Exchange City
Comments
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I'll have some catching up to do but not up to it right now. Just wanted to pop in to thank you all for your support and let you know I am resting at home after the exchange/revision yesterday.
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Kate -- the site is working fine. Sorry: it must be you
There is the initial user name and password (the one timtam sent) that should load the page and give you a place to enter YOUR user name and YOUR password. If you are not getting the box that asks for Timtam's info, then try copying and pasting the address in your browser (rather than clicking on the link).0 -
Also -- ladies! Sorry to have missed two days of posts! I've been busy with work stuff... so rather than comment on all the rest I'll just wave a big hello and wish you all pain free days and fabulous foobs
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Kate - just checked on the forums and if you are getting an "error message 406" try clearing your cookies and internet history and then cut and paste the link in your browser again and see if that works.
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JenC - I;ve been told that it is recommended to be fully expanded prior to radiation. There are a few of us who have been expanded after radiation (Including myself) but my ps says it only works 40% of the time. I didn't think I was going to choose the implant route or I would have done it before. I had planned on a Diep but lost some weight between chemo and getting dovorced and ended up not having enough belly fat. I'm on the small side so I didn't need to be expanded a lot and had my exchange 3 weeks ago. You may want to ask your rad onc prior to starting rads about expansion.
Best of luck to all the ladies who have had surgery this week and are having it next week. You guys rock!
Karyn
Getting ready for Earl
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I had fills during chemo - sometimes the same day!
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happymom: Remind me of your height, weight, ribcage again?
EDITED: Disregard - I found it! So you are a tiny thing. I think that 450 ccs or 475 ccs would be the most I would go on your frame. I mean, if you want pretty bodacious ta-tas, you could go with the 500 ccs...but lately I am getting some women who say their plastic surgeons urged them to go larger or just used larger implants despite their concerns, and now they are unhappy and want to be smaller. Most of us want to err on the larger size volume-wise, but I have to appreciate that there are those who are uncomfortable with large volume implants. If you feel you are too large at the current volume, I would say 450 ccs would be about right, because it would probably take implants with a volume of 550 ccs to give you the look you now have with your TEs.
I hope you now have access to the pictures forum - but if not - PM Timtam and ask for access. Look at Linda's, Val's and Kate's, photos and some of the others with your build for comparison. You can always send me photos or post them on the pic forum for assessment.
Deborah
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Hi ladies--I've been PMing Deborah on this, but I wanted to put it out there to the group...I had my exchange last Friday and had an implant swap on my native breast. I wanted to be smaller after a previous augmentation. I was surprised coming out of surgery at how small my breasts felt. I had had a 250 cc and as far as I knew I would be getting a 180 cc. The idea was to go from a D to a C after having originally been a small B. I got the card yesterday from Natrelle, and it turns out the new implant was a 120!! Also, Deborah noted it's a very low profile.
I am trying to just make the best of it. But I had an appt just now to take the drain out, and he didn't see my, just his NP. She came in and asked me straight off how I liked the size. I said, 'gee, it's an adjustment' and 'oh, by the way, I thought the smallest you could go was 180, but I see it's a 120, and I'm wondering how that happened." And she just nods, and smiles and nods, and takes the drain out, and never answers me.
It was so upsetting. Why lead off a conversation with such a sensitive point--I went over this a million times with them...but why lead off and then not engage??!! At this point, I just feel violated, because something was done to me that I had no control over.
I don't want to make a career of having my boobs done!
Anyway...I owe Deborah photos. Has anyone taken photos of themselves? Can you take them in the mirror? I'm single; my 25-year-old daugher's here--she'd probably do it if I asked, but I had a lift and it's pretty nasty, and I wouldn't ordinarily be showing her my bare breasts.
thanks.
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I just took them in the mirror Joan. Sorry you are not happy with the results. Is it 120 on both sides or just on the augmented side that you reduced the size of?
