Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Virtual Support Groups! See times and register here.

Exchange City

15455465485505511387

Comments

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    jkz:  So glad your surgery went well!  My MX waqs on the 20th of March and my exchange is coming up in exactly 2 weeks--Yippee Squishees for all!!!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    jkz:  So glad your surgery went well!  My MX waqs on the 20th of March and my exchange is coming up in exactly 2 weeks--Yippee Squishees for all!!!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    Brenda:  Good luck with your exchange--you have waited a long time for this and I wish you a speedy recovery!

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited August 2010

    Brenda -- good luck and thinking of you!

  • kate33
    kate33 Posts: 1,936
    edited August 2010

    Brenda- Hope everything is going smoothly with your exchange today and you are soon back home snug in your bed.  (((hugs!!!!!))))

  • toni67
    toni67 Posts: 10
    edited August 2010

    So this surgery was easier than the MX. DH took me shopping for bras the next day. Was not on pain meds except for Tylenol and I was back to work on Monday.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited August 2010

    Nice Toni!

    Oh I love that Eleanor Roosevelt quote!

  • jkz
    jkz Posts: 158
    edited August 2010

    Brenda sending best wishes your way. Hope your exchange went as smooth as mine did. I feel great..

    Toni I went shopping today for bras at Nordstroms after my appt. I am still quite swollen since my surgery was only yesterday so I decided to wait before buying any really good bras. My PS told me to just buy a tight sport bra which I already have so I think I will wait!

    I am still quite tight in the breast area. They are not real squishee. No cleavage yet. I hope in time I get that back. MY PS told me he had to stretch the cavity in order to fit the implant in the pocket. I forgot to ask what size implants he used. I know they are allergan high profile 600-650 or 700. Not too sure. I 'l have to ask at next weeks appt.

  • Lillies4Laurie
    Lillies4Laurie Posts: 2
    edited August 2010

    FACECRAFTER:  Do you know of any tatoo shops in Northern California that do 3D tats for nipples?

    Lillies4Laurie

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2010

    Brenda... I hope all is well!!!!!!

    TAYLORS brain is OK.... THANK YOU GOD!

    His Parathyroid is low and calcium high and magnesium high... more blood tests in the AM... but it SURE sounds like he has Hyperparathyroids Disease. If this is what is going on.... a simple surgery can cure it! PLEASE let this be it Father!

  • joansf
    joansf Posts: 55
    edited August 2010

    Hi ladies--I would like to join your conversation!  I am scheduled for my exchange on August 27.  I had my pre-op today.  I can not wait!!  I'm counting the days...well, I have been for some time.

    I see familiar faces from other boards--I did the Taxol/herceptin trial for her-2+; penguin colds caps, a nipple-sparing mx; and I've been following the implant-sizing 101 thread.

    I've also found the picture forum to be invaluable--I'm a uni, and it's so great that other ladies have shared their journeys.

    Thanks so much--Mykidsmom--if you can add me to the exchange list I'd so appreciate it.

    Love to all, Joan 

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    joansf:  Hi fellow Uni!  My exchange is on the 19th, so you will be right behind me.  I am counting the minutes!

  • NVDiane
    NVDiane Posts: 151
    edited August 2010

    Laura:  Oh, I hope that's alll it is!  Still praying!

    Joan:  Welcome from another fellow Uni! You're almost ready for Yippee Squishy! You'll love it!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    Laura:  Great news!  What a relief.  Big, big hug!

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited August 2010

    Joan -- welcome to the board!  If you want to be sure to get your date added to the header, then send a PM to Mykidsmom (she doesn't always see every post and might miss yours).  Also: I'm a uni too!  I see you said you used the penguin cold cap... I briefly considered it but my chemo was started up quickly (a week after it was decided that I would postpone further surgery till after chemo) and when I looked into it, it seemed complicated (involving lots of paper work to get it started and then lots of planning and shopping for varies supplies to ensure the proper cooling of the cap, etc) so I just said F it and lost my hair.  It's growing back now as you can see from my avatar :)  How did the cold cap work for you?

    Jennifer -- I'd say give it two weeks before you go bra shopping :)  As it is, you will be in that sports bra for at least that long while you heal up.  So glad you're feeling good!

    Laura -- OMG that is FANTASTIC NEWS about the brain scans!  And also very encouraging that they are narrowing it down and that they are thinking it's easily treatable.  Amazing, amazing!  Prayers will continue for you and your DS.

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Posts: 332
    edited August 2010

    Hey all! It's been a long time since I've been on this thread. So much has happened and I'm back in the reconstruction mode.

    My attempt at doing just an implant on the rads side failed,and I had an LD Flap with tissue expander surgery last week. I had 3 drains, the last of which was pulled yesterday (thank goodness). Despite my plastic surgeon's assurances, my arm is swollen with LE which is making me pretty uncomfortable. But then I'm still pretty swollen all over.

    As much as I cried over having this surgery, and starting over on the reconstruction (I'd already had my nipple tattoos when the implant failed), I know in my gut that this was what I needed to do. The LD surgery was not as easy as the previous 10 I'd had since my BC diagnosis. It knocked the wind out of me. But I'm slowly regaining my strength and health.

    Scheduled for my first fill in a couple of weeks.  

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited August 2010

    Texas -- awww damn 10 surgeries!?  Too much!  But I hope and pray that this one is it for you and that the final results are not only beautiful but comfortable.  I am sure you will be feeling better soon... it's hard, I'm sure.  The more surgery I have the more impatient I get to heal and I only had 4.  You are a trooper!  We are here for you.

