Exchange City
Comments
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Cindy, I think you're good new outweighs your bad news! The ripples may fade.
Jean, That's scary! 6 months later, I might have ignored it too long, thinking it couldn't happen that far out. Glad you got it taken care of!
Gail, Great ideas! Those are my PS's exact instructions. I've been wearing my chick shaper which is essentially a bra with out the boob part. I've been trying to use some nursing pads but the ones I have are too stiff, I think I need to look for some others. I've ruined several shirts either with blood or neosporin so I need to come up with a better solution--not to mention my headlights are on high and look a little freaky even through a shirt right now.
Julie
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KristenPink: I'm feeling well, thanks..just a little beat up like I've been punched a few times but guess that's to be expected this early out from exchange, especially since I'm doing massage exercises now. I'm really happy with the results and praying all continues to go well. I haven't posted pics yet...just got access to the picture forum and will post some after my sutures are out. Have you posted any? I'm loving not having those darned expanders anymore...what an absolute relief! My PS also said no underwire bras ever. I'm longing to sleep on my side again, too...haven't done so since my BMX.
Kerkle: Keeping you in my prayers that all goes well on Monday and you have a smooth recovery. Please keep us posted.
Jean: Ouch! Sorry to hear about your infection...hope it clears rapidly and you have no more problems.
Kittycat: How frustrating for you to be more confused after your latest consult. My onco said no hormones again. Luckily I breezed through menopause. Wishing you the best in deciding what to do and whose advice to take.
Take care all, and best wishes to those with upcoming surgeries!
~Jan
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kittycat: So sorry you are having to go through all the stress and worry about your upcoming hysterectomy. I was advised to have ooph/hyster and opted to have Robot assisted laparoscopic surgery. The recovery was not so bad--did you decide on lap or open? You are younger than me(I'm 46), but I haven't had too much difficulty since my surgery as far as menopause. Maybe your GYN is just trying to prepare you for the possiblity and it really won't be that bad. I totally understand wanting to have the surgery sooner rather that later--my MD said the same thing. I figured if it needed to be done, why wait? My goal is to get through all the necessary treatments and then try to get back to a life where everything does not revolve around cancer. Best wishes and ((hugs)) to you.
Jean: I was surprised to hear about infection this far out from your surgery! Glad you were vigilant and got antibiotics. Healing prayers are coming your way.
Astorm, Julie, and Deborah: I'm trying to pay close attention to all the nipple info but I'm sure I'll have questions when June rolls around---glad I have you all as wonderful resources
! TCK
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So for those who have had fat grafting/transfers...how long before the swelling goes down/away? So far the upper pole where fat was injected looks good...hope it stays! My one thigh is swollen & of course sore. I cannot wait for all of this to be done!
NAE
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Jean... Nice to see you ! YUK! Lancing ANYTHING.. a oper YUK in my book... HEAL SISTER!
Annie... WHERE IS YOU GIRLY??
Deb... LOL.... HEY.. ARE YOU LIKING the nips yet?
Ladies.. Have a great Sunday!
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Kitty;
I am sorry.
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Interesting posts about post fipple surgery. Too bad I have to wait for mine for a little while. Oh well.
I think I'm going to talk to my breast surgeon on who's supposed to do my hysterectomy. This gyn onco is supposed to be the best at the lapro surgery. My BS was REALLY good (so was my PS). Doesn't hurt to get an opinion. I'll ask the genetic specialist, too.
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Julie LOL! I never really had headlights before! would have made breastfeeding sooo much easier to have nipples like my fipples! PS says they will flatten a little -- sure hope so : O0
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Funny that again we all get different instructions. My PS has me cutting holes in 4 x 4 gauze for the fipples, and then wearing a tight surgical bra or sports bra 24 hours a day. It's been a challenge finding clothes that don't show the square gauze,and also the sports bra straps always seem to show in my neckline. Just a few more days ....
I do plan to get the nursing pads for when I get the tattoos. Another woman I was talking with recommended that, and I think it's a great idea.
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Nedeza - I didn't have swelling from the fat transfers. Again it was transferred with a very fine needle and injected in a patern/grid of fine fat droplets. Not all the fat will survive becuase it all won't be able to establish it's own blood supply so it will die & be reabsorbed. I did not notice this at all when I had my fat grafting procedure, but I've heard others say the will get a hard spot of "dead" fat.
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Jean, So sorry to hear that, hope you heal well and fast!
Sometimes this all seems so endless doesn't it? Hope all in healing process (guess that's all of us:) feel well and happy with results very soon. I'm keeping list of bras suggested, so keep them coming!
Kittycat, I used gabapentin (neurontin) for hot flashes, works well, I'd take it at night which gave the added benefit of sleepiness. I know that effexor is recommended also rather than hormones.
Vegas, Julie, thanks:) and Lilah, that's thinking! I'm a last minute planner so will consider it over summer!
