Exchange City
Comments
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My exchange is this Thursday and I have to say I vacilate between being very excited and thrilled that I am going to get this awful TE out of me and being very scared and depressed and afraid I will wake up with lopsided, deformed breasts. This really requires a leap of faith--so up and down and all over the map emotionally.
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Diane: If you anticipate a lot of pocket work you may need more recuperating time than a few days. I did not have drains, and my pain was gone after 3 days. On the 4th day I drove to the ATM and the drive-thru restaurant.
Cheers and good luck to MBJ, Judy and brunettesrule!
Brenda
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Didel- As you can see, everyone's experience is different, but I had drains, lots of pocket work to bring the implants closer together and had very little recup time needed. I was off the pain meds within a few days so was able to drive almost immediately. The only thing I would caution you about is since (most people) don't have much pain it is very easy to overdo things which will then cause you pain. So I wouldn't life heavy things or do too much stretching but usually everything else is o.k.
Kristinka- Thanks for the invite to Foobville. I had my exchange on 6/29 but didn't know if that thread was just for your group who came "through the ranks" around the same time.
Waldo- Congrats on the new job!!!! That's a feat in this economy!!!
MBJ- I just wanted to tell you that even though my exchange was my 4th surgery it was the most emotional by far so I think it's pretty normal. There is so much pressure on this one to make us whole, again. I tried to explain this to my PS at my pre-op appointment because she didn't seem to understand why I was so stressed out. I said because this one's supposed to "fix" us and make it all better. To take all the ugliness away and make us beautiful again. I'm having this heartfelt moment and she looked at me and said, "Would you like me to write a prescription for some Valium?" LOL! (Never one to turn down Valium I, of course, said yes!) I did end up taking one a few hours before surgery and it did help, though. I know you're going to do great and LOVE your YIPPEE SQUISHEE so much!!!!
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jkz- I left a message for you on the picture forum but I think you look great. I see the issues you're talking about but I think after you "drop and fluff" those will be minimized or can be resolved easily. Your size and shape are lovely, though!!! Hang in there. It really does get better as the months go on.
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Kate & Lilah thanks for your feedback in the pic forum. I appreciate it. I think I am going to reschedule my nipple recon surgery on September 7, to sometime in November. I just had my exchange on Aug 4 so maybe I am rushing things a little too fast. I just cannot wait to have this all behind me
.How long does it usually take to "drop and fluff"? Do you think 5 weeks is enough time between these surgeries(exchange & nipple)? Is it better to wait?
Decisions, decisions...
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WALDO AND ANNA !!!!!!!!!!!!!
HI there sweet sisters... good to see you !!!!!!! (((((((((((HUG)))))))))))
ALL exchanges this week.... WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo for you !!!! You are going to do so good !!!!!!
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Di, I hate my implant for the same reason. It's my second--the first one dropped, and now this one has dropped, too. It's loose in my skin and moves all around my chest. But more than that, it's really painful and drives me crazy. It's been over a year. I really don't want to go through the whole DIEP thing--I'm sick of surgery, plus I get paid per day and don't want to lose any work time. I'm just sick of being in bed and want my life to get back to normal. I've thought of having it removed, and having my "good" breast taken off, too, but that seems extreme. I was doing some research yesterday and found this:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8880841
http://www.cancerlynx.com/mastectomypain.html
the first seems to indicate that more women with implants experience pain. I haven't figured out what to do about it, but I'm sick of it.
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Jennifer -- I am pretty sure I've seen others posting here that you should wait longer than 5 weeks for the nips. I think the drop and fluff can take months. Since, however, your PS is also going to address the extra skin you have, it might be worthwhile (for your own head) to do that sooner rather than later. Have you asked your PS about fat grafting?
I am waiting for a bit on the nip, for myself (for what it's worth). My PS said we would discuss it in November when I see her next. I was fine with that
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Lilah I did ask him about the fat grafting but he said he really didn't think that I would need that after I drop.. I think differently.. For now the extra skinand wrinkling can wait. I really don't want any more surgeries/procedures than I really have to have.
