Implant Exchange (oYo) ~ Anyone go/stay SMALL?? (B cup)
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Holy wow fluffqueen...that is so much info I can't even digest it all! Plus I'm loopy on cold medicine. It sounded scary but you sound confident? I'm confusing me. Popsicles now.
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Well, it is a little scary as it is a bad bug, but I am going to be confident no matter the outcome of permanent foobs or waiting a while. I will likely be one of the few people to freak out over the fact I have to have chemo and that has been so eventless so far.
But....I get the freakish things like a kidney stone (a coincidence not related to anything according to ps, urologist and oncologist) and now this. Apparently only two percent of people get this. That keeps me on the bad side of odds so far. First they thought it was only lcis. Then decide to look further, saying there is only 20% chance it is anything. Turns out to be invasive stage 1. Then they think it is medium estrogen positive, and the HER2 positive report comes back.
The only good thing so far is that the final pathology showed that the biopsy done the month before was still all clear with very good margins and nothing else showing and it wasn't in my lymph nodes. While I know Her2 is tricky, I have to hope this is a good thing.
so, I am focusing on getting rid of this infection on Cipro for the next 6 days and then when he does the surgery it will look all pretty and he can flush it even more and do the exhange.
And if my oncologist can be confident enough to tell me to come in for chemo 18 hours after surgery, then I am getting on the bandwagon with him!
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Susan Herceptin is an infusion. This is why most of us HER2+ gals have ports. We get it for a year unless there are issues.0
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I'm now 3 weeks out from exchange. After 1 week the PS said I didn't have to wear a bra anymore (thank god!) and I could go back to as much activity/exercise as I want. I wore a low cut dress for Easter (maybe I'll see if I can upload it). I haven't had a measure since the exchange (since all I wore was the post-surgical bra) but I'm pretty sure I'm a B (regular B, not B+ which is where the PS thought I was going to be). He had to adjust my scars so he ended up taking some skin and he wanted me to be comfortable with no bra. I think they're perfect, and just what I had before kids. I wish they were a tad bit closer to the middle (which they would be if I could wear a bra). My husband was pressing on them yesterday and he said "it's weird how they feel so real". The scar is pretty much flat on my left. But the one on the right is still very raised. So when I wear a thinner shirt, it looks like a bra seam on my foob. Kind of weird.So I've been wearing tank tops under tee shirts. I think it's just the right size for me. And I'm glad this whole thing is done.
I'm supposed to get another colonoscopy. I got my first one at 35yo. My grandmother had colon cancer. And I had polyps removed the first time. My aunt had it with no sedation because she wanted to watch! She gets fillings/dental work with no novacaine too. Most people get the twilight surgery with it.
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kjbrown, if I were you I'd look into silicone scar sheets. I got mine at CVS, and they have REALLY flattened my scars. A LOT.0
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Cameron - is it strictly cosmetic, or does it help the scar go down?
Who is your PS - mine is Migliori. I have five weeks from today...or yesterday...can't remember!
Annie
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Fluffqueen ~ sorry about all your complications
... but it certainly sounds like you are getting things under control... I definitely will be sending positive chest (oYo) thoughts your way!Lago ~ So that's something you have to go into see the doc every week/month for? I could see why you'd want to keep a port for that.
Kjbrown ~ so happy you are pleased with your results and able to not have to wear a bra! You had the back spasms, right? Though I'd love to go braless (I realize you HAVE to), like you said with the concern of foobs staying close together and all... and all the lovely bra nazi's on here scaring the bajeezus outta me!
.... I'm sitting here with muh infant twin girls safely snuggled in tight to my danskin sports bra! Cameron ~ I keep hearing about the CVS silicone tape stuff. I haven't bothered with anything yet since I knew he was going to be cutting through the previous incision and using the same drain holes. Now that the girls have been delivered safely
... I need to think about this. I still have the surgical tape on obviously, but I am really curious to see how they look because I remember him saying that they will be much thinner than the BMX scars. 
