Exchange City
Comments
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Jerusha -- I did send you a long PM
But for others -- my gummy is an Allergan 410 MX 685... the largest of the medium height, extra projection implants available in that model. I really do like it! It has a little squish to it, but is firm. It does not jiggle and, I'm told by my PS, will not move (due to the textured surface). I suspect one could go braless with this type of implant, once fully healed, but of course you should always follow the guidance of your own PS. For now, as I am definitely still healing, I'm in a bra 24 hours a day.M-star -- yeah it sure sounds like what you had in your hand was the gummy (Allergan 410). MM -- means medium height, medium projection -- the grams are the grams. The surface, which looks a bit like frosted glass, is the textured; textured is what keeps the gummy from moving. I was able to hold and squeeze one of these myself prior to surgery and compared it with a traditional silicone (which IS squishier)... and I have to say that now that it's IN me the gummy still feels about as squishy as when it was outside of me; perhaps slightly less due to the pectoral muscle, but on ME anyway, the important thing is that it's about the same squishiness as my remaining breast -- and I too was always on the firm side.
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Hello all,
I had my exchange surgery yesterday, can you share with me what you all have experienced in daily changes. My implants are Natrelle 20 filled with 650 cc's. Right now they do not look as though they are a full C/D is this what you all have experienced? Any help is appreciated, this was not explained with dismissal instructions. Thanks Anna
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Kay: Yes, anything uploaded on to this site is for everyone to see.
Brenda
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I am having difficulty posting my oictures on the picture forum. It tells me the picture is too large, so I went to the site they recommended and downsized it, but now I can't find it....URRRRRR!!! I have to go get me son from school, will try again later. If anyone can give me a tip on posting pics on the timtam site please help!! Thanks
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Have any of you that have recieved radiation been warned not to expose this skin to the sun??
Even 19 years on for me, my onc STILL drills it in to me NOT to sunbathe and to cover my chest up (i had full chest radiation) with sun block and a t-shirt.
The radiation (and chemo) has put me at increased risk of other cancers.Breast being one,skin being another (and there are others).
Just interested to know if anyone else had been warned. Irradiated skin should be kept out of the sun, let alone having it burn.
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OMG, lol, I skipped a day and a half and now I'm 4 pages behind! lol
So sorry Jerusha !!! I will PM you about my experience with CPG's for 6 months.
I just had nips, so am working on photos today. I obviously spent way to much time lookingin the mirror and celebrating the 'icing' instead of posting! lol
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Hi -
I literally walked in the door less than 15 minutes ago from having my exchange surgery. I LOVE THE SQUISH!!!! It feels like a vice has been loosened. I was expanded to 525cc on my 5'7" 108 lb frame, 28 1/2 chest band measurement. My implants are Mentor High Profile Smooth Round 600cc - and so far so GREAT!!! I do know that there will be movement and I am hoping for the better; but even if they stay as is - I can live with them. I am also sans port.
My surgery was by far the easiest of the 6 I had over the course of the last 8 months - prepped at 8 am, in at 9:15 ish and home by 1pm (I live 20 minutes from hospital). No drains, no binding, just tape and guaze under the boob in the fold. Prior to surgery I thought he said he was going in the same BMX scar - but I am not complaining. I had extra skin in the fold - and also a previous scar from earlier breast lift/reduction 10 years ago so maybe that was his thinking? At any rate, I am not seeing him until next Thursday and have instructions to leave them as is until tomorrow when i should swith to a soft supportive NON-underwire bra. I have some reasy (I think) but can always go to a sports bra if necessary.
Anyway, I posted on the picture site so take a look and let me know what you think.
Deborah - your nips are awesome!!! I also like the web link to the types/sizes and have saved it for when I get to that step.
binga and bigapple - hope all went well for you!!!
I will continue to update as I drop and fluff! Thanks again for all the encouragement.
-Jaclyn
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Great news Jaclyn! I am so happy you are doing well and already so pleased.I am sure they will just keep getting better.
Kay I have also been warned about the sun.I am scared to go in the sun at all because I have had so much radiation, but then they tell me I need natural vit d from the sun. So I just take it in small doses and slatheron the sun screen on my chest and neck. I will say I went to my son's field day yesterday and was in the sun about 3 hours and used 50 block and I got really burned. You can definatly see a line on my chest and neck where I got burned more where I was radiated.
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Jaclyn -- woo hooo!! Sounds like a dream surgery. Rest up, take it easy; heal
Anna M -- don't spend too much time examining the shape right now... the shape will change as the implants settle into the pocket (at least this is what everyone here says -- not so much if you have a gummy implant, Allergan 410, but you don't so: be patient!) Everyone reports that there is a "drop and fluff" factor with implants where they take a few weeks to a few months to achieve their final shape. I'm sure others will respond but FOR SURE you should give it time -- how they look right now is NOT how they will look a few weeks, even, and a few months from now.
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susiered: I pm'd you with instructions for the pic forum. Just email me the photos if you still have a problem and I can load them for you.0
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susiered~~ yes i have occaisonally got my chest burned over the years(only got told about the increased risk and to cover up and no sunbathing thing about 3 years ago!!!) but im more careful than ever now.
