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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2010

    Paula:  I think I said that all wrong!  The band size on the Freya runs on the large side, but the cups run small.  So 34D is what you want. I would venture to say 34 DD, but that would freak you out too much and the purpose of encapsulation in the first three months after the exchange means you need to get a snug fit.  You want to be able to wear the bra on the tightest outside hooks and advance to the inside hooks as the bra stretches.  I have a 31 inch ribcage and I wear a 34 band size.  You have a 30 inch ribcage....you need a 34 band.

    Pretty funny about you evesdropping about bra talk!  Wait until you go to Nordstrom!  There will be no such confusion there!  You will get an education beyond belief from the saleswomen at Nordies!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2010

    Kitty:  Along with your PS, I'll be praying for you tonight too!

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Posts: 517
    edited April 2010

    Ladies I got good news and bad news

    Today at work I got a call from my PS that she was able to fit in my tatoo today.  She was suppose to do it Monday but a surgery came up and she asked if I was ok to cancel and wait.  So of couse I said yes but told her to give me a call if she could get me in. 

    The bad news... today I was told another co-work ( this make 5 co-workers) who was my best friend in high school and I was in her wedding and she was in mine just found out yesterday she also has breast cancer.  I haven't had a chcne to talk to her yet but left a message on her phone.  Well on the happy thought maybe she would be willing to join us in Vegas.  If she has questions I can't answer ( radiation and chemo) I may be sending her to you lovely ladies.

    I'm a little sore from the pressure she put on my implant as she was tattooing but for the most part doing well

    Love u ladies : )

    Sandy/Sunshine : )

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2010

    WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO Linda.. off too look

    Sandy.. cannot wait to see..

    Ladies, I cannot believe us old timers of BCO are finally getting done... WOW...

    I POSTED MORE PICTURES on the picture page.. showing radiated skin 6 months after exchange... and also massage. How a rads breast should look while to squeeze to massage it.. the amount of movement you should see...

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited April 2010

    WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO Linda.. off too look

    Sandy.. cannot wait to see..

    Ladies, I cannot believe us old timers of BCO are finally getting done... WOW...

    I POSTED MORE PICTURES on the picture page.. showing radiated skin 6 months after exchange... and also massage. How a rads breast should look while to squeeze to massage it.. the amount of movement you should see...

  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Posts: 139
    edited April 2010

    Kittycat I hope you have good news this morning Smile....so frustrating to wait and wait and wait :(

    Sandy congratulations on the new nips! Looking forward to seeing your results :)

    Sorry about your friend Judy....it's hard to fathom how so many of us are diagnosed with this disease.

    I'm going to go back to teach my first class tomorrow since my exchange....looking forward to it. Smudge and I went on a lovely walk yesterday and a little light food shopping, it was sure good to get out of the house :) 

    Best to all today...hope your challenges are small and healing quick,

    Laura 

  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Posts: 139
    edited April 2010

    I thought the following link may be helpful for women who are looking for a comfortable bra with pockets for prosthesis.  Hope this is helpful....

    http://www.titlenine.com/product/324300.do?code=GOOGP&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=comparisonshopping&utm_campaign=googlebase&CAWELAID=466318704 

    I have shopped from this catalogue for many years....they make very nice products...good quality :)

    Healing and strength,

    Laura 

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Posts: 4,831
    edited April 2010

    Sandy:  I'm sorry to hear about your friend.  It seems that I've learned about so many people with this dx since I got mine.

  • don23
    don23 Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

    Deborah - All this talk about bra shopping has made me want to go out and buy some new ones. If I am a 36D or 38C what size would I order in the Freya bra? Also, do you know how much settling has to be done after a revision surgery with the implant? I had a new implant put in two weeks ago. It doesn't have the hamburger bun look but just wondering if it is going to change much from what it looks like now. The reason I ask is that I'm really liking the way I look and don't want anything to change!

  • rebetata
    rebetata Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

      Good morning ladies,

    I just got out of the shower and have to say "WOW THESE GIRLS ARE SOFT" I so get the yipee squishy Kimberly. I had a horrible night slleping I had noghtmares all night because of the pain meds it happens every time.

    Kittycat I have been praying for you and will continue to send good vibes your way.

    Deborah when do you think I can schedule nips? Will August be to soon?

    So sorry for those of us who have friend newly dx I hope they are able to be strong to kick BC butt.

    Many prayers and hugs,

    Rebecca

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited April 2010

    Kitty -- praying for good news today.

    Sandy -- so sorry to hear about your friend... I agree with whoever said it: it seems like so many people are getting this disease (more since I was diagnosed).  It feels like an epidemic.  And re: the tats -- woo hooo!!!!

