Exchange City
Comments
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Binga and Jizogarden: My PS chose to overexpand me a bit and then waited 3 months before my exchange. I had minimal discomfort after the exchange. My PS was very specific after the exchange:no pushing/pulling/lifting over 5 lbs and no stretching for 4 weeks. After my 4 weeks, I hadn't lost too much range of motion but I eased myself back into my stretching routine. I was able to drive in less than a week with my surgeon's approval, although she usually recommends 2 weeks. There is such a difference in what our PS's tell us to do---I would just follow whatever your particular PS says to do and listen to your body. Good luck!
TCK
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Jizogarden you will be in my thoughts tomorrow. I am glad you asked that question I was going to ask the same question.
mIrbelle I hope you are having a good weekend getting everything in order. I got all my laundry done just finishing up now I am gonna change my bedding.
Kittycat I hope everything turns out scar tissue you are in my prayers as well.
Rebecca
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Hi everyone,
My exchange surgery is in two days, Tuesday at 7:30 am. I'm starting to get a little nervous, but I'll be so glad to get these rocks out of my chest. I've been reading the threads, and it looks like for the most part it's so much easier than the bmx. I'm having it done on my vacation time (75 hrs) from work, so I'm hoping that will be enough time to recoup. Will I need a special type of bra to wear after the exchange? My PS didn't say, and I forgot to ask.
Thanks, Susie
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Hi Susie:
The exchange surgery is definitely easier than mastectomy. I had right breast mastectomy in Sept 09 and my exchange was done on Thursday, 4-15-10 and I returned to work on Thursday, 4-22-10. I had some pain, minimal really compared to mastectomy, and muscle spasms. PS will probably prescribe you meds for both. Mine also prescribed anti-nausea meds, as I became sick after mastectomy (in recovery, and then some nausea several days after that) You will have a surgical bra on after your surgery, some PS's also "wrap" (mine didn't but others have mentioned it). Your PS will tell you how long to wear the surgi-bra and when you can go to a regular bra and what type is recommended. Apparently, that is depending on the PS as well, mine doesn't want me to wear an underwire when I go to a regular bra, but I've read here that some PS's want their patients to wear them. I'm just not sure why the difference in recommendations.
I wore a button-up shirt and had pillows for arm comfort on the trip home, too. My PS instructed no lifting more than a plate w/food for first week. No doing dishes, no doing laundry, NO vacuuming. I did wash my own hair though, (I don't have much!! just 3 1/2 months post-chemo)
Best wishes to you and Laura2!! And to everyone else having surgeries/procedures this week, you will all be in my prayers for smooth surgeries and rapid healing!
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NVDaiane--what is pocket work?
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Some of the gals who have had pocket work done might chime in here, but as I understand it, pocket work is extra work a PS may have to do at the time of exchange, because a TE has shifted and needs to be moved to the correct position, or other types of work to cure problems or make the position of the implants look better. Since it involves extra stitches and extra work by the PS, gals who have any of this extra work done are usually more likely to have discomfort after exchange. I have always assumed that one reason my exchange was painless was because all my PS had to do was remove the TE and replace it with the implant; he didn't have to change or correct anything. Does that make sense; I hope so!
Diane
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Ladies having exchange..
First.. I handle pain at an average level I believe.
Second.. I had pocket work with both exchanges.. due to rads.. extensive pocket work both times.
Third... I am a Hair Stylist. I am on my feet 11 hour days... three days a week.. and I use my arms A lot.
Fourth.... I could have gone back to work... after either exchange.. in a WEEK. I took off two weeks each time as Plastic asked me to. I only needed the week.
GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK LADIES!
I want you all to know, even if I have NEVER talked to you nor responded to you in a post of mine here... I PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU on here. In my everyday prayers. I do.
Laura
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Laura, You're a TREASURE!
Love you for all the sharing and caring!
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Thanks, ladies, for all the pic posting advice for this rather computer-challenged chick!..... Laura, you perceptive, one.....I was hoping no one would notice! I did start to post them on the pic forum yesterday afternoon, but ran out of time and had to cancel 'cause it was time to go take pictures of the gang going to senior prom! So much excitement for one day! Hopefully, I'll get to it tonight....
Cheri - all I can say is "OUCH!" Keep up with the vicodin.....