Factor 50 block on every hour.Under an umbrella when on holiday or cover up with a kaftan/t-shirt if i'm out and about. I don't want to do something i may live to regret later!
I have spoken to a lady on ACS CSN who had radiation for hodgkins like me, and she has has a skin cancer come up just under her arm. Made me really sit up and take notice....
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I posted my 11 week post exchange photo if anyone has time to check it out. I think they've changed some(drop/fluff) but since I look at them every day, I would like to get feedback from ya'll.
TCK
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Dawne-Hope- Little white lines are probably old stretch marks. I freaked out and thought the same thing when I saw white lines (after my third expansion). My sister reminded me that stretch marks are red when you first get them, they only turn white much later. Been a while since I was pregnant...she was right. I guess I just haven't noticed them on my breasts for all of these years-the stretching makes them much more visible!
Laura2 - Thanks -He's my chemo puppy. Already had three dogs and was forbidden to bring home any more animals until the 2 oldest dogs died (they're 14), but who can say no to a girl with cancer? Your iris picture was beautiful. Mine aren't even close to blooming and I'm south of you in NY. You must have the touch!
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Jaclyn - WOOOOHOOOOO!!!! Glad it went so easily. Now rest! geneskirt - FABULOUS on your nips. YIPPEE!
I had my 9-day post-op PS visit today and he said all's well! We're both really happy w/the result--size & placement are nearly identical to my healthy breast. You gals will think this is funny, but I actually wish it had slightly less projection as it protrudes up top a bit more than my normal breast; the PS said it will likely settle and flatten a bit so give it time. He said he could do a nip & tattoo in a few months. I probably will. Interestingly, he does the tattooing personally (if I do it at his office). My only issue now is I feel like I'm having contractions/spasms across my pec. I hoped to massage it but he said wait a week first. In the meantime I'll wear a bra for support.
Jerusha - I know there's bras 101 now but since you asked here I'll reply here - My PS said I can go braless, now and forever. I'm unsure of whether that's because its the 410 implant, the health of my tissues, that my implant is small, and/or just his philosophy. Nonetheless, I have a lot of respect for the rationale in Val's Bras 101 post, and currently I'm wearing a bra ~20 hrs/day. Still, I've hated bras for years and still do, and expect to go braless at some point after I'm well-healed. That's just me.
Re sunburn - remember our skin is no longer as well vascularized as pre-MX so it doesn't have the same capacity to heal after a sunburn as before. Rads skin is doubly so. (This is actually the theory being tested for doing fat-grafting pro-actively in rads skin with implants - not for aesthetics, but to help generate new vasculature in the skin and make it healthier.) I definitely second the comments that it's critical to keep our chests covered or sunscreened. We can make our vit D from our arms and legs skin (or take supplements).
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Jaclyn - Congrats! I'm so jealous!! I'm not looking forward to another month of summer trying to hide my excessive cleavage and wearing a wig! I'm at 660cc's on a 5'6 130lb frame and I'm scared too death I'm going to end up too busty. What bra size were you shooting for? Do they seem much smaller than your TE's?
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Brenda...I use a Canon Power Shot S2 1S..it's several years old..easy to use nice macro and zoom
Thanks everyone for the kind words about my iris...glad it cheered every up
Congratulations Jaclyn! so glad your exchange went smoothly.
Kay you can make your Flickr account private or public...it's up to you
I don't remember if I told you that I love your video...you'll be able to do that again So far behind on posts...hope everyone is doing well and healing quickly....
So many new booby and nip pictures posted...looking forward to seeing everyone's progress!
Strength and healing to all,
Laura2
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Kat - OMG....say it isn't so.....I'm about to head to the beach on Saturday! Last year when I was in my TE's I didn't have any trouble, though did make sure that my scars were completely covered. Luckily, I have an appt with my ps on Friday to get my sutures out, so I'll ask him.
Darn it.....I'd hate to have my cute new bikinis have to be all covered up now that I can actually fill one out!
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Val61: Let us know what your PS says Friday. I'd love to hear his viewpoint. With the long holiday weekend, I planned to spend some time in the sun as well.
TCK
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Hannahbearsmom - In fact, I'm heading to your lovely state to spend my time (hopefully) in the sun. We discovered OBX when my dh was stationed in VA, and we've been going back nearly every summer since. I'll let you know about the ps....0
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Been a long time since I've been on this thread, but wanted to finish it out. Had the dressings taken off my nipples this morning. I love them and are very pleased. I posted on the picture forum.