I know I read that Val61's PS insisted that she put NOTHING on them (at least I thought I read that... could have dreamt that.. and that would be quite sad, frankly).. and Val's scars looked damn good. My PS doesn't promote any fancy schmancy products (I'll have to ask him again tomorrow at my follow up appt) I've heard people swear by Emu Oil, coconut oil, etc. Damn! More decisions! This could be harder than deciding the implant size! 0 -
Susan my infusions are every 3 weeks for a full year (including the ones I got with chemo). I see the onc every 3 months not every time. I do have to go to the chemo room to get infused. The herceptin is only 1/2 infusion. If I don't have to see my doctor it should be about 1.5-2 hour process. They don't have to check your blood like chemo.0
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The PS said to massage the scars with Aquafor twice a day (he preferred neosporin or bacitracin but I'm allergic to those). Yes, bras cause me back spasms. Even the Coobie Plus bra (though I can wear it for about 45 minutes so it's not as bad as some of them). I got some organic ones that I haven't tried yet. I'd really like these to stay put, so I'd like to be able to find a bra I can wear. I'll have to ask about the silicone tape, or at least see what the other ingredients are with all my stinkin' allergies. It's weird because my left side is completely flat. It's only the right side that's still a big ridge. And of course that's my problem one, so it's just a weird foob I guess.
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Susan: if you go the scar tape route, you usually start around 8 weeks post op (when your skin is nicely healed, no openings.)
I am a firm believer in VARIETY for treating scars. I don't think I could just leave them be, it would devastate me! (and you weren't dreaming I read it too). I like to use different products so all the bases are covered I guess!
I love Aquafor and Bio-Oil, plus I have 4 kinds of Aveeno which I adore! (one with SPF, VERY important to block harmful rays, they will impair scar healing). They all get used daily at my house, I have never seen my skin so soft and supple, the PS said it's crucial during expansion to have elastic skin. So I do it religiously, many times a day!
kjbrown: there are no ingredients listed but they're silicone with fabric covering (so your clothes don't stick!) and they're latex free.
Annie: The silicone tape truly flattens out scars. My scars are so smooth, once the redness goes away, I think they'll disappear. My doc is Cantwell, he just wants me to rub lotion on, and I do, but I decided to use scar tape after hearing lots of positive feedback.
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I've been debating the scar tape. I am almost 6 weeks post-exchange and am not ready to put anything on them ...yet! I use coconut oil all over the foobs and drain scars (actually it's my head-to-toe lotion now) and I think the drain scars look pretty good so far. I have also used a Palmer's oil, meant for scars, stretched skin, etc. I think I'll look into the scar tape, as long as I am not allergic to it. I can't use any bacitracin products and am verrry sensitive, so I keep my remedies pretty simple. If all else fails, I will happily stick with the coconut oil, it smells deeeeelish, too! ;-)
I am cleared from restrictions starting Monday! I am such a nervous nellie, though - I don't want to go past what feels good to my body...I was thinking of getting a bike to ride with the kids this summer, but I am still so protective of the foobs that I'm not sure I'd ride it for a while! It's wierd, I baby them so much, always on the lookout that no one "accidently" bumps in to them or anything. I've got to start to realize that they are not always going to be so fragile...
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Did you guys use Palmers or anything else during the expansion process? Im debating. By a week after my fills, there is noticable softening of the skin...must be why my PS does fills every 2 weeks.
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I agree, Sue - about a week after a fill and my skin felt like there was more 'room' there...I used coconut oil, extra vigin-organic. It is along the same lines as Palmers, but just 100% natural, one ingredient, that's why I chose it. My skin started to get stretch marks (which are gone) but I wanted to make sure the elasicity and integrity of my skin stayed healthy and didn't get stressed due to fills...if you aren't using anything, you might want to look into it, either way I am sure you will be fine. My PS isn't a crazy lotion-potion kinda guy, he always told me to just let my scars/skin be and they's react ok - and they did - but I do like that my drain scars are minimizing more due to the oil/massage...
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Megan ~ my PS isn't a crazy potion-lotion guy either.
.. And I use coconut oil as a moisturizer a lot too! Use it on my face even! That's all I used during the expansion process too. Though, since my PS doesn't overexpand.. and I didn't go very big... my skin never felt tight or stretched. I am so anxious/excited to see my scars! My PS leaves a pretty "thick" scar at BMX on purpuse, and says he "cleans it up" and thins it at exchange so it's much more discrete. I can kinda tell already through the steri-strips....but it will be a while before those fall off. One more thing to be patient about!And I am understanding, Megan, you saying it is hard to remember not to do the arm movements! I keep forgetting I'm not supposed to reach up ~ because it doesn't really hurt!! Did you start doing PT for your shoulder yet? And I hear ya about "babying" them! Plus my hubby thinks I'm too obsessed with them.... he catches me copping a feel or staring down at them all the time and even has had to remind me we are in public!