Jizo - I'm closer to Kristinka with both my exchange experiences, plus I have a very conservative and compulsive - in a good way! - ps. So, I was not allowed to move my elbows away from my waist for two weeks, begin range of motion at 3 weeks post-op, and no lifting anything over a few pounds for 6 weeks. Believe it or not, despite daily stretching, I still have tightness in my armpit and some decreased range from my surgery in late January..... Every ps - and each of us, too - is different, though.....
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Jizo
After exchange I was told to take it easy but that i could lift my hands over my head. Take it easy....??...Could you be a little more specific?! Yeah. I did notice i was able to do things i wasnt able to do after MX. Just reaching for the phone or picking up a book was taxing after MX but was able to do after exchange. I only took a week and a couple days off work but wich i could have taken two or three. I would have liked to have gotten my TRUE strength back. I was back to work as a teacher and was very sick within a couple of weeks. My pain was not as bad but had times of : deep ache, nerve buzzing, sharp pains, etc. But this was not all the time as it was with the MX. If you have pocket work done, internal stitching get very clear instructions as far as movements. Val and I will atest to that.
Praying for you
Kristen
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kbram - Congrats on finishing up all your reconstruction! Woohoo for you!!
About the LE possibility though...I know you want to be DONE but if you think you might have it you really must follow up and either be sure you don't or, if you do, nip it in the bud with appropriate treatments. Sorry to be a wet rag, but your instinct to follow up on it is the right one.
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Has anyone ever experienced muscle compensation issues with the non-cancerous breast side following reconstruction of a unilater breast mastectomy? I had my implant exchange last July and began having back numbness in the opposite side 4 months later which has persisted for 5 months now. The Physical Therapist believes it is due to the muscle spasms, that I have gotten use to, but that occur all day long in the muscle covering the implant.
And I thought doing only the one breast would be a walk in the park. Apparently not!
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Koryn: I am a unilateral and have not experienced that! Does seeing the Physical Therapist help this problem? One breast removed is not easier, in my opinion, because we deal with all different problems that double mx's don't have to deal with! MX, both or uni, is no walk in the park!!! Hope you get some answer's and relief soon!0
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ALL of you explaining your experience with exchange has been very helpful. I have 5 weeks to wait for mine but I have been wondering what to expect and as you all explain it can be a breeze or it can be more....I can atleast expect the worse but hope for the best.
Thank you all. Best to all who are scheduled this week.
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Hi everyone. I am mostly just a reader here, but have posted a few times in the past. I just had my exchange on Thursday. I also had some pocket revision, extensively on one breast and moderately on the other. It's only been a few days, but I can not believe how much easier the post-surgery experience has been with this surgery compared to the BMX. My surgery was at 7:30am and I was home by 1:30pm. I took a Rx pain pill once at home (vicodan) and a couple of Advil the next day or so ... and nothing at all since then. Surprisingly, I just don't need them. I am quite bruised-looking, but besides some general tenderness and a few pains here and there, I am actually forgetful that I just had surgery. I am being careful though! (I am sitting around a lot, watching DVDs and letting the laundry pile up. Doing so, without feeling horribly crappy, is actually a bit of a treat!) I know everyone's experience is different, and I was prepared for much worse. But here's another voice chiming in with very lucky and very positive post-surgery results. I hope those of you with a surgery quickly approaching have equally smooth experiences.
Rebecca (the other one)
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Sending best wishes for smooth surgeries and painfree recoveries to all those having surgery this week!! Yippee squishy!!
TCK
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I seriously cant wait for the Yipee Suishy! I have been dreaming about this day since my first fill.lol
Rebecca
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May everyone having exchange or revision surgeries this week have a speedy recovery!
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Anyone that has had their exchange already - were you sent home in a bandeau wrap. I had my exchange this past fri. I was wrapped a lot with an ace bandage and under that was this bandeau. It lies right under your breast and then the bandage velcroves across to push the breast down. I'm a little concerned about the pushing down because mine are not up at all and I would like them to be. I know I am probably so used to where the TE's were which was practically in my collar bone. I just don't want to stop some cleavage from forming that otherwise might. Sorry I sound like a crazy person and it has only been 48 hours since my surgery. I just wanted really great boobs when this was over with. Thanks to everyone on here. You have been a true lifesaver to me. There is always someone who can relate and you all truly care. I would never have made it through this process without you.
Happy Monday,
Melissa
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Is there someone on this thread that goes by JENJO on the picture forum? If so, do you need my help with an infected/radiated implant breast?