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Jean: glad you got the infection taken care of! Jeeze it sure does seem endless sometimes
Cindy: hey girl , 34 C !!!! Here's to the 300 club! I also was afraid I would be too small but ended up a larger cup size as well. Noticed a little rippling too, but it seems like things are changing from day to day: dare i say a little drop and fluff action starting up now? Looks like it
I tend to be very critical when I look at myself without clothes, start to get worried and a tad obsessive (who, me?) but notice when I am dressed Im lookin good: totally rockin the perky look. I just want patience....right now Kitty I am so sorry that OB GYN was so inappropriate with you. Im sorry but there is no excuse to have overlooked your history and ask about vaginal delivery. Of all the docs she is the one who should know that the best. Keep getting opinions and I wish you well. Katy is right about the neurontin and effexor : its good to know you will have options if needed!
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Wow... I haven't posted here in a long time. I need to read through everything. I wanted to check with you ladies on this............I had my surgery to remove the tissue expanders and put in implants one year ago in April 2009. Tomorrow is my one year meeting with my surgeon. He came very highly regarded here in Houston and I absolutely loved him. However, I do not love my implants. I went with the 410 gummy bears. However, they are so firm. He thinks it is a fabulous result. I don't doubt that it is compared to some others. So..... maybe in my mind I had built this up?? Everyone kept saying.... well, at least at the end of this you will have some fabulous breasts. Well... after a double mastectomy maybe that wasn't really correct? I feel like they aren't high enough, too much under my armpits and not enough cleavege. However, do I really want another surgery? I have a hard time when I go in there because he acts like it is such a good result and I don't want to be ungratful because I really do like him and respect him. However, I can't get use to these breasts. Suggestions???
Thanks for listening......
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Bronchitis:
Had forth trip to doc in 2 1/2 weeks this morning. The coughing got so bad Friday night that the pocket work (new infammory fold) that the PS did at exchange 6 weeks ago started to really hurt. My whole chest feels sore and it is hard to separate what the cough has done, more activity has done, or what two trips to the physical therapist has done. (?)
just want to feel well again
Kristen
sorry for the pity party
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See Kathy - good things DO come in small packages!! I'm crossing my fingers on the ripples. If they don't go away at least I hope they won't get any worse! As Julie said the good outweighs the bad!
KristenP, I'm so sorry you aren't getting rid of the cough. Did the Dr give you a new medicine? Maybe the nebulizer (sp?) machine or a puffer spray would help. I hope you get well soon!!
CristlC, I envy you having the gummies, but sorry you aren't happy with them. Maybe another surgeons' opinion would be helpful to you. A year is a long time to be unhappy! Let us know what happens tomorrow. Good luck!
Lots of surgeries next week! Wishing everyone great results and quick recoveries!!
Cindy
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KristenP, I'm wishing you a full recovery and hope that you are feeling better soon. I'm so sorry that you are hurting.
Kittycat, wow, I'm sorry about all these difficult doctor's visits you have been having. I hope that you are able to decide on the best treatment for yourself in the very near future (and that you receive lots of compassion from your doctors).
I'm getting ready for a road trip back east with my son so that he can visit a couple of colleges. On the one hand, I can't believe I'm having to fly thousands of miles and then drive hundreds or miles and on the other hand, I am kind of happy that I feel up to doing this! Just a month ago, I couldn't even run a short distance without paying for it. I'll have my son do the heavy lifting, of course.
About ripples - I was reading your posts, and I thought to myself, well at least I don't have top ripples! And then this morning, ripples all the way across the top... I showered them out with hot water and realized we are never going to know what's in store for us. Our new normal must be making us stronger, right? Or at least more flexible.
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CristlC: Perhaps you can start by saying, "I would like to talk about some minor revisions and I want to stick with you because you've done such great work so far." He may be proud of them, but it's YOUR body.
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Jean - Wow....infection after six months......so glad you were on top of it.....happy healing, girl!
Julie - you're worrying me about the clothing issue.... My ps said I'd have no clothing issues after the dressings came off in a few days after the fips.....said I'd be back in my "ps approved" bra after the surgery, just with the straps loosened.....I purposely scheduled my fips between my two boys' graduations (if I waited longer in the summer I'd miss a lot of pool time) and I MUST look cute for the celebrations!!!!
Plus, it is Texas, you know.....it could be 105 on graduation day..... Maybe I'll just cancel..... ((((KristenPink)))))) - Hope that cough gets under control soon....the strain on the pocket work is definitely NOT FUN!
(((((Kittycat)))))) - so sorry your doc was such an insensitive jerk. Wishing you wisdom in your decision-making.....
CristlC - Hey! If you want an honest opinion, if those things were happening to me, I'd definitely consider revision. We've certainly done them for less impressive reasons, but if the issues are important to YOU, then it's worth it. Good luck!
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Julie ~ Updated the nipple pics today. Interested to see if you have the same thing going on that I do.
Brenda ~ Added the photo of my bikini line donor site. It still has a couple of stitches that haven't dissolved.
CristlC ~ If I have learned anything from the women on this site it is keep pressing the Dr.s until you get the results that you are happy with.
