Exchange City
Comments
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A Storm: I had the fat fill during the exchange surgery. It really seems to have filled out the areas that needed filling. The surgeon said that they don't always take and that he may have to do it again. Deborah said this too. It is interesting that they can only take a certain amount (100ml I think) or it is considered 'cosmetic' surgery. It looks like he took a very small amount, but that part of me, where he took the fat, is really sore. It figures, the pocket work he did, which was extensive, hardly hurts at all, while the little fat harvesting areas are oweeeee.
OH well, it will be over in a few weeks..Now I sit and watch them change.. They should be fine by June 30th. JUDY
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Mary: RE: Omaha plastic surgeons..... I would add Dr. Richard Bruneteau of that same medical group....in case you cannot get in to see Dr. Montag....someone PM'd me and knows of his work in other plastic reconstruction procedures - in her case - not breast - and feels he is very good...READ THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THIS POST ALSO NE GALS...
Allison: I think it all boils down to whether you want the best possible results you can achieve from breast reconstruction or you want the least invasive, faster route to reconstruction, even though the results, albeit nice, might not be everything you want. If you are a really good candidate for DIEP or GAP, etc., and if you can go to NOLA - and if you want the best of the best....that is the route I would take. Personally, I understand the desire to go with implant-based reconstruction only, because after the bc diagnosis, we have this feeling we want it all to be over and done with as soon as possible. I just want you to consider where you want to be five years down the road. I have seen some amazing results come out of NOLA - and autologous reconstruction does give the most natural results - builds a breast which looks and feels far more natural than you can achieve with implant-only based reconstruction. Cost factors come into play....airfare...lodging while in LA, all of these come into play in your decision process. I would hit the NOLA threads and ask questions and then make your decision accordingly.
DancingVeggies...: PM me....You can email me pictures so that I can see what is going on and give you some recommendations. Let's see what needs to be done before thinking about going to someone else.
Laura: I don't know how to forewarn women about plastic surgeons with fancy websites, because some plastic surgeons with fancy, elaborate websites do perform beautiful work. However, not all are necessarily skilled in breast reconstruction. This is why I hope that more women start researching prior to mastectomy and find websites like bc.org and threads like this one and start researching. I know there are plenty of COSMETIC plastic surgeons out there who have lost their client base over the past year of economic woes, and they are hanging out a shingle stating they can perform breast reconstruction also....and this frightens me as much as anything. Breast reconstruction is a different animal..
Omaha area gals: If you are up to traveling 2 hours to Kansas City, Mo....I would not hesitate to suggest Estepp's plastic surgeon. He is an artist. Here in California, we drive two hours to get EVERYTHING....LOL....and I drove 2 hours one way - on three separate occasions - for my fat graft transfer procedure and nipple procedure. So think about this option.. I would do it in a heartbeat!!! And I'll bet your two hour drive is less stressful than mine - with no intermittent bumper-to-bumper traffic!
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sandy3170: The Allergan 410 has been widely available in Europe for fifteen years now. It is also widely available in Canada. The U.S. has the FDA as regulator and they use a different kind of time clock, as we all know. There have been various threads posted in the past re: the "gummy bear implants" - as the 410s and CPGs are also known by in the implant world. Look in the upper far right of this webpage and click "Search". In the top box that comes up, type "gummy bear" or "Allergan 410" - without the " marks...and some threads will come up for you to read through.
One of the latest commentaries in my research follows, re: WHEN the Allergan 410 and Mentor CPG will pass FDA approval and why there are still issues. [Tthis article was published April, 2009, so we can see the gummies were not passed in THAT quarter...]
"The only reason the newer implants have to go thru this process at all is the higher cohesiveness of the silicone polymer exceeds some artificial cut-off that would make them fall under the existing approval. This illogical rationale has cost tens of millions of dollars to companies and delayed patients access to improved devices.
As to the fate of the 410 implant, my understanding is that the FDA is satisfied with the safety and clinical efficacy of the implants and is negotiating on the final labeling to be included with the product. Apparently, surgeons will be required to attend an instructional course prior to being given access to the device (even someone like me who actually used these devices as a resident and fellow during clinical trials). We are hopeful that the ongoing activity signals approval is immanent this quarter! "0 -
Judy, so happy to hear your exchange has gone well....I know you have been waiting a long time to get rid of your TE's
Would you please let me know if you feel the need for painkillers other that tylenol and advil? I had a terrible reactions to painkillers and am hoping not to avoid them after my exchange...... Again congratulation to you it must feel wonderful to be free of the iron bra So happy for everyone that has had new milestones this week
congratulations ladies Strength and healing,
Laura
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Laura
I am 4 weeks post-exchange and I definately could have gone without painkillers. If I ever need a revision I will do advil, ice (bag of frozen peas), and a muscle relaxant to help me sleep at night.