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Hi there cs7777. So either you wake up during the night to take off your uncomfy bra, or you don't sleep very much! Ha ha. If you are up in the middle of the night, PM me, cause my sleep pattern is kind of like a teenager. Except that I have to get up and got to work in the morning. I'm so glad to read what you and Lilah, (and maybe some others, cant remember) are saying about the 410 and no bra directive. I know that each PS has his own protocol and I am anxiously awaiting to have a phone chat with mine, as my next appointment is the afternoon before surgery. Being told that I will never have to wear a bra again with the gummy might just be the deal-clincher I'm looking for! I have always loved beautiful bras, nighties,etc, and have quite the collection ( I discovered emptying out my bra drawer after my BMX), but as I've gotten older/droopier I have found bras increasingly uncomfortable. Literally the first thing I did every evening when I walked into my house , was take off my bra. My 16 year old skinny, athletic,VERY flatchested twin girls would laugh at me so. "Mommy, WHY do you do that?" "Dunno, it's just a middle aged thing, I guess". Sort of like elastic waist pants!
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Val: Promise to head to the bra site next to read and lend my support
KAt: I am headed to the Adirondacks for the long weekend and was planning on laying out in the sun I will be very carefull and might even put in a call to my PS nurse to see what their philosophy is. But, crap, I love getting a little color. So Im guessing my string black bikini is a no-no?
Jaclyn: I am so happy for you that you are home and happy. 600cc implant on a 28 1/2inch rib cage you are going to be fabulous to behold!! You go girl!
Slept on my side a little last night and I acctually felt comfortable.
Incision scar: Part of my incision scar on my right side has this 'thing' under it that kind of looks like a raised scar/stretch mark. that section of my incision is hard and difficult to move around. Does anyone else have this? What is it?
Kristen
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Jaclyn: I'm so glad to hear how well you are doing! Woo Hoo! The closer I get the more nervous I've been so it is wonderful to hear you are even up to going on-line so quickly when you got home!
Binga, artzy, and Packergirl: Thinking of you all this week!
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Lee! You are NOT going to be "too busty"....the size will be perfect for your frame..550 ccs and even 600 ccs. With breast reconstruction, more is less.
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Hi Jerusha
The Mentor Site is a little difficult to navigate I found. The link to use at EC (top of this page) is to the third one to the Physicians info under ",Mentor Ultra High Profile Implants". Click this link to take you to 1. MENTOR PRODUCTS(left side menu), then 2.CONTOUR SHAPED BREAST IMPLANT, then scroll down to a very helpful chart with photos (Scary to think that this is how Physicians learn, lol). it is here that it charts the CPG 300 series and explains levels of cohesive, height and projection factors. Don't forget to click on sizing chart.
http://www.mentorcorp.com/global/physician-information/contour-profile-gel.htm
My CPG 323 are the most 'cohhesive' level, ((aka FIRM.... and they are:(, but at 495cc they give good projection - so I guess I traded feel for projection.I don't know if thats good or bad, I just think holding thesample implant in my hand prior to surgery it felt acceptable. i think other variables contribute to the firm feel i have 1) i went from A/B to C/D after a sugically "agressive " MX, seromas for weeks as it healed, rupture of pec muscle (so 2 exchanges) etc. All that said... I'm a well satisfied, bona fied EXCHANGED girl!
Would I do it again? .... ? Yes
Do I think I and my PS made the right choice for my variables? ... ? Yes
Do I think its right for everyone? .... No!:)
And it's incredible to think that if I want/need revision and refinig down the road, it 's available.
I would like to learn more about Fat Grafting, tatooing, scar reduction, lazer hair removal under my tight arms now, and have some spider veins, and skin tags lazered away, lol.....
But then I remember.... whats MOST important(my family).... and BC taught me THAT
Hugs and encouragement xo
P.S. i wrote this in bed, and my DH was curious what I was spending my attentionon, lol, and he read my post..... and then said "????!!!!!!I DON'T THINK THEY FEEL THAT FIRM" -
so, there ya go - maybe we should be asking MEN what they 'feel', lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0 -
Kristen -- I had some pocket work done on the outside of my right breast and there were internal sutures that took about a week to relax, maybe 2 weeks actually. I was afraid I would have terrible welts but it has relaxed completely. (My exchange was in January).
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Hi all, well I officially can't keep up with EC anymore, but I like to check in and see how you lovely ladies are doing. Lilah and cs777. so glad that you continue to heal and feel better!
I met with my PS this morning and he recommends 3-D tattoos (which he does) instead of surgical nipples because he doesn't want to make incisions past the areolas. I'm very happy to avoid surgery this summer, and I can always do it if I want later on. Right now the tattoo date is July 2 and then I'll look a little less lopsided than I do right now.
enjoy your evening-
Kristen
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I lost who asked about stretch marks but I had started getting them too and I still have a couple but I have to look for them. Val, Mac will resize the pics, please tell me how, I'm so sick of using that picresizer! Anna, You really can't judge them yet. If you have access to the picture forum, I took pictures every week after the exchange and you can see from week to week how much they change. It's now been 5 months and they're different than the latest pictures I posted. In the beginning the muscles sort of squish them down so they're more flat than they will be later.Kristinka, I'm feeling exactly the same way. I want so badly to keep in touch with those that I've gotten to know but it's so hard to keep up here anymore. When I get behind I miss everybody!Julie0
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Kat - Thanks! I'm going to try the Kelo-cote gel on my scars...too scared to try the silicone tape since I have such a tape allergy.
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Is Kelo-cote gel an over-the-counter product? Is it better than Mederma?
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