Exchange City
Comments
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Sounds good Mfrog! Enjoy and SO glad you are happy
You will get to wear the comfy bras soon.
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Dawne-Hope: How interesting...because I feel that I might have some lymphadema in the fingers of my left [SNB] hand also. Especially my ring finger. I have nightmares about being mugged, because a hoodlum would have to saw off my finger to get the diamond ring off. My husband and I were using a restaurant gift certificate he won at a golf tournament a couple of months ago - a very popular southern barbeque restaurant in an area of town we don't go to very often - it can be a bit rough. One week later to the day and nearly the same hour, that restaurant was robbed at gunpoint. Guests were asked to hand over cash and jewelry. That is when my nightmares started.
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Congrats on being squishy, mfrog. It certainly does feel good and I'm thrilled that you're happy with the results.
Maybe if you get another certificate to that place, Deborah, you should give it away. Dinner is not worth those nightmares. My left (cancer side) fingers and especially my thumb have been swollen since my Mx in Oct. of 2008. I've tried PT, massage and compression gloves (which are totally impractical) and nothing has brought the swelling down. New normal?
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Yeesh Deborah! That would give me nightmares too! I agree with Firni -- pass on that place next time!
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MBJ - the jury is still out if it was a good idea to get a peel. My face is still really red and blistery and I have to cover it with Aquafor (like vaseline), I can't/or don't dare