    Rebecca -- woo hoo on the soft implants!!!  Sorry about the nightmares... I always try to get off the narcotics (and on to Tylenol) quickly... they mess with you too much.

    Julie -- that is disturbing about your friend's leakage.  Was she getting MRIs every few years?  And how does an MRI see the leakage anyway (does anyone know)? 

  • val61
    val61 Posts: 969
    edited April 2010

    (((((((Kitty))))))) - praying HARD for you, sweetie!

    Julie - Wow.....what a story....just proves we need to be diligent in many areas.....forever.....

    Rebecca - Glad you got that shower....the first one after the drains are out is pure heaven, isn't it?....sorry about the sleeping....it's a trade-off.....pain or sleep?....hope you can reach a balance soon!

    Kristinka and Paula - I've got that cream Pollyanna - it was my original that I bought at Dillards.  It's fairly bright - does show under white  - but worth buying for that sale price.  I'll order one,too, as I need to get a couple in a bigger cup size - like Deborah said, the cups run a bit small, but that's what my ps wanted for the first 3 months.  

    Sandy - I swear....bc is EVERYWHERE!  Prayers for your friend.  We're here for her when she's ready.....

    Did anyone by chance see the Dr. Oz show this morning?  (I became secretly addicted to it and "The Doctors" when I was recovering from my revision).  Sheryl Crow was on there to talk about bc.  Lots of interesting info, including nutrition stuff. It's probably on the show's website, so you might want to check it out.  

  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Posts: 24
    edited April 2010

    Rebecca - glad to hear you're happy with your results!  I took my bandages off last night and so far, they look pretty good.  I took some pics and am just waiting to see if I have the nerve to post them on the picture forum ...  I'm going to brave the shower later this morning.

    How long are the incisions supposed to bleed?  Mine are still bleeding (just little spots) a little - it's been just over 48 hours now.  Am I doing too much, or is this normal (and I'm just a paranoid freak LOL)?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited April 2010

    Mirebelle: Incisional bleeding after exchange:  Perfectly normal to have some "weeping" during the week after the exchange.  Should resolve after three to four days.  But do NOT do too much - beyond getting up and ambulating around the house every couple of hours, lay low and read...or better yet - watch The Real Housewives of New York/New Jersey/Orange County. Wink  It will make you feel better about yourself. 

    Rebecca:  So what about the size?  Golly gee...I'm anxious to hear about them...SEE them! LOL...Nips in August sounds fine to me - you just want to make sure everything settles as much as possible before doing so....and make sure you are happy with everything.  Make it late August...

    don23:  What is your ribcage circumference? After a revision surgery - switch to another implant? Well, not as much settling as one might have after the original exchange.  Key is to get some good support started right away.

  • val61
    val61 Posts: 969
    edited April 2010

    Paula - As I was driving to my meeting I was thinking.....Whippetmom said you have a 30" ribcage....Mine is 28" and I'm in a 30 band.....granted, like I said, it was darn uncomfortable for awhile, but it's what my ps put me in.....

    don23 -  I think I mentioned this before to you, but in case someone else might be wondering, my new implant hasn't changed a whole lot.....definitely not in shape......some in position.....it did soften some, too, which happened pretty quickly....

  • rebetata
    rebetata Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

     Deborah well size wise I am not sure they seem small to me. I am trying to let them ":drop and fluff" like you all say. I will try to get some pics up if not at least e-mail them to you for now. MY DH is at work so when he comes home.

    Kittycat I hope everything is ok.

    Rebecca

  • kittycat
    kittycat Posts: 1,155
    edited April 2010

    It's BACK!  I have IDC - about .6 cm, but it's grade 3.  Also a couple spots of DCIS.  More tests and appts next week!  :(

  • rebetata
    rebetata Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

     Oh Kittycat I will keep you in my prayers.

    Rebecca

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited April 2010

    OMG Kitty -- Noooooooooo!!!!!  How can it possibly come back when your breast tissue was removed?!  I am so sorry.

  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Posts: 223
    edited April 2010

    OK, bras again.  I found another good bra to sleep in a week ago - it's the Bali Double Support comfort-U Back stretch cotton wirefree style 3036.  Normally I wear 34D but in this a 36B fit almost perfectly, and with the center of the bra laying flat on my sternum (like Val instructs!)  It also gives great support for  ladies who shouldn't wear underwires.

    This was actually a new bra shopping low for me - my DH and I had just enjoyed a lovely Middle Eastern dinner and when we were done I asked if I could check out sleep bras at Macys, just across the sleep.  Kind of a mood killer, but he obliged, and I found my Bali!