If so....PM me here.
Laura
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Sorry, Melissa, my PS doesn't use such a bandage, but I'm sure others will share with you. I had a velcro surgical bra that pressed evenly across my chest, and I wore that for two days. Then my PS had me switch into a supportive bra. He had me switch into a bra sooner than most surgeons on this thread. Happy healing to you!
Kittycat, I'm thinking of you and hoping that you hear only good news this week.
I also wanted to share a sweet story. I got together with several good girlfriends this evening for dinner in lovely Half Moon Bay (n. CA), and they all surprised me with pretty bras and underthings. Of course they wanted me to send them pics of me in all my new outfits, but that's not going to happen. (you know my phobia about cameras and boobs!!) Touching when our healthy sisters reach out to us, isn't it?
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Laura, thank you for all you do for others and THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR ALL OF US!!!
I pray for all of us too and know I need as many prayers as I can get
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For those of you going into BMX and then exchange, here is my experience.... The BMX surgery was difficult, but manageble. I took it one day at a time. I didn't overdo anything. I found the littlest things were the most difficult to do, like opening drawers or cabinets, plugging stuff in the wall, etc. I kept a lot of stuff at waist length, so I didn't have to reach. My husband was a big help. He helped me take a shower and even dried my hair with a round brush! LOL!
The tissue expander process was more than I thought, but I would do it all over again! I have a thread I started called "I just had my 1st expander fill - ouch!" which describes my experience. The first and last fills were the worst. The ones in the middle were ok. It was uncomfortable to have the turtle shells in my chest, but I managed.
The exchange surgery was very easy. I don't think I took pain meds after the 1st day. I still had some uncomfortable feelings, but it was so nice to get rid of the tissue expanders. I wore a bathing suit for the 1st time last week. I actually felt I looked okay!
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Thank you, thank you
I have just been reading all the varied experiences of each of you who have shared your exchange stories. I feel very good about going into my surgery today (noon)...knowing that it will take me to a better place physically and comfort wise
I will not miss these coconuts. My PS has said he sees a very straightforward exchange with maybe a little pocket work in one lower corner to allow my left boob to move a little more toward my chest and out of my arm pit So from what everyone has said I think I will just have to wait and see....but I'm hoping for the best and will be ready for whatever recovery comes my way. Andrew may take tomorrow off depending on how I'm doing.....and Smudge will be with me....I'll be fine
You have all helped me so much...I will come back online as soon as I'm up to it to let everyone know how it went. I'm not scared...just really looking forward to yipee squishies!!!! =)
Kittykat I hope you get good news...wishing all the best.
I sure wish I could have a cup of coffee >=\
Strength and healing,
Laura
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For me, the hardest part of the exchange was not having my coffee in the morning. LOL Good luck today Laura2.
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KorynH:
Hello and you described what I experienced yesterday! I was really busy yesterday helping DS get his room ready for new furniture. So we were emptying drawers and sorting clothes into tubs for keeping and others for a future yard-sale. He did all the lifting but by last night I was feeling muscle pulling and spasms in the non-mastectomy shoulder. And, in thinking back, I did use left arm more yesterday, I'm right-handed and I knew if I started using that arm for other than folding, I could possibly "forget" and push/pull something and hurt myself. I'm 1 1/2 weeks post-exchange and my incision is healing very well, but I still don't want to take any chances.
Thanks for sharing and would be interested in hearing more about phy therapy aspect...
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Laura good luck today and congrats on saying bye bye to the coconuts!
Good healing and strength to all having surgery!!!
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Jisogarden Laura~ Thinking of you! Yippee Squishy Hugs!
Kittycat prayers for scar tissue all weekend long!
Kristen ~ OMG that was the nicest thing for your girlfriends to do! Mine just pour me wine and get me drunk & tattooed! LOL
And Everyone Else that has appointments and procedures this week Best Wishes for Yippee Squishiness!
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Thank you Kimberly and Fairport...and all...
Finally got my nerve up and posted my coconut photos
Bye bye cocnuts!I post in Under Construction.....beware weird boobie warning
Strength and courage,
Laura
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Here is an awesome song that I think is one of my new theme songs (this one and I'm Alive by Kenney Chesney)... it's called Fight Like a Girl... give it a listen!
http://www.myspace.com/bomshel
Paula
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