Speaking of copping a feel..... did your PS discuss "massaging" them? Had my follow up this morning and just about jumped off the table when he demonstrated on my foobs. I was scared they were gonna pop open when he squeezed them! I have to be careful to make sure I'm not pulling on the incision, but he said it helps soften them up? I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing it so soon! It's only been a week for cryin' out loud!
He was very excited about the results so far and about how much they look like real breasts. Hmmmm....That could be a good thing or a bad thing! lol! They took some more "headless torso glamour shots" of me, and he asked if I wouldn't mind being a "go to" person for them to have contact newly diagnosed patients to help answer questions and share my experience. Of course I said "yes" ... I think it would be great to "pay it forward".
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That's awesome you were asked to be a contact-person! I agree, I feel that if there was anyone who wanted to talk about this stuff, I would LOVE to share some of the good nuggets of info I've gained thru the process! ...and soooo glad he was happy with your results, thats a verrry good sign ;-)
I think I, too would have jumped if my PS 'demonstrated' massage tecniques on me! I am so darn gentle with these things, I wonder if I should be doing more? I gotta say, mine are soft and squishy and feel pretty normal now...except around the scarring underneath I think I have some built-up scar tissue I am going to start massaging a bit and see what happens. And YES - you will be floored by your scars if they are like what my PS did, now mine literally look like pen lines, so thin!!! I was more than pleased about that!
And the arm thing yes...I cannot help myself lately from lifting more than I should or reaching too high, I am only a week away from no more restriction, but I don't want to "jump in" and start 100% back to normal either.
I started PT this week, my left side is kind of a mess...I have winged scapula - which in essence means that during BMX, when a thousand little nerves were cut, one called the thoracic nerve that runs from my arm back and under my shoulder blade was severed/damaged. This nerve is responsible for holding my back muscle onto my shoulder blade, but now it isn't attached anymore ;( And due to this, my chest muscle constricted into the tiniest little thing and hunches my shoulder over 24/7. It's not actually painful, but more like burning nerves under my shoulder blade. I cannot physically lay my arm out (think like a cross) and have my shoulder or back of my hand touch the floor. I have virtually no strength left on that side in certain movements that use back/chest muscles. It's kind of crazy, because it really feels like there is no muscle to contract when I go to do certain things, like it's broken or not there, which ultimatley is the case. I do PT 2x a week fornow and am desperatley hoping it works. Before this I looooved lifting weights and feeling (relativley) strong. I kinda admired my upper back/arms, too. With hard work they were pretty toned and I was proud of that (not to 'toot' my own horn, of course ;-) Now I start from scratch and hope I can gain back whatever I can, I just don't want to damage anything else on that side, or the other, due to over-compensating...oh well, if that's my biggest probelm, I guess I'm pretty lucky, right?!
Ha! I get what you mean, I am always checking them out, like today I should have been putting away laundry but instead spent the better part of an hour "modeling" bikini tops for myself!!! ;-) They were all last years and fit relatively decently, I do notice that because the foobs are further apart it looks like the triangle top pieces are miles apart, I could probably get away with wearing one, let's say if I was on vacay faaaar away with my hub, but me & the kids on the beach, mmmm, not so much...a little to "showy" - if you know what I mean
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Susan-that is great that you can be a spokesperson. I think you should tell him you will do it in exchange for a little bonus botox or microdermabrasion or something! You need a little bonus.
I am crazed trying to make sure I have everything redy for Monday and prepared for any outcome....permanent implants or a flat chest. Just learned the home helath care will be able to do all the iv antibiotics at my house fully covered by our insurance. That is a huge help!
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Susan the boobie-licious spokesmodel extrodinaire!!!!! That IS a good sign!!!!
Ill have to pick up some coconut oil or something. I wish this pinching would stop but there is no tightness on the outside anymore. I cant WAIT to see my PS again!
Megan I would be checking them out too....I try on my test sweater every week to see how I am liking my 'growth'...I havent ventured to bikini tops yet.
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I love reading about what you guys are up to these days!