When was your exchange completed? I think I am just going to wait till November also.. This way if the divots are still there I will tell him I really want them fixed.. It just seems like this takes such a long time. I was hoping to be complete and tattoed by 1/2011. Looks like my tattooing will not take place till March...
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jkz- I had NS so not sure but it seems you would want to make sure you are completely done dropping before deciding where the nips should go. I know my PS said she wouldn't really address my rippling issues for at least 6 months until she was sure everything had settled. Along those lines it seems like the nips would be the same but I totally understanding wanting to be done with all this!0
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Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm gonna line up friends the night of surgery and the next day just in case. Im happy to know i won't be down for long. My PS told me he was cutting the muscles and thats' what concerned me about getting myself out of bed like a big girl
all by myself. UGH this week is my first 3 month check up bloodwork, PCP more bloodwork pre-op visit with PS and hopefully the last time I wait results for a while. I can't beleive my surgery is finally almost here! I am so excited. thanks to all for all your input. I may not post much here but i read it daily.
Good night! Have a great week!
Diane
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In general, it is better to wait at least 4 months, preferably 6 to do the nips. That way everything settles into place before they are done and there is less chance of them being catywumpus..
there are certain things you can fix, and others... well.... let's just say I'd rather have them pointing in the same direction...My PS does not do them for 1 year after the exchange for that reason. I think that's a little long to wait, but I understand his reasoning..
JUDY
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Diane good luck with everything.. I am sure it will all work out
Kate does insurance cover all the revisions or is this considered to be cosmetic? I know these insurance companies try to get away with everything they can..They expect you pay to all this money just to have the insurance and then try to skimp on what they will cover.. So frustrating!
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Insurance companies cover the revisions. They have to. They also cover the exchanges required after 10 years. JUDY
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kriserts: I am so sorry you are going through so much pain and that you are having reconstruction issues. One of the things I notice is there doesn't seem to be much physical therapy being prescribed for women, and I think that we all need it. I had to beg for one session and never qualified for a second session, but the first one relieved so much pain and grief. It was like I finally got to relieve all of the months of pain and stress leading up to the surgery. I didn't have insurance and the state of California is paying for my care, so it's difficult to get any extras. If I don't work, I don't get paid either, but here in California there are many options for temporary leave and disability pay that made it possible for me to take off of work and take care of my health. I really hope that you take the time to have your pain issues addressed. It is one of the many things my dr was and is concerned about and you shouldn't have to live with chronic pain.
(((Hugs)))Mary
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Judy: Wow, 4-6 months! I hope they give me a temporary nipple in the meantime!
Kate: Thanks for your words of encouragement, they really meant alot to me. My husband is completely bewildered by my mood swings and my depression because we are so close, but you are correct, this is what is supposed to make us whole again and we have such high expectations and being a uni I feel as if I am taking an even bigger chance of it not coming out alright. Taking a big, deep breath!!! Whooo! I just want it to be done!
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Brunnettesrule... GOOD LUCK with your exchange!
AND......... our OWN NIPPLE TATTOO ARTIST... FACECRAFTER/ JUDY...... is having her SECOND AND PRAYERFULLY LAST exchange tomorrow.... WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
If you pray.. or if you don't... PRAY FOR THIS TO BE JUDY's LAST exchange... ( first one failed because of STUPID rads...grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr)...
Anyway.... here is to... OUR GIRLS Tomorrow!
GO GETEM' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Brunettes Rule & Judy: I hope you both have successful, painfree exchanges! Yipee Squishees for Everyone!!!
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Judy -- praying for an easy recovery and a successful exchange! You deserve it!