    This tops what happened two weeks ago when I was in Pennsylvania. Did I check out the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall, just a 15 minute drive from my hotel?  No, but I did take time to try on all of the bras at the local Target and some at VS (bought nothing).  Is this what addiction looks like?

  • travelgal6979
    travelgal6979 Posts: 76
    edited April 2010

    Hi Ladies:  I'm new to this board but wanted to ask a question.  I just had my first expander fill yesterday (yeah!) so I'm not even near the time of my exchange surgery :-).  But my PS's office has already scheduled me, tentatively, for my exchange on September 1 which is pretty darn exciting.  Anyway, for those of you who had the exchange surgery; what's it like?, how long was the recovery?  I'm assuming the recovery is far shorter than the BMX surgery.  Thanks for your input!  Gentle hugs to all. 

  • don23
    don23 Posts: 213
    edited April 2010

    Deborah - my rib cage measurement is 34"

  • Firni
    Firni Posts: 521
    edited April 2010

    Kitty I am soo soo sorry to hear your news.  I have to echo Lilah's question on how does that happen when you had a BMX?  Did you have chemo or rads?  UHG  I'm just sick for you.    You are in my prayers!!

  • alina426
    alina426 Posts: 4
    edited April 2010

    Hi,

     I went bra shopping at Fashion Plus today, and tried on some of the C sizes and couldn't fill it out.  So decided to try on some of the B sizes and it seems to fill out the bra better.  I went home and tried on my old bra's that were B sizes and it fills out ok too.  I'm glad I didn't throw out my old bras!  They were all in a bag ready to be thrown out, but I haven't had time to do it yet. I guess I'm going to be using them again.  I thought that I was going to need size C based on the 500cc implants, but I think I don't have enough projection to fill out the C sizes.  Oh well, a full B is still great!   I used to have small B breasts.  

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited April 2010

    Kristinka -- LOL -- you always crack me up with this bra thing.  Though who knows?  Perhaps I will be right behind you (soon as I am in a position to start trying them on :)  My longtime addiction has always been purses.  I have many.  I tire of them easily.  Expensive and inexpensive, it doesn't seem to matter.

    Kitty -- what is the plan for treatment?  (Now that I'm over the shock, it has occurred to me to ask).  Hope you are ok.  Sending hugs and more prayers.

  • Firni
    Firni Posts: 521
    edited April 2010

    alina  I had textured implants with my first PS.  My right side was higher than the left and I was told to press 4 times a day to lower the implant. For me it didn't work.  I don't know if he didn't open the pocket as much as the other or if that little bugger just wouldn't move.  The textured implants are not supposed to move.  They don't really drop and fluff.  You should never massage textured implants.  Your tissue is supposed to grow into them.  I did have a revision to open up the pocket and had another revision with a different PS to get smooth implants and a little bigger too.  I hope yours behaves and drops down for you.  If not, the revisions were very easy surgeries and I wouldn't hesitate to have it done if you need to.

  • Kristinka
    Kristinka Posts: 223
    edited April 2010

    Kitty, I missed your message.  I'm so very sorry to hear this news.  My fingers are crossed that your treatment will be swift and effective.  Gentle hugs and warm wishes,

    Kristen

  • fairportlady55
    fairportlady55 Posts: 152
    edited April 2010

    Kitty I am sorry.... I just dont get it! How this can happen?  Let us know the plan. Im just in shock and praying for you.  Hugs

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Posts: 151
    edited April 2010

    Kitty, I am so sorry; I'll be joining in all the prayers for you.  As a fellow DCIS girl, I'm really mad on your behalf also. They tell us, "Oh, you got the 'good' cancer, just get rid of your breast and you're cured!". So, I also join the other girls by demanding an answer to the question, "Just how the hell did this happen??!!!" I would certainly get a second opinion on everything, to protect yourself; perhaps your PS could suggest another breast surgeon for this purpose, since he sounds so nice and you trust him. This should not have happened.  Cancer sucks!

    Hugs and prayers,

    Diane

  • juliempw
    juliempw Posts: 191
    edited April 2010
    Kittycat, No way!!!  I can't believe it, you had DCIS before right, I would have thought, you'd never have to deal with this again and so soon.  I'm so glad you were so diligent in getting this figured out quickly.  Hang in there, I'm so glad you're mom will be close by.  I know you'll keep us posted.  Make sure you do that walk, it'll bring you some strength, I think. Sandy, Sorry to hear about your friend, amazing how it hits home now.  Glad about your nips though, can't wait to see. travelgal, recovery from exchange is like heaven compared to the bmx!  It's not great, but it is a million times better.  I was back at work 2 weeks later but coulda gone sooner if I wanted to.  Julie  

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