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Hi Ladies,
Not sure where to post this ... so I'll go ahead and post here. I had sentinel nodes removed on each side at my initial surgery and when I got near the end of my fills, I noticed tingling and swelling in my left fingers. Over the months, it comes and goes, but never completely goes away. Long story, but finally, today, I was able to meet with a lymphedema specialist and I felt so relieved. She really heard me. She said that there are those in her profession who are trying hard to get surgeons and insurance companies to wake up and listen that every woman who gets a MX should have at least one consultation with a therapist who can show them how to do the massage and the exercises. I was encouraged. In the end, we just want someone to listen. And they're beginning to. Thankful.
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Joan: Most of us took our own photos - standing in front of a mirror. After a few photos, you learn how to get the best angle for an optimum photo.
Dawne-Hope: I am so glad you are getting the help you need for LE. What a relief for you!
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And, I FINALLY have access to the picture forum! I looked at MBJ's photos ... you look fabulous!
And Kate33's because we have a similar frame and you too, look fabulous! Thanks, whippetmom for the advice on how to take pictures because I live alone and was wondering how to take some pics. Thank you too for your encouragement. 0 -
Kate, love the wise momism.
Well, it's surgery eve for me...nips and fat grafts. I'm pretty much ready. I had an extremely busy week at work so I am trying to chill for any hour or so tonight before I go to bed. Can't wait for them to get that i.v. started tomorrow so I can really relax.
I got back in the forum easily tonight. Amazing how quickly Timtam got it back for us.
Well, girls, see you on the other side. Astorm, happy healing. deekaay
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Donna & Kate33
I had fat grafting & love the results! I contemplated too but eventually tried it. I am SO happy that I did because it addressed the divot I had on my upper pole of my BC side. I've heard that the results may not take or last but so far so good. At least it can be re-done if ever needed....I'm good with that.
So, with that...Donna...if you can have it done along with the other procedure I would go for it. Believe me..in fact...initially after the grafting I was still unsure if I should have done it. It does feel strange at first...feels "pebbly" where the fat was injected. Felt like a solid mass. I was not "sold" on this at all but a few months later it changed...for the better. Now the area feels "normal" & don't even notice anything having been done.
Hope this helps! There are several of us on the pic forum who have pics posted post fat graftings..I also have pics there. Having looked at other ladies & their results made me comfortable to proceed.
NAE
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Go Deekaay... go Deekaay... go Deekaay !!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO! You can do this with your head up HIGH! (((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))
Jen.. I have had Chemo... surgery...rads... BLAH! MD ANDERSON'S protocol for having the best chance of Implant ONLY reconstruction is.. FULLY EXPAND PRIOR TO RADS. If you have to FORCE this PS to get you 100% full while you are in Chemo.. so be it. If this PS will not do this... GO GET ONE WHO WILL..... PM me ANYTIME on this. Out of many women on BCO... who had Rads with TE/Implant only... I am one of about 3 that is worked for. I researched the crappolla out of this topic sister.... I am 1 1/2 years out...... and counting!
GAIL.. glad you're home... keep us updated...
DAWN... LE.. sister.. I am sorry. I got's it too. trunkel and arm..:(.. it drives me NUTS. I am dealing with it.. but I hate it. Summer is going to be my act up time...
.. anyway.. I wanted you to know, you are not alone on here with LE... I am a fellow sweller. BLAH! Anytime you wanna talk...PM me. I am here.0 -
Dawne-hope - I have been trying to find the pictures forum with no luck. where the heck is it?
Estepp -- Thank you for the information. I have an appointment with my PS on Tuesday so I am definately going to talk with him abou this. I will have 8 weeks before I start Rads so hoping that he will be able to do the fills prior to that. I had some issues with the implant they put in during surgery and had to have it removed due to "thinning skin" so that is why he was waiting but we also thought I would not need rads... Another joyful thing recently added to this whole mess. anyway, definitately something I am going to try to do. Thank you again.
