also read that those who do get shingles and have had the vaccine don't get as bad a case.
I did start a shingles thread when I had them if you want to post there: linky to "Shingles >:-(" thread
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Damn. Healing vibes to the shingles sisters!
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My Mom had shingles, and she was told she can still get the vaccine to reduce the risk of a recurrence. She has been waiting for it for a long time, though, as the manufacturer is having supply issues.
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Yes Pink, you are correct. I have been researching it and apparently I can get the vaccine as soon as my blisters are healed.
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Okay, so back to the thread topic!
If this woman can do it at age 83, I suppose I will be just fine replacing my implants at age 70!
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