Jennifer -- My exchange was in May... so it's a long wait for me til November to even talk to my PS about nips. Like I said, though, I am happy to wait and get on with life (and feeling good physically) before I have to have more surgery. Especially because my PS now plans to do a graft from elsewhere to create my nipple and areola (the skin on my implant side is very tight so there really isn't a lot left over for the origami method).
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Judy - I'm praying for good, lasting results for you tomorrow!
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brunettesrule and Judy- Wishing you a quick, uncomplicated exchange surgery, wonderful Yippee Squishees and a quick trip back home to your bed tomorrow!!!! (((HUGS!!!!!!))))))
jkz- Judy is right. They are supposed to pay for all revisions and any and all implant replacements for the rest of your life.
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Brunettesrule and Judy - Good luck today. I also have my exchange and hope I like the implant as much as the TE - Although my TE doesn't move - it looks good - maybe because I'm a small/medium B. Looking forward to the medically induced sleep...
Karyn
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Judy you are in my prayers and I hope all goes well with you.
Liliah, Wow that is a long time to wait for your nipple reconstruction.. My doctor is also taking skin from another place to create the nipple.
Well, I am calling my PS office this morning and cancelling this surgery until a later date. I am think I will reschedule for the first week in November.
To everyone having their surgeries this week good luck and you are also in my praryers. {{hugs}}
Jennifer
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Good luck this week to all the ladies going into surgery!!!
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My best wishes to Facecrafter and Brunettesrule on their exchange surgeries today. Sleep tight and wake up squishy!Can anyone explain to me how to include a photo in a post. I've seen it done on other treads and have tried with no luck. I know my exchange sisters will get a kick out of this.Thanks0
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Jennifer -- I think November is much better for you. In my case the extra long wait is due to the swelling I've had in my reduced breast due to post-surgical bleeding; I think my PS wants to give the swelling as much chance to go down as possible to get the best match (since I'm a uni).
Giselle -- sorry I have no idea! And it's a very good question
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Brunettesrule, Judy & Karyn: May the breast fairy be gentle and generous and may you heal quickly and without complications!
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Fat Grafting in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction with Expanders and Prostheses in Patients Who Have Received Radiotherapy: Formation of New Subcutaneous Tissue
Serra-Renom, Jose Maria M.D., Ph.D.; Muñoz-Olmo, Juan Luis M.D.; Serra-Mestre, Jose Maria M.D.
Abstract
Background: In secondary mammary reconstruction in irradiated patients, the use of expanders and prostheses is controversial, given that radiotherapy increases tissue fibrosis and capsular contracture. The authors assessed the usefulness of tissue expansion, prostheses, and fat grafting in patients who had received radiotherapy.
Methods: The authors conducted a study of 65 mastectomized patients (age range, 34 to 62 years) who had received radiotherapy with a 6-MeV electron accelerator. In the first operation, they inserted the Natrelle 133-MV expander (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif.) endoscopically under the pectoralis major at the end of the mastectomy scar and performed total immediate expansion. The authors injected a mean quantity of 150 ± 25 cc of fat in the upper quadrants between the skin and the muscle and also inside the muscle. After 3 months, they removed the expander through the same incision, inserted the McGhan Style 410 cohesive silicone prosthesis, and injected a mean 150 ± 30 cc of fat in the lower quadrants. In the third stage, the nipple-areola complex was reconstructed.
Results: Mean follow-up was 1 year, with controls after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months. No complications were recorded with the fat injections. Patients' mean satisfaction rating was 4 on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high), and the capsular contracture was never above 1 on the Baker classification.
Conclusion: In mastectomized patients who received radiotherapy, fat grafting in addition to traditional tissue expander and implant breast reconstruction achieves better reconstructive outcomes with the creation of new subcutaneous tissue, accompanied by improved skin quality of the reconstructed breast without capsular contracture.
©2010American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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FYI -- McGhan 410 is another name for Allergan 410, which is the gummy.
(I think maybe McGhan was bought by Allergan?)
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I know Allergan is made by Naturelle... This is what my PS told me..
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