Jen
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Estepp - Were You expanded before rads or after? Is there any correlation between how your skin holds up during rads and implant sucess? I had my TE placed after rads and knew the risks, I was hoping to have a diep but lost some belly fat and wasn't a candidate when the time came. My PS said we should try expansion and I may end up with a LF. My implant is only 360 and I'm hoping the small size helps with my success. Thanks for your helpful information.
Karyn
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Ladies, I am hoping for some encouraging words here. I had my exchange on Wednesday. I thought my PS and I had agreed on HP implants of at least 450cc...but I was given moderates at 425 cc. My right side is about an inch higher. If he was trying to restore me to what I was before then I must say he succeeded. I am just so disappointed and emotional about it...can't stop crying. If he anticipated a problem why couldn't he just tell me. I won't get to see him for 2 weeks to hear why. It's probably a good thing because right now I might choke him! How much 'dropping and fluffing' can I expect. I think there were others here who were initially very unhappy and would love to hear how you feel now.
Jan
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My exchange/ revision was Wednesday so it's too early to panic, but it looks like the right side is still smaller than the left. I'll get re-wrapped this afternoon so maybe I'll get a peek? There were so many issues... rippling, asymmetry, dogears, left side under my arm, right side had visible creases in the implant, you name it. I'm sure there will be some improvement even if they are still not "perfect". Just hope it is all worth the pain... this is the first procedure (including the bmx) that caused actual pain for me. Looks like I got 600cc this time (we were thinking 560 or 600 to replace 450cc salines filled to 480cc), but with the encapsulation and pocket adjustments I should be about the same size.
Has anyone had to terminate a PS? I didn't talk to him before my revision (with a new PS) but during our last appointment he said there was no need for a revision so I just called my favorite "other" opinion and we went to work on the revision. Yesterday the old PS's office called regarding setting up an appointment and I called back after hours and left a brief message stating that I wasn't coming back. I wanted to send a letter but DH thought I should avoid any discussion with them (not that I'm considering litigation or anything... he just thinks that way).
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Janleigh, I'm so sorry to hear of your disappointment but because I just had my exchange on the 25th I really can't help.I just want you to know from what I've learned on this site, just about anything can be fixed! I'm still suffering from intermittent itching and once again, ugly looking scars. I did want to ask anyone out there what specific restrictions do you have after exchange and for how long? What does NO lifting, pulling, pushing really mean? Can I do housework? Can I lift the juice container? Can I take my 2 puppies out on their leashes for a short time? Can I lift my arms up enough to wash and fix my hair? I'm one week out and looking around at so much that needs to be done and thought I'd ask before I jump in!( my usual style!) Thank you!
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Cleo - my PS specified no lifting over 2 pounds... that's 32 ounces. My small dog is 9# and the cats are both over 10# so I'm missing them being in my lap (probably just as well since I have drains). I was also told to keep my arms down and only move from the elbows; no reaching or stretching for 2 weeks minimum. After the first week I was able to walk my dogs because they don't pull on their leashes -- I think moving around is good; haven't felt like it this time yet (only 2 days out and my arms are really sore). With my first exchange I tried to swiffer and was uncomfortable the next day. One week out you start noticing things (and caring about them), but you still need to take it easy! I have my daughters put things where I can reach them before they leave for school.
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astorm, thanks for the specific information. Good luck on your soreness, I hope it subsides very soon. Compared to my bilateral msx, this is so much less pain that it's hard for me to remember to go slow. I will definitely be careful with the ounces I'm lifting and start delegating chores to my kids! (and hubby!)
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Jan: Just want to reassure you that you need to give it time to see how these implants shape up for you. It is only a 25 cc difference which is really quite minimal. But you gained some width and sufficient width is required to fill up the cups of a bra and provide cleavage. We have to also appreciate that no matter what size we hope for, it all boils down to whether there is good implant coverage with the skin envelope. If your PS felt that a 450 HP, with more projection, compromised the closure, he had to do this. You would not want anything which might threaten skin integrity. So hang in there and give it two weeks to see how everything settles. Give the higher implant time to drop. One of my implants sat higher than the other for the first week. As I have said previously, I get more cyber-tear-stained messages and emails from women in the first few days after the exchange, than I do at any other time in the reconstruction process. It is a pretty normal emotional phase some of us go through after this long journey. This phase takes more patience than does any other phase of reconstruction. Let's see how things look in a couple of weeks.
