Exchange City
Comments
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Good morning!
MBJ--thanks for helping me with the picture site--you look wonderful--your breasts are perfect for your body and so natural. You must be so happy!
Lilah--thanks for the answer on sensation. I got a similar answer from a gal I called last night, about more sensation. It's great you didn't lose it!
Diane--I loved your comment about e-mail turnaround times and how you'd get fired if you took so long to get back to a client. The waiting just adds to the anxiety.
Almagetty--I'm glad to hear you're having very little pain--it's reassuring to me as I go tomorrow. Did you have anything done to your natural side?
Cleo--Thank you for sharing that this is much easier than the mx--again, reassuring for tomorrow.
I am a wreck--I laid awake for four hours last night. I guess I'll get to catch up on my sleep tomorrow morning
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One more thing...I don't know about everyone else, but I don't think implants are not as simple a reconstruction as they're cracked up to be. It sounded so much easier than a flap reconstruction, with the abdominal surgery. But sometimes I think how far along I'd be with my recovery. One of my closest friends had it, about five years ago--she was in her early 50's. she had a nice match without any surgery to her other breast. However, she has had to have a repair done on the incision, and she always brings up the incision when we compare notes. I guess what was the real fallacy for me was when drs said, 'you already have (cosmetic) implants' as a rational for doing implant reconstruction--what are they thinking??!!.
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Joan -- I chose implant reconstruction because of the reduced amount of recovery time AND the less invasive surgery overall. I did not want to add scars to other parts of my body (my stomach, hips, butt or back) nor could I afford to be laid up for a few months of recovery (or even 6 weeks). After MX, after exchange, I was up and at 'em a week after surgery. Now granted I feel MUCH better three months after surgery but the healing time has been far shorter. That said, there are definitely issues with implants that one doesn't have with analogous (your own) tissue reconstruction (though the same can be said in the reverse). Reconstruction is not simple
By the way, I have photos on the picture forum too if you want to see my before and after. You will see there why I HAD to do the lift/reduction. Even if I had had analogous surgery I would have needed the lift/reduction as there is no part of my body that could have yielded a breast equal in size to what I had.
Unilateral symmetry is very difficult... with any of the choices. And if you are not happy with the implants you always have the option to do the analogous surgery down the line.
Here's hoping you have an easy surgery tomorrow and great results!
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Yeah, I was thinking implants would be easier. A year later and nowhere near finished I kind of wonder why i thought that. There are so many office visits and procedures! If I'd done a flap procedure I would have had a longer recovery from it but I'd probably be done. Actually, i have heard that there is always the chance you will need a revision. It's certainly not an exact science... sure gives you respect for what the Lord created.
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joansf: I did not have to have anything done to my natural side. The PS said from the beginning that he felt he would get good symmetry without having to touch the other side. He told my husband after the surgery yesterday that he felt he got very good symmetry and that he thought we would be pleased once everything had healed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed ...
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I had a PBM on 4/29/10. My right side is higher than my left. My PS said that it was the pocket and if it did not fix itself that he would be able to go in and fix it but I had to wait 6 months from my surgery date just in case is fixes itself. I am not happy with my projection/size and was going to talk to him about going bigger. Has anyone had a problem having any of these things covered by insurance? It was a one step procedure that I had done.
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almagetty: I am so happy to hear what your PS said about getting good symmetry. I took pictures this morning and will be posting as soon as I can get back on the picture forum.
joan: I am very pleased, too. My PS did a great job and they are better then what I started with and cancer free, so just a little more fat on my MX side and a nipple and I will be good to go. Very good luck and a quick recovery on your exchange tomorrow! Did your dr give you anything to help you sleep tonight? If not, try some melatonin.
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I just updated my pictures without the ace bandage on the picture site if anyone is interested. They look smaller in the picture hmmmmm LOL!
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Re: non-implant reconstruction -- the recovery is longer AND in most cases revisions are a part of it... it's not easier. But I'll grant you that implant reconstruction is not quite as easy as we wish it would be
MBJ -- can't wait to see!
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joansf, on the pix forum and on here, I am deekaay, 2 e's and 2 a's. It's funny, no one ever "sees" the second a. Wishing you the best tomorrow!! Post exchange is a good place to be.