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Posts: 332
    edited August 2010

    One question for those who have had LD Flap surgeries. I am very thin, and am finding the bulging feeling of the muscle wrapping around my side very uncomfortable. Does that get flatter as the healing takes place? I've heard about the tight bra feeling but never have seen anyone address this.

  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Posts: 448
    edited August 2010

    (((Texas))) Thinking of you. Hugs are going your way!!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    Texas:  Big hugs to you.  10 surgeries is alot to ask of anyone, expecially when it comes to reconstruction.  I hope that this is a keeper and that you get the LE under control and that you heal up swiftly.

  • Estel
    Estel Posts: 2,780
    edited August 2010

    It's two weeks today that I had my exchange and thought I'd give you an update!  :)  I've had the post-surgery blues pretty badly, worse than my DMX and TE placement.  I am grumpy, irritable, angry and weepy.  It's like PMS on speed.  Yuck!

    It is truly amazing how the foobs change!  I had some rippling about a week out, but that seems to be getting better, or I'm getting used to it. 

    Something strange that I haven't heard you ladies mention is the feeling came back under my arms and even on my upper chest since the exchange.  As most of you, I had a lot of pain with the TE's.  And I still hurt for a few days after the exchange but the pain has slowly subsided and the feeling has returned in my armpits and I'm tingling on my upper chest, where I was only numb before the exchange.  Wasn't expecting that! 

    Went and bought my first bra because all the old ones were extremely uncomfortable and I'm in a 32D!  Wow!  :)  I'll get professionally fitted at Nordstrom's when I see my PS again on the 17th.  But I wasn't expecting to be that big.  They're broader than my natural breasts, and do not project as far, but I'm pleased.  Now if these crazy post-surgery blues would just go away.  How long does it last?

  • artsy
    artsy Posts: 37
    edited August 2010

    Joan....welcome from another uni......exchange is a lot easier.

    Texas....wow, 10 surgeries....I hope this will be the last....big hug

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

  • Giselle7
    Giselle7 Posts: 70
    edited August 2010

    Dawne-Hope - I too have noticed some feeling between my breasts since the exchange. I thought it was my imagination but it is definitely there. A pleasant surprise!

    Try to look forward to your trip to Nodrstrom's. I know you will have a great time. 32D Awesome!Surprised

    Texas - My best wishes and positive thoughts are sent to you. 

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited August 2010

    DawnHope:  Sorry you're feeling so blue.  Maybe because it is so final once we get our exchange?  I guess I will find out on the 19th.  Hang in there as I hear it does get better with time.  I hope I am as lucky as you and get some feeling back after the exchange!

    Have a great weekend everyone!

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Posts: 727
    edited August 2010

    Just dropped by to report that my exchange took place yesterday.

    No nipples yet, no drains, smaller but definitely softer, bandages on the IF and the incision, little band aids all over.

    It hurts to sit, so I'm standing while I type this.  No nibbles yet! LOL!  But I can already tell I am going to be one happy girl!

    Brenda 

  • Estel
    Estel Posts: 2,780
    edited August 2010

    Giselle7 - Thank you!  It's weird to have feeling again.  Glad you're getting back some too!

    MBJ - Thank you!  The implants are soooo much better!  I'm excited for you!

    Adnerb - congratulations on making it thru your surgery!  So glad for you that you're going to be happy. 

  • didel
    didel Posts: 733
    edited August 2010

    Oh Brenda! Good for you...sounds like it went well. YEAAAAHH

    Glad to hear you feel good and happy!!

    Diane

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2010

    WAHOOOOOOOO BRENDA!!! I sent you a big WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO the day of your surgery...hehe.... but.. I am sure this is the first you are online... take your pain meds if you need... and keep getting stronger!

    OH TEXAS.. I just saw this... :(... I HATE RADS! There, I said it. I am SURE it saves our lives...well, SOME lives for sure... but I STILL HATE THEM!

    I am beyond sorry you had to have this surgery. I just wish, someday... rads and implants will be the norm....

    I have heard the tight bra feeling might not go away... but I think what you might feel now is the surgery tightness. Linda54 is thin like you. PM her about this issue. She checks BCO still to see if others need her on this issue. ((((((((HUGS TEXAS)))))))))) Also.. I got your PM.. so nice of you to write to me on this.

    We are still hangin' in there with our son. He is in such agony.. it is hard to watch.. real hard... but knowing it might be aok... helps us... blood work did not come in today.. but should Monday.

    Ladies... I have Wedding Hair to do in the morning.. 6 ladies... then I go TO the wedding and reception...... then off to my Hubbys Band Gig... where our SON is opening for him..LOL.. the whole family is musical... sooooooooooo.. I will get home tomorrow night at 3 am. Then Sunday I put on a Family Party for about 10... pool party..

    Lord..... He keeps my life full.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited August 2010

    Laura that sounds so wonderful -- a musical family!

    Brenda -- I'm SO happy for you!  You do sound well... heal up and enjoy :)

  • GG27
    GG27 Posts: 1,308
    edited August 2010

    I'm so happy that I can finally post in exchange city!!!   Had my appt with PS, my exchange is scheduled for October 15th.  I'll be getting Allergen 410FX's, I can't wait to get my exchange done, I don't mind my TE's although they are a bit hard.

    Thanks everyone who has posted their experiences, I really appreciate it.

    Cheers, Dee