Exchange City
Comments
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MBJ: Pain after mastectomy is all too common, I am afraid. The tissue expanders are indeed uncomfortable. You want to go slowly on the fills. But send me another photo. Expanders can become malpositioned and if they are grossly malpositioned, they should be removed and placed properly. I have only seen two cases in the past year and a half where the TEs needed to be either repositioned or removed and replaced with a different style TE.
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Whippetmom--I don't think that it's moved but the picture I am sending you before my first fill shows my under arm area and the picture after the fill shows it getting worse.
Thank you!
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Binga - that guy has some nerve. That belongs in the "stupid things people say" thread for sure!! What an idiot!!! Too bad you couldn't give him a little laxative or something from your pharmacy! LOL!!!
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Oh Kittycat, you're so bad! Extra laxatives for the jerk...I love it! heh heh
Becky, I'm sorry you had to deal with such a A**. The general customer population at large can be such idiots. Hang in there. I've had some doozies from the old folks, but they're old folks (the 80-90 something set) and usually aren't sure what they're saying. Just be a duck and let it roll off your back.:)
Wow Val to the general for nips. My PS said if he's doing fat injections at the same time then he goes with the general but if it's nips only he just goes local. Sorry you had to have drains for the exchange. I wonder why he feels those are necessary? I guess if he does pocket work or skin work...I'm just glad I don't have to drag my drain holders out. I did get my breast pillows though because I don't think I can put a seatbelt over these just yet.
I am still so happy I didn't have fat injections...now reading that some insurance companies won't cover that is even better. I can research it more over the next few months. I'm scared to death of the estrogen in fat tissue that is going close to my clavicular nodes but PS assures me it only responds to breast tissue of which I have none. I just don't think I want to risk it. My goal is get whatever I'm going to have done by December 31 because I just don't want to pay another double deductable. (2500 for 09 and 2500 for 2010)
Hope you're feeling well today Lilah and Marianne! I slept ok...still stings when I first get up and I can't sleep on my side yet. I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to. My PS doesn't want me to do the bra either Marianne...just this bio-occlusive dressing and a tape at my clevage. I posted a picture of it. I"m happy to let them hang and fluff and do their thing. I think I'll be ok to return to work on Wednesday as planned. <sigh> Just so damn stressful...I'm ready to just bask in the sun with no worries. But these bills aren't going to pay themselves you know.
Well, going to enjoy my few days off while I can. I may be basking in the sun this afternoon after all!
Have a great day everyone!
Kat0 -
Laura2~~ Thanks for those threads! They're great! I took a look earlier.
MBJ~~ i cant say i've felt a BURNING from under my expander,but after my 4th fill i did get alot of pain from what seemed like underneath it. I explained this to my PS when i had my 5th fill on Thursday,and she said its where my muscle is still attached to the chest,it is pulling and causing pain. But she said it was perfectly normal. I told her it felt like it was coming from UNDER the TE and asked if it could be the pressure of the TE pushing onto my chest wall and nerves and she said that was quite possible also. I felt ok soon as she said it was all normal to feel these things.
Yes did you notice the difference in Micheles video,between her Alloderm when it was 1st put in and how it is now?? amazing! Its really smoothed out! But she is getting pain where her stitches are poking through the skin where the Alloderm is stiched to the pectoral muscle.
And wow,you dont look 50!! =D
I dont know if this is just me......(i even feel stupid saying it!)......but all the time while im watching tv,i am looking at womens boobs!!! I keep saying to my hubby..."i want some like that!"....or....."hers are perfect!Get the camera!" lol. Pleeeeeease tell me its not just me! I feel like such a perv!! ha ha
Kay
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Kay - I've never really looked at other women but since my "adventure" - I have found that I, too, look at the women on TV in a different light. I am looking to see how big they are, where they are located on their chest etc.... So far, I haven't looked at anyone like that in real life and I don't plan to......lol
Becky - I think your customer probably didn't know what to say. I am sure he was doing his best to be supportive. Men have NO idea how to handle most "girl things" anyway, but I wouldn't be mad at him - remember - he's just a man.... I am sure he thought he was paying you a compliment of sorts.
Allie
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Good morning Ladies.
Well less than 24 hours from surgery and I still feel fine. A little more sore on the left side (PS said to expect that because of some "pocket work"). My major complaint is the sore throat -- makes you wonder if they just jam those things into the back of your throat. Anyway some sugar-free hard candy should fill the bill.
I wish I could explain why some people tolerate some procedures better than others. I don't think those that do are necessarily stronger and those they do may be weaker. I think it is what your body can tolerate and metabolize. I obviously do not handle pain med's well. They gave me an Rx for Percocet and I didn't even fill it....won't fill it....don't need it. I am taking the antibiotic and just need something to soothe that sore throat.