Also, I think you will feel better after your exchange with the choice you made. I felt good within 5 days of my exchange. I had flap surgery 9 months ago, and as grateful as I am for that choice, I would never opt for it if I didn't have radiated tissue. For me, it was a tough surgery in terms of pain, recovery, and scars. And... I had LD flap with implant so I the flap issues combined with the implant issues. Whew! All things considered, I am still glad I decided to get re-boobed.
Brenda, I am so excited to hear what you had to say about the fat grafts. My PS does them a lot and says he can fix my divots, ripples, etc. As usual, I am anxious as surgery looms in a week, but I loved reading your positive results. I'll get nips at the same time. Question: did your PS extract the fat through a larger needle? It wasn't a lipo type removal, was it? Much pain? Not sure what to expect...deekaay
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joansf, on the pix forum and on here, I am deekaay, 2 e's and 2 a's. It's funny, no one ever "sees" the second a. Wishing you the best tomorrow!! Post exchange is a good place to be.
Also, I think you will feel better after your exchange with the choice you made. I felt good within 5 days of my exchange. I had flap surgery 9 months ago, and as grateful as I am for that choice, I would never opt for it if I didn't have radiated tissue. For me, it was a tough surgery in terms of pain, recovery, and scars. And... I had LD flap with implant so I the flap issues combined with the implant issues. Whew! All things considered, I am still glad I decided to get re-boobed.
Brenda, I am so excited to hear what you had to say about the fat grafts. My PS does them a lot and says he can fix my divots, ripples, etc. As usual, I am anxious as surgery looms in a week, but I loved reading your positive results. I'll get nips at the same time. Question: did your PS extract the fat through a larger needle? It wasn't a lipo type removal, was it? Much pain? Not sure what to expect...deekaay
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Kate - Just saw your post re having the Alloderm for the sling with TE and then all around with the implants. One PS had recommended that for me but none of the others did. He was the old guy that's done it for years. Bummer that the extra Alloderm is not working to cover the rippling. I haven't been able to see your pictures.... I did finally get some pictures of my rippling. I'm starting to be okay with it, however, when I wore a bathing suit the other day, you could see the big ripple I have from 2 o'clock midline to the nipple.... kinda disappointing.
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deekaay: You are right! I never noticed the extra a! I had lipo (needle?) done from my belly button and my tummy is very sore internally as if I did too many sit ups (right) for my fat grafting. No bruising really, just a bit tender and still swolen.
BTW: I went to Macy's today because I couldn't resist even though I can't wear a regualr bra for 6 weeks: 36D in the Warner's This Is Not A Bra!!!
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Happy Morning! Hoping the recent exchanges are doing well! And the new ones coming up shortly are very successful!
Kate, I'm very sorry for your rippling. Now, I'm scared! I've had no radiation, but my skin is thin. Already have some AlloDerm. And just because we have BC should not excuse a PS from doing their very best for their patient and have a rather flippant attitude about it. At least every doc I've seen has said I have a fantastic PS. I go for my final fill-up next Tuesday and you can bet I'm going to ask about rippling!
The PS already gave me 8 pages of what could go wrong (informed consent), I have to initial each page. I'm thinking YIKES, do I really want to do this???? They also gave me a booklet put out by MENTOR that I was told I had to read and then sign the last page when I go for my exchange. I told my DH that he needed to read at least the informed consent pages so that if/when it doesn't turn out, he can't say he never knew. haha
With my TE's at 375cc's, I can sleep on my side, if I don't put too much pressure on them and my head is pretty much in line with my neck. It feels good. Can't sleep on my belly.
My TE's can go up to 450cc's. Don't know what he'll fill them to on Tuesday. But he said he'll probably go with HP 400cc's in my exchange. He seems very confident and even told me on my left side (even though the cancer wasn't on that side, I opted for BMX and they found 4mm DCIS anyway and I had the nipple preserved), by Christmas, I wouldn't be able to tell I had a mastectomy. Didn't say that for the right side, which does not have a nip!
On the bright side (lol), my 2nd opinion onc said he didn't think I needed Tamo. He said I'm already at a 3% recurrance rate and since with the Tamo, only reduces to 6% (if I understood him correctly), he felt it wouldn't do me any good. Redundant, maybe? I'm thrilled with him over onc #1. Took as much time with us as we wanted, was very thorough and went over my path bit by bit explaining everything. His wife is also an onc in the same practice, they consult with each other, so it's like getting 2 for the price of 1!