Kristen
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JUDY!!! Sound like your PS is on the ball. I can't wait to see photos. I don't know if you remember, but my radiated side is also starting to migrate upwards. You and others told me not to worry. Such problems are solved during the exchange...
Please give us updates on how you are doing.
I have good and bad news: The bad news is that I have lymphedema. The good news is I sought help at the right time, and it is at a mild stage still. I have 10 PT appointments already scheduled, and homework everyday (exercises). Wish me luck, girls!
Brenda
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Today I had my last drain pulled. Hopefully the last one of my life!
It was pulled almost at the exact minute of the same day one year from the date of the fateful phone call to notify me that the diagnosis was cancer.
April Fools Day is really not the best day to get one of those phone calls. When I asked, hopefully, if it was an April Fools joke....she said No.
Thank you for all the prayers and best wishes. I really love my results so far and plan to take a looonng break until 3 D nips !!!
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Hey girlies, my exchange is set for next Wednesday. I have been holding my breath waiting for the day to get here! How long after surgery do you feel up to going back to work?
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Sigh . . . Judy is being waited on hand and foot . . . that is the way it should be!!!
Juliempw: Got your note on the the pic forum. PM me if you would like me to email you some pics that you can take to your PS to show what type of nipple projection you are looking for. Happy to do it!!
Colleen
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Hi everyone!
Stepped away for a few days & wow! Well..had my pre-op for my surgery for next week & getting a little apprehensive suddenly! I dislike it when they have to go over all the post surgical complications that may occur! Legally I understand they have to do this but I sure don't care to listen to all that can go wrong even though my PS says not to worry but needed to address it. I truly pray I come out feeling good about all that is planned. PS is going to graft fat into a dented area on my MX side along with doing the lift on my other side.
I cannot wait til this is all completed. The other day my 13 yr.old son, who has been a trooper all along with this, became "teary-eyed" when I mentioned about going in for another surgery. He said he wished this never happened to me & wanted me to assure him I REALLY AM OK now. This has been so hard on him & I never knew how hard until now.
My DH & I took our boys to see Paul McCartney last night at the Hollywood Bowl. For being 68 years old...HE certainly can still ROCK!!! If he plays anywhere near you all...his concert is NOT one to be missed! With all that's been happening it was nice seeing my boys enjoying themselves! A very memorable time for my family.
Not posting as much but certainly always thinking of you all!!!!
NAE
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Lynbob,
I went back to work less than a week after the exchange (don't tell my PS or DH). I missed my clients and didn't want to be laying around the house. I'm sure it varies with many factors but I really didn't need pain meds, just muscle relaxants (as Brenda mentioned) at night helped me sleep.
Oh, and I have teenagers! Get me outa here!
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BigApple - Added your date, but not your procedure. What surgery are you having that day??
Fairportlady - My two cents is to give it a little time and then, if you don't like what you see go for what you want!! The bleeding disorder just has to be resolved!!! Even if you need to see a different hematologist. Either way, you need to be happy w/ you!! That's what counts!
Judy and Baxter - Yahoo for two sisters that have been at this for a long time!!
Update from my PS regarding flat nips. She says the injections may help them temporarily, but will only last for a year or so and won't be covered by insurance. She says she can do another procedure where she takes nose or ear cartilidge (spelling?) to make them firmer. Or she says I can live with it. For now, I will live with it. Though I had hoped for a little projection.
Ah well. Hugs everyone! And Happy Easter for those that celebrate it! - Jean
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Katey,
That's so funny about the margaritas. My admissions nurse and I were kidding about the rule that the night before surgery you're only supposed to have clear liquids...she joked that vodka qualifies as a clear liquid. I said I wished I'd know that before!
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Hi all. I could have gone without painkillers for the first day or two. My doctor told me no advil only tylenol. Since tylenol does nothing for me, and I couldn't take advil, I took painkillers (vicodin) to sleep...But rreally, the pain is not that bad. JUDY
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Hi Jean
I am having a stacked DEIP on the right side. We are leaving the 410 in on the left side.
Its so cool to finally be almost done.
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Jean: That is too cool about using ear or nose cartilage to plump up the nipples. I would like to volunteer cartilage from my husband's nose, which I am about ready to cut out myself in hopes he will stop snoring!
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Kristinka, Cooking or bra shopping, hmm that's a no brainer!
Brenda, glad you're nipping the lymphedema in the bud!
Lynbob, Congrats on the date. After exchange, I could've worked in about a week.
Colleen, duh, I hadn't even thought about taking nip pictures. I think I can copy the pictures directly from the forum so since you offered, I will be taking your pics. Thanks!!
NAE, How touching. I think knowing what we put our families, especially the kids through, is one of the hardest parts of this whole thing! What a touching moment and what a wonderful boy to be so in tuned. He'll make a fabulous husband some day.