Really pleased with the results and imagine they will only get better (if anything). In one of my later conversations with the PS, he remarked that my skin stretched beautifully and he said (after doing this for 18 years) he cannot tell which patients' skin will respond better to the TE's. The TE's are cumbersome and the fills can be quite uncomfortable, but if we think about the job they have to do (stretch the skin and the muscle) I guess we have to expect what happens. I would gladly go through the process again.
Lilah and Kat, hope you are feeling better each day. I think the exchange surgery was much more of an emotional challenge for me than a physical one....all those reminders of why we were doing the procedure. Have to say the pre-op nurse was a gem! Very sympathetic and sweet. The recovery room nurse was also a peach....very understanding and comforting. I feel bad for anyone that has had to bear the brunt of some of the insensitive remarks of others.
I am nervous about returning to NY to see all those that know what I've been through....I am sure their eyes will go directly to the chest. Like I said to my PS just before the surgery, this was never about boobs -- never about being a centerfold -- it was about getting rid of cancer and helping me return to feeling like a woman again!
While our journeys may all be different, our understanding of each other abounds!
Will make my follow up appointment Monday for next week and see when we will schedule the nipple reconstruction. Thank God he uses a local --- I am DONE with anesthesia!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend --- schedule a "4" in your day!
Marianne
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RACE: My BF from high school drove from D.C. to Syracuse NY to walk with me and walked towards me with a box of kleenex! What a powerful morning. It surpassed my expectations. I will work on some pics
VAL: Thanks for calling me out on the bra thing. Bad, bad, bad. Yes, I wish you could take me shopping too.
But, when the weekend settles down lets chat because i have no idea where to begin.thanks and hugs
Kristen
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Allie, while I was watching "Modern Family" one night, I cringed when I saw the breasts of the character who played Claire. She was in the pool, and was romping around with her husband, and I could not look at her bikini top without feeling nauseated. She had a very bony chest and two large pork buns. How could she not have had a good augmentation procedure in Hollywood? Or maybe it's a look that some women actually want? Buns on a bony chest? I'm sorry, maybe some of us being reconstructed are very skinny and can't help the way our final recons look, but to be a Hollywood movie star and look like that - if I were her PS I would fat graft all around her boobies. That's my rant for today. LOL!
Brenda
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Well said, Brenda!
Well.....the grand unveiling was this morning.....my girlfriend came to help me unwrap, as my dh had to work (of course)......and the result is......THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!! (IMO that is) I had my eyes closed while my friend pulled off all that foam tape.....when I did look in the mirror, I actually started to cry......why ever did I think I didn't want them?
I'm still a bit foggy, but feel so much better today. The shower was heaven, of course. I have a bit of a sense of tightness across the front of the foobs, and it does pull if I reach up for something. Other than that, no discomfort today - yippee!
Just posted some pics that my friend took this morning..... The only thing I'm not crazy about is the flattening of the foob, but thanks to y'all, I was ready for that. Hopefully, it'll shape back up.
I'm now back in my Freya "Pollyanna" bra with straps very loose, with a "doughnut" of gauze wrapped around each fip. Admittedly, it looks a bit freaky even in a fairly loose blouse. This was how my ps wanted them dressed every day.....anybody else have a technique that's less conpicuous? I'm going to have to re-think my clothes for my son's graduation next weekend, I fear....
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Kristinka - I just realized that I missed your dx anniversary as it was the day of my surgery.....sure hope it wasn't too bad for you!0
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Hi all,
just wanted to say,i have posted some pics on the pic forum. Had to use my full username of 'midnightstar'. They go from 4 days post-op, to the fill i had last Thursday. There are 9 pics i think.I will post more after each expansion and then after my exchange later this year.
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome,conderning implant type,size,dimension etc.
I am due to have the anatomical cohesives though.
Couldn't agree more about the prok bun thing that Brenda said!lol One thing that puts me off round implants!
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Kay: Ever since this happened I have been obsessed with boobs! I have been checking out other women who have had them done and what I did and didn't want in all my women's groups--and t.v. forget it--some of them look great some notsomuch. But it does give you an idea of your likes and dislikes! I have never watched the show Modern Family but I think that most women think that obvious augmentation is just ugly.