Back to golf now! Colleen
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Anyone else having trouble finding a healthy new "normal" with their partners? I think I've become even more straightforward about what I need and want, and it's not necessarily going over so well. I knew we'd go thru some adjustments after this was over (at least mostly over...) and here they are. What's new is that I feel okay with the conflict and that I'm relieved that I'm saying what I need/see/want. It must be really hard to deal with an ever-changing (even more so than usual) partner (ie., me). I can imagine that he wants to return to the old normal. Anyone else finding good ways to stay happily together and communicating about hard/regular stuff? Maggie
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CristlC -
You are the one who has to live with the result - you are the one who needs to think you had a great result, not him. I would ask him to do a revision. Good luck.
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Oh, Maggie...we don't even know each other, but I think we should have a glass of wine when I come to Portland to tour colleges with my oldest...it sounds like we have much to talk about. I can tell that my husband is DONE with this. I think things could be better than they ever were (they were already good), but my guess is that he just wants calm right now. He doesn't argue with me when I bring things up, but I sense irritation in the silence. I have my exchange tomorrow, so we'll go back to cancer world for a little while. I don't know that my family has any idea how much this experience has changed me, but I sure hope they can get used to the new me because the old me is gone. I wish I had some advice for you. I'm planning to see someone to talk this through when things calm down a little. Any chance you and your husband could get away for a night or weekend so you could talk and listen to each other? Good luck. Maura
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Cristi!!!! You are a woman after my own heart! I, too, am one year out. March 17th was my one year from my BMX and the end of August was my exchange. I have strange flaps of skin under my arm and one boob hasn't fully dropped. To anyone I show they look great and I agree they do - cleavage and size and the look is great!!! BUT I don't like it. I hate the bat flap (that's what I call it- I think it is a bit of skin from my TE) anyway- I decided to go for it!! I thought about 10 years from now- will I get used to these? Do I want to live with it for 10-15 years? Are they that OK? I agree though- going through yet another surgery when I want to be done with it all is very taxing!!!!
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Maura, thanks for the sweet reply ... and right before your exchange! Yes, a glass of wine is definitely in order if you travel north.
I know my husband and I will weather this as we have everything else, though counseling and a weekend away wouldn't hurt at all. I wish I could just lie low (like your husband?!?) and just be, but I can't. I've got a lot to say and a little mortality reality makes me more likely to say it sooner rather than later.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. It's a kazillion times easier than your BMX ... and when you wake up you'll be one step closer to your goal. Take good care, Maggie
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Forgot to mention BRAS! I got fitted at Nordstrom today. What a difference to have a bra that actually fits. The woman who helped me was completely at ease with me, stayed while I tried on dozens... I thought I was a 34 B and it turns out I'm a 32 DD. How that's possible as a member of the 300 club sure does surprise me, but the bras look and feel feel fabulous. I highly recommend getting fitted, wherever you go! Maggie
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I would LOVE to get fitted at Nordstroms! I am WAY to shy to undress around the Nordstroms fitter. Do they HAVE to see you naked??
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I went just as the store opened and it really wasn't bad at all -- in fact, it was a really affirming experience. Nordstrom does a special training with its staff and I was treated with friendly respect. No weird averted or staring eyes, no discomfort on her part at all. When I saw that she was fine, I relaxed more and more. First step Nordstrom, second step the locker room at the pool. Maybe this week!?!?
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Before my mastectomy, I had a hematoma from the biopsy. It was on the outer part of my breast, where the underwire hit. It was killing me during the time between biopsy and bmx. I was in Nordstrom while my husband was buying some suits, and I couldn't stand it anymore. I hated to waste the money when I would only have breasts for another couple of weeks, but I went up to the lingerie dept. to find a wire free bra. A woman came over to offer me help and I told her what I needed. My eyes filled up a little and she asked if I was all right. I guess it's easier to tell a stranger, so I did. She helped me find a comfortable bra and treated me with such kindness. When I was done she gave me her card and told me to call her when I am ready for a fitting. She explained that there are always a couple of fitters at every Nordstrom who are trained to help with reconstructions. I'm planning on doing that as soon as I can. I know they carry some pricey bras, but they also have some more moderately priced choices and the service I received was so professional. Based on Maggie's experience, it sounds like it's their expected level of professionalism. Ok, end of endorsement. Back to manic cleaning since I can't seem to relax tonight! Maura
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Hi Estepp
My PS actually wrote me a prescription to buy bras that hopefully my insurance co. should help cover. His recommendation is to see someone at Nordstroms. I have two business cards from the 'Bra fitting dept' and these ladies actually have to be trained specifically for prosthetic and implants due to diseases. So they are pros, no weirdness at all!:) I will be going soon, since my exchange is May 25th!
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I also had a fitting at Nordstrom's. I was not required to undress and she only looked at me in the bras that I wanted her opinion on. If I didn't like the way it fit I just took it off and tried on another one. She was very professional and empathetic--I am glad that I had the fitting because I am one of those people that had apparently always been wearing the wrong size pre BC.
TCK
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