Well, the boob waffling hit me hard the past 2 days. I called the PS, told him I liked the projection and wanted to keep it...and he made the decision for me! Guess who got 45ccs of saline on her lunch break? Yeah, I went back to work and I was all "hey, guess what's bigger about me?" and we all giggled.
So I'm clearly posting in this forum as a guest (LOL) and I'm DONE with 555ccs. Nice number, 555, I feel very numerologically blessed. That is totally not a word...?
I pretty much posted this on the pic forum but you can't believe how relieved I feel, no more doubts, it's a nice feeling! I'm gonna sleep good tonight!
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Cameron, I am 5'9", so I am a little different from some regarding the size and amount just due to my body shape. However, with everything goingon with me, ps wanted to make sure I was fully expanded in case they can do the permanent implant on Monday. I wanted to go smaller than I was, and he insists I will be. I am at 540 cc. I told him based on curent size with TE's I would be ok with it, or a little smaller. ried on some bras this weekend just to test him, and the size is smaller so I trust him.
Off I go on Monday! Not really expecting to come home with permanent implants, but if so...what a bonus!
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Megan ~ your "winged scapula" sounds painful!
Sounds like you are doing all the right things so you should be rockin' your toned upper torso in no time! And LOL about doing some bikini modeling ~ good for you for being able to still rock a bikini! .. I have some pounds to go before I want to try THAT one!SueBee ~ I had a test sweater too! ..that is a bummer you have to wait 2 weeks between, but it's probably smart you are going slow because of the pinching.
Guest Cameron
~ So glad you are at peace now with your decision and feeling numerologically blessed. (Though I wouldn't be surprised if you come back on here next week another 50cc's LOL! ) Though I may have to kick myself off this thread since I went to get some non-wired bras at VS yesterday that I saw MBJ recommend before. Guess what yours truly is wearing under her v-neck t-shirt today? 36C, thank you. Though it actually DOES look like a C because it's one of those "body by victoria" wireless bras and the darn thing has this alledged "light lining" that is supposed to "mold" to your breast shape. I don't know who they are trying to kid!! The damn thing is padded as far as I'm concerned. In fact, almost ALL the bras at VS appeared to be padded! (Yes, I have never shopped there before!) No wonder everybody looks so busty! lol! It sure is comfy though, and seems to support the girls from the bottom and sides and feels more like they are not so pressed against me. I felt like the jog bra was squoshing 'em down too much..my PS had said the jog bra would be fine for "jogging" but was a little overkill at this point for 24/7. So off to VS I went with my gift certificate! I bought 3 diff ones and figure this will tide me over for a few months and then I'll get properly fitted at Nordstoms.Fluffqueen ~ I like your thinking! Spokesperson in exchange for services! You are genius! And I'm crossing my fingers for you coming home on Monday with permanent implants!
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SusansGarden-
I may be the lone B cup on this "B-board" when all is said and done!
See link below-These bras are what I am wearing night and day now...got a 34B and they are incredibly comfy and look great under T's. No underwire, great coverage/support and very light padding They are $20-$25 online but TJMaxx had 2 packs for $16 yesterday..got them in black, white and tan.
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Those Warner's are nice and look very comfy! May have to pick up a couple of those to get back to my "B" look and stay on this thread!
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Yes, Susan, I think it is almost impossible to find an unpadded bra, although I must say that after exchange I enjoy some padding in my sports bra for support - wierd!
I cannot wait to get fitted at Nordstrom's!!! I made an appt for next Wednesday - I'll be getting a prescription from my PS for insurance, surprisingly Nordie's accepts mine and only charges a 20% copay as long as I bring a script...I am sure it's not going to include all the lacy & pretty stuff, but a few for sleeping, cami's or anything else from there at 80% is fine by me...hmmm, if only this script worked in the shoe dept!!!
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Hey Gals!
Megan - Insurance covers the Nordstroms bras??? What???
Cameron - "numerologically blessed"....wah ha ha ha! Glad youre happy with your boobies!
Susan - A bikini will never be happening here. Even though Im small, I have that flabby mommy thing happening on my belly which is so visually offensive!! I would need at least a mini tuck - its all skin and not much fat but ick.