He also is setting me up for genetic analysis! YAY. Wanted to do it before, but too cost prohibitive. My mom, her sister (deceased) and my sister have all had it. Now I found out from my mom last night that several other relatives on her side had BC. I'm so excited to be getting this done. And ins. will pay for it.
I'll be soooo glad when all this is behind me, or should I say in front of me? This site has been wonderful.
Am still confused about pics, though.
And MBJ: woooooot. BRA shopping!!
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I'm now at 48 hours after my exchange and I'm feeling pretty darned good. I'm off all pain medications since early morning yesterday and don't have any real noticeable swelling. I can also see a difference in the implant, which appears to have dropped (or perhaps fluffed) a bit. I get to shower tomorrow morning!
I'm thinking of Irish Colleen and Joansf today and sending prayers and wishes for a successful exchange and a speedy recovery their way!
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Almagetty: Yay for you!!! Glad you are doing well.
Best of luck IrishColleen and JoanSF!
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Whippetmom says I may be a 34DD!!!
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Oh, boy, MBJ!
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They don't look like a 34DD LOL!
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I think Oprah is right in that we've all been wearing the wrong size bra. There's probably a whole lot of DD's out there squeezing themselves into C cups. lol
Whatever size they are, MBJ, you look beautiful. Wear them in good health.
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tashrox: In answer to your question about revisions and insurance coverage: Yes, it should be no problem to get this covered - it is a matter of the PS presenting this properly to the insurance company.0
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Thank you very much for the reply, I really appreciate it.
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tashrox...You are welcome. If you want some implant sizing assistance, come over to the Implant Sizing 101 thread and read through the intro and provide the information necessary!
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Hi ladies--thank you for your prayers and support. Just a quick report from Day One--surgery this AM at 9. I am home, with my feet up watching Project Runway, enjoying a cup of tea and Saltines with peanut butter, 6:42 PM!!! Oh, and it IS SQUISHEE!! Just one drain, despite 'work' on both breasts. Irish Colleen, I hope yours went well. More tomorrow...
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I haven't been here for a long time, but it's good to see that so many of you have had reasonably good results with your exchanges and other surgeries. Reconstruction is such a long process....
My implant has developed capsular contracture for the second time (it was replaced last December), and I am nearly certain that I will have it removed and wear a prosthesis. The other option would be a lat flap, but my surgeon and onc are both concerned about post surgical complications and that is not a risk I am willing to take. The surgery will probably be some time next month.
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BonnieK....You would be a candidate for autologous fat graft reconstruction - such as is offered by Dr. Khouri in Miami. This is something I
Dr. Khouri's website:
http://www.miamibreastcenter.com/
Also, a secondary option would be to have the implant placed completely submuscularly - under the pectorals [upper 2/3rd] and the lower pole under the serratus and rectus abdominus. I mean, I want you to know there are other options...
I just hate that you are having so many complications...
Deborah
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Also Bonnie....did anyone suggest performing fat graft transfer to the previously radiated breast, in an attempt to soften the skin and capsule and thereby possibly downgrading the Baker grade of the CC? It has been done successfully...It does not require opening up the capsule - it is minimally invasive a procedure. It might take two sessions three months apart, but it might work.
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Deborah -- thanks so much for your responses. No one seems to understand how difficult this decision is for a woman unless they have walked in similar shoes. I may be 63, but I'm not dead and I'm not excited about having only one breast -- I'd rather have none. I will check out Dr. Khouri's website and will also call my PS next week to ask about other possible options. When I saw him this week, he only offered the lat flap procedure or removal. Thanks again. -bonnie
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Deborah -- thanks so much for your responses. No one seems to understand how difficult this decision is for a woman unless they have walked in similar shoes. I may be 63, but I'm not dead and I'm not excited about having only one breast -- I'd rather have none. I will check out Dr. Khouri's website and will also call my PS next week to ask about other possible options. When I saw him this week, he only offered the lat flap procedure or removal. Thanks again. -bonnie
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So what exactly is the "fluff?"
Almagetty -- Congrats on you exchange... glad to hear things are going well and you are feeling better.
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