After much looking around, I found that I don't want round burger buns; I don't want them super high (I am tall and they would look like shoulder pads instead of breasts); I do not want to be smaller than I started (a B on one side and an A on the non mx side); I don't want them so natural looking that I have to continue wearing padded, push up bras. In fact, if I never have to wear a bra again I would rejoice in the fact! I think that's what I want--breasts that look as good as I do in my favorite, slightly padded push up bra by H & M. I never really had cleavage in bras either (unless the top was too tight and pushed them together lol), so I am not expecting to have any cleavage now. I purchased a 40's style bustier that ties around the neck and with my VS strapless, padded bra it looks great so I am going to use this as my guage as to how I want to look after my exchange. Once my expander looks huge in this I think I will be ready. Since I have to be included in a study in order to qualify for the gummy bears and since they only provide the round ones here, I have to have the round, silicone implants and do fat fills around them, if necessart.
Ok, I am now going to Timtam's site to check out your new pics!
Val: I am sooooo jealous. Congratulations!
TNGolfer: A speedy recovery to you--I am with you on the "no painkillers"as I absolutely hate them unless it's really unbearable. Even when I had my MX I found that bypassing Morphine and switching to Tramadol plus a local anesthetic worked great for me as far as a speedy recovery and I also had no side effects except for that darned sore throat.
Mary
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Val,
I am using nursing pads (found them at the grocery store) with the nips cut out. They have little adhesive tabs that stick to your bra but mine shifted and flattened my right fipple (it popped back out thank goodness) so now I use paper tape and tape the nursing pad to my skin so it won't shift. My left side is larger than the right so to avoid extra pressure I double up on the pads for the right side (also evens me out a bit). Never thought I'd have to stuff my bra but it works for now until I decide what to do. The nursing pads are round and shaped like a breast so they are less conspicuous. PS suggested using Scholl's corn pads but I didn't like the pressure on my grafted areolas and the nursing pads are less visible.
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I went and found a pic of "Claire" from Modern Family and it actually looks as if she has expanders or new BC implants to me. She is a BC advocate so maybe she is a survivor also?
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I agree, MBJ, they do look like expanders or new implants on a bony chest. I just did not like seeing that on TV, for some reason. If she's a BC survivor then she has not talked about it, which is her prerogative, I guess. I love the sitcom. So many quirky characters.
Brenda
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MJB~~ i guess thats kinda the look i want also. Except i really do want some cleavage. i am going to tell my PS to put the biggest,fullest, implants she can squeeze into the hole!! lol
She'll probably tell me stop being ridiculous but i can try!!!!!
I make my mind up,thensee someone elses implants and i like them instead.Then i'll see some better ones and want those! **sighs** i am just too fussy.At the end of the day,they're never gonna be perfect and i'd do well to get to grips with that. I am a perfectionist though and cant stand things out of place. I can walk into a room and notice if a picture is slightly tilted! and i HAVE to go straighten it! i dont like assymetry either~things have to be even and equal. (my goodness.....i think i have an OCD!!!) LMAO!!!
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Thanks. Gail. That's a great idea. It's been 17 years since I bought nursing pads, but I'll do it again!
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Val, that's what I used too... my PS had these pieces of foam with the a hole for the nip cut out and I put those over the nipple then I put the nursing pad over that and it protected the nipple and the nursing pad hid the foam and basically kept everything looking normal... just make sure the foam is as thick as your nipple is sticking out. I checked out the picture forum and they look great!!!
Paula
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What are any thoughts on the 'limited warranty' from Natrelle for your implants?
For 100.00 (each foob I'm assuming) gives you 10 years of coverage, the freedom to change styles or size as part of your replacement surgery, free contralateral implant replacement and up to 2400 in financial assistance.
I believe your implants are already covered to a certain extent in the event of rupture...this is supposed to give you 'added confidence'
It has to be postmarked within 45 days of surgery so I was wondering what other gals have done.
Thanks!
Kat0 -
Hi Ladies,
I'm new here. I have my fills in but won't be having my exchange until at least February, so I've just kinda been loitering around 'Exchange City.' Many of you have said you were posting pictures of the end results, but I can't figure out where these pictures are. Is there a "friend request" involved?
At risk of sounding like a pervy voyeur - how do I see your foobs?
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SallyEvian: there is a separate site that has the pictures and you have to get special permission and the password. You need to PM TimTam and she is the one that gives access... I know that part of the criteria is a certain number of posts on this site, and since you are at 9 posts, I think you might have a ways to go.... It is for the protection of the women that post their pictures, to keep lookie-loos away... but be patient, it sounds like you have time.... just start joiningin on the discussions.
Kat: I have Mentor and I don't think there is an extended warranty for Mentor, so I can't help you with that, sorry! Hope you're having a great weekend! I just spent the day screwing! Screws into cement board that is! haha! Wow, am I out of shape!!!! We are putting heated tiles in our bathroom and had to put the cement board down today before we can put the tiles in.... So, I was down on my hands and knees screwing every 8 inches! Guess I am back, can do anything!