Plus I dont get called 'snow white' for nothin'! Id love to rock a bikini but alas....not meant to be! And yeah, as long as my fills are going so well, I dont mind the two weeks in between. I 'get' it now. Well, to make you all feel better about your B's and C's (or was it P's and Q's?), I just got off the phone with my BFF - she is devastated because she is going to renew her wedding vows in Hawaii next month - but cant find a dress to fit because of her little body but double d's. If she bought a 99 dollar dress, she would have to pay 350 dollars to have it altered. She wants this trip to be perfect but just cant find a dress to accomodate her boobs. I told her I totally understand - in reverse - as I always bought a 6 dress for my hips and butt but then could look down and see to my belly button....so I dont even wear dresses anymore. So there ARE problems for us gals no matter WHAT size we choose. sigh.
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LOL about the shoe dept!! I'm excited for you to get fitted too! So cool about your insurance paying.. though it STILL might be cheaper to go on the internet!
Okay.. well I don't feel so bad having the "padded" bra then. I was thinking I'm false advertising here! But if the majority of the women out here are padded than it's an even playing field, right?
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SueBee ~ Hey.. you technically saved money by not getting the "boob job" you originally planned...so why not spend that money on a mini tummy tuck! My friend (a neighbor! lol!) had that done and she has the abs of a 12 year old boy now!
And that must be frustrating for your BFF!! At least with us... we can just get a different bra to fit certain clothes...you can easily ADD , but you can't take away!
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Susan I cant find a bra for my 13 year old thats not padded!! How can I teach my daughter about self worth and beauty on the inside and all of that other bull crap that our moms tried to teach us when even bathing suits and stuff for little girls are padded??? Jeesh! Padding DOES have value though at times! ;-)
and thats true - we can add....well, we can only add so much without looking rediculous....but she has her boobs 24/7.
Tummy tuck? Well, that would be nice - BFF had one after her last child and MAN am I jealous of how she looks in a bikini!!! But not quite sure I would do it. Hmmm.....but when you look at it from a 'savings' point of view.....hmmmmm.
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No kidding.. what is it telling your daughter when all the bras are padded?!
It had been so long that I had been in VS..... because I remember the last time I was there they really didn't have a selection for my pre BC size at all. But they sure do now! They sell AA's there now! You could totally see that they are really marketing to the teens! I was surprised at all the teeny weeny tiny padded bras hanging off the rack! They looked like they were for toddlers! And I swear the employees were barely 16! I felt like a grandma there!
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wow sue - I never thought too much about the bra-thing for our kids, but yeah...what kind of message IS that sending? ugh - won't look forward to explaining that one!
...and yes - Nordstrom's accepts "some" insurances. I have bc/bs and happend to call the store for an appt before going next week and the lovely saleswoman, who is certified to fit mx women filled me in. When you are ready, get a script from your PS, call your insurance to double-check and Nordies takes care of the rest. I'm covered for 80% of purchases. I asked if this was limited to a one-time thing and bc/bs said that as long as I go with a scipt I'll be covered, so I plan on getting another script this summer also to stock up 'just in case!' Like I mentioned, it probably is a selection of "postmastectomy bras" and not the uber fancy ones - but I actually would like to get some supportive basic cami's and bras for the summer that would be for sleep, etc, I have only purchased 4 or 5 sports bras and since I am wearing them 24/7 I'll be ready for some more - even if they are just more sports bras for the gym and basics like that. ...Because as much as I thought I would like to go braless, I am shocked that I still cannot fathom the idea yet - these babies feel waaay better all snug in a bra, oh well!
And Susan - yeah, I am sure I will be shopping online for some purty little numbers that insurance doesn't deem "post mastectomy surgical grade" - what? a little black lacy number isn't what they meant by necessity after surgery?!?!
...and just to clarify - I in NO way have abs of steel or anything of the sort ;-) I "suffer" from the mommy muffin-top, but try like hell to keep it at bay as much as possible - I'm a big fan of the 'ole tankini, too!!! ...and after your FG, susan - who knows what you'll be ready to sport poolside
...yes, I still am envious of you and your FG!!! ;-) 0 -
Well in my 20's I got so angry that for a few years I stopped wearing a bra. What 20 year old with A cup (didn't become the A/B till my 40's) needs an underwire. Actually didn't need it in my 40's either but I just gave up.
takeadeepbreath who said you were going to be the only B? I'm still planning on being a B. C just sounds so big.
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