Deborah
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Gail, I terminated my first PS. I wanted a revision and he said I was perfect. I never told him I wasn't coming back. I just went to new PS (and love him still). Old PS's scheduler sent a letter saying I was due for nipples. I ignored the letter and they have ignored me. I guess he thought I was too much of a problem to try to keep me as a patient. I do want to go back and get all my records from old PS tho. No litigation here either. He did beautiful work and he's very skilled in the OR. Just not in the office. Total difference of opinion in how I should look after recon.
Jan, I had my revision 10 1/2 months ago. Up until about a month ago, my right side was smaller than the left. Now they appear to be more the same size. The left side does sit a bit lower than the right, but not enough to do anything about it. Changes can happen for a long time.
Who was it that had the most amazing fluffing ever? I know she had pictures posted and she seemed to expand more every week. Ended up just beautiful. Chemo brain can't think of her name but she was devastated just after exchange.
Saw my PS on Thurs. for a follow up. We discussed, again, the large indent on my right upper pole. He again said he doesn't do fat transfers, BUT this time he gave me the name of an associate who does do it. PS made sure to tell me that he would be the one to follow me tho, not the guy he referred me to. Maybe he remembered that if he can't do what I want, I will go to someone else.
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Oh Deborah thank you for your reassurance. Logically, I know you are right. I will try to be patient and give the process a chance. You are so kind and generous with your time. I appreciate it more than I can adequately express.
Jan
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Firni, Well here I am crying again! You are all so kind and supportive. Thank you for your reassurance and letting me know that changes can happen even for months afterward. My PS is a poor communicator. I feel like I have to drag every little bit of information out of him. I have learned so much more here about what to expect. That is really unfortunate. Thanks again Firni!
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MBJ - I called my PS today even though I have an appointment Tuesday and told them about the rads and asking when we can start fills. We are hopefully on Tuesday gonna set a game plan to get me expanded prior to radiation. Fingers crossed all goes well and we can start.
Jen
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Hi everyone,
It's interesting to read the posts on this thread because we are all in such different places in our reconstruction, but still going through basically the same thing. I had no idea that "immediate reconstruction" meant that the reconstruction could take years before it is complete. My second implant needs to be removed due to capsular contracture (same thing happened to the first one), but I've scheduled an appointment with a highly recommended PS for a second opinion before moving forward with the surgery. If there is a different option besides complete removal or lat flap surgery, I'll explore that. Otherwise, the implant will be gone fairly soon.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Bonnie
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I finally got my last drain out today!! Exchange surgery was on 8/11 so this is a huge relief. Just in time for the holiday weekend. I treated myself to a couple of new bras!
Enjoy the long weekend! Good luck on upcoming surgeries.
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Lilah- Thanks for the help with the picture forum link. I will try that. joansf- WTH? I've never heard of a PS changing sizes on anyone! And to disregard your question and concerns is unacceptable. So sorry! Dawne-Hope- Thanks for the nice comment on my photos!
deekaay- Good luck with your fat grafting and nips. Hope you get wonderful results! Am also considering grafting so would love to hear about your experience. Astorm- Am also considering "firing" my PS. Like Fimi's, she is good in the OR, but not so much in the office. It's awkward, though, as my BS and PS are good friends and I still love my PS! Bonnie- Sorry about the complication with the implant. Deborah posted on here a few pages back about a Dr. in Miami that is creating breasts just from fat grafting. No flaps, no implants. Might be worth checking into if you still want to reconstruct and the implants just aren't working. Here's the link again-0