Jean, I think it's fascinating how just getting the options sometimes makes us ok with how things are. I wish I had known what to research from the beginning because I would have had them take some of the intercostal cartilige, heck my chest already hurt from BMX I wouldn't have felt the difference but too late now.
Deborah, I've been wondering how you're nips are holding up. Are you liking them anymore? Protecting them or not, does it matter?
Julie
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Nips are doing fine Julie. I hardly think about them. I keep forgetting to call my PS to schedule my areolae tattooing...I need to get this done soon!
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Julie~
Thanks for your comments. My sons are awesome! I have to credit my DH who sets a great example of how to treat a woman. My oldest now makes my coffee...the way I like it...& brings it to me in bed!
NAE
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Julie, thanks for the encouraging words about going back to work. How could I forget how exhausting teaching is??? Thank god I love what I do!
My PS wants me to protect the nipples from being "smooshed" by a bra or tight clothes because he worries the nipples will tilt up/down/sideways and not heal and project in the proper position. I've been wearing foam inserts (in my bra) for two weeks day and night (that make me look HUGE!).They're healing so well. Can't believe how different the nips make the breasts look. I'm so impressed, though perhaps it's not quite the best time for teaching puberty/sex ed. : )
Maggie
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Maggie,
Are you teaching sex ed now with your sexy new nips? That is too funny. I still remember my sex-ed class from 6th grade like it was yesterday....I can't believe it now, but the teacher explained the entire sex act and drew a graph to illustrate the "plateau phase." I don't think I'd ever heard that word plateau before, but it sounded very exotic! Happy teaching to you! Kristen
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DEBORAH.... I thought your hubbies snoring stopped with whatever you bought on Amazon?? Crud... I hoped if my hubbies snoring got worse I could use YOUR back up plan..:(...lol... sounds like your hubby needs the Cpap(sp)... people who snore this bad almost ALWAYS have apnea(sp). At least so my "people" tell me..lol
YES... if any sister is only a few hours from KC, and are in need of a reconstruction PS... contact me. One other lady from here has driven a few hours from her town to get to my PS. She is so happy she did this drive. I will be very happy to meet you for your first visit to him. ( He lets me stay in the room with the ladies I send him..:) He is very quite and kinda.. shy... sorta?? But he is what I would call, and artist too. ANYTIME ladies. Let me know. I make my schedule work with yours. Laura ( kansas city)
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MAGGIE... OMGOSH... that is HYSTERICAL lady...hehehehe...
My D-I-L is a teacher and our youngest son is in college to teach Middle School....
So your comment was TOTALLY understood by me... ROFLOL.... I could just see my d-i-l dealing with nips and sex ed.... bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Hang in there sister... and cover those bad boys...hehehehe
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could someone please share how to access the pic forum
Jennifer
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did anybody ever have to have fluid drained? My PS told me it is normal and that it will resolve itself. He explained that sometimes the TE and the muscle have a small pocket were fluid can collect and that it happens alot and that I should not worry. The first fill was simple and easy. I can continue with the process through chemo and want to as I want to keep moving forward....just a little strange to hold fluid on one spot. Any words of wisdom?????????
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Okay..... I gotta know...... what is the "Plateau Phase"? I can't remember if I even had sex ed - I suppose not if this is something I should know about and don't. Actually, I can't remember the last time I had sex!!!!!
Allie
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Does anyone have experience with the exchange of one type of implants for another? I was wondering when I go in next Tuesday for my exchange from salines to silicone implants if I will have to deal with drains again? I find them the most painful part of surgery! Thanks, Joyce
P.S. I'm also having pocket work & IMF/crease work done.
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Thanks you so much Judy, Kristen, Gail and all for sharing your thoughts on the need for painkillers after the exchange
It helps me to have some understanding of what is in my future NAE what a beautiful son....he loves you so so much.... It shows us that we are not the only ones who need care and comfort during this journey.
Hope all of you feel closer to healing and health with each day....
Laura
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Brenda, stick with the LE treatments. I was diagnosed with mild LE about 4 months after my first mastectomy. Now I'm to the point where I throw on a sleeve if I'm going to be very active, or if my arm starts to ache. Otherwise, I'm just really careful and I've had no problems.
I had a small scare last night. I'd switched to a more comfortable surgical bra, where the velcro straps didn't itch as much. But something about that bra caused my radiated foob to go flat on the bottom and way high up on my chest. Needless to say I was upset!
I immediately changed to a sports bra, and used the strap that was Val's to hold the top of the girls down. This morning all was much better! I'll keep using that strap until everything is healed and I can resume my frequent massaging.
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Dublin, I had a seroma on both TE's. My PS at first said that it may reabsorb and that the fluid was actually helping with the tissue expansion. It did eventually get so large it was uncomfortable that the doctor aspirated it. It wasn't bad, in fact with all the numbness I didn't really feel it.
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