Paula
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I believe that "insurance' is for augmentation patients. for cancer patients, we already have a 'guarantee.' If our implants get ruptured or otherwise compromised, I believe we are covered because they were part of (and will be part of forever) cancer surgery. So I don't think we need the $100 insurance. JUDY
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Hi Everyone,
I began posting on this thread in early April a couple of weeks before my exchange. I talked to Deborah about size and some other things and then really haven't posted since except for some PM's. I have however been on here on a daily basis (or more) to check in and follow everyones stories. You all are amazing women who have carried me through over the last month and a half. So many times I found myself nodding my head feeling exactly how someone else described. I found myself so much more anxious and emotional for the exchange than my other 3 previous surgeries. I have been very emotional since my exchange on April 23. I guess I expected to have this overwhelming feeling of joy when it was over, but I found myself very sad, angry, kind of hit a wall since my nov. 19 diagnosis. I am getting much better thanks to Deborah (the saint) and Paula. Thanks to all of you for carrying me through this journey. The other main reason to post was to tell you that I walked in the Susan G. Komen in Columbus, OH this morning and all I could think of was all of you. There were over 50,000 people there. It was AMAZING!! Chris Spielman was the guest speaker. This was the first year he walked without his beautiful wife Stephanie who died after an 11 year battle. I was surrounded by so many beautiful, kind, caring women and again all I could think of was all of you. You have been my angels. Your stories have been such an important part of my life. I truly could not have done this without all of you. Thank you for being so honest, caring, compassionate and funny women. I will be forever grateful. Today,our Miss Ohio sang "I hope you Dance" to all of the survivors as we stood on the statehouse steps in front of our families and friends. I hope all of you have the Dancing spirit in your heart - it's truly a happy place.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Many Hugs, Melissa
I
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Welcome, Melissa! And hugs to you, too! The Komen Race truly is a beautiful and emotional experience, isn't it? And that song, "I hope you dance"......I cry every time I hear it! I'm glad we've been here for you - that's what we're all about, my dear. Please know that you are supported and loved by all of us here on EC!0
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Val -- waaaaahoooooooooooo on the great nips unveiling! So happy for you and will head over to the pic forum soon for a gander. It must feel so good to have arrived on this day.
Kristinka -- I don't usually notice people's anniversaries... if you posted about it, my apologies for missing that. Did you mark the day?
Kat -- I have the Allergan (Natrelle) 410 so it has it's own sort of warranty since it is still technically in trials in the USA. But I think what Judy said makes sense: that warranty is not for cancer patients.
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After a long three days of work...
VAL... sweety... I AM SO happy for you! I am so pleased you are happy! I am going to go look!!! (((((( xxxooo))))))))
Newest members of EC, Welcome... Ask away! PM any of us old timers...LOL...
We are off to Iowa tomorrow to watch my D-I-L graduated from college...:) She will be the first in her family to do so....:)
Everyone on her side of the family is very excited... and we are proud of her...::0 -
Melissa what a sweet post.It made me cry when you mentioned the man who walked for the first time without his wife who lost the battle after so long. Bless his heart. That had to be very emotional. (((((Hugs))))) to you !!
I hope all of you who had surgery this past week are all recuperating and doing well.
I see we have several coming up this week. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I was just at a get together with some friends and my friends Mother was there and she is a 13 year stage IV survivor!!!!!!! Isn't that awesome? She is doing and feeling great! She has herceptin every 3 weeks and obviously it is kicking that cancers butt!! Just wanted to share that with you all.
Hope you all are having a great week-end!
Susan
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Thanks Judy! I wont be throwing any more money away!
I do believe I'll mail in my device tracking though unless anyone can give me a reason why that would be a bad thing.
Still smarting/stinging this morning. My post op instructions state to keep the bio-occlusive dressing on 'as long as possible' So I'll see if it will stay on through next week. As long as I can shower I'm good with it.
Sending prayers your way cs7777 for tomorrow and a successful exchange surgery for you!
Have a great day ladies.
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Tattoos tomorrow! So excited. My nips are bigger than my natural ones, so that tattooed area will also need to be a tad bigger. Since my new breasts are virtually the same size as before, I'm a bit disappointed but want things to look balanced.
I've also become slightly obsessed with checking out boobs. Hoping this goes away as I get more comfortable with my own. Once I have the revision surgery in the fall, I think I'll finally be through.
Val,congrats on your new nips! And good luck to everyone having procedures this week.
All of the stories about doing the Susan G. Komen walk have me convinced I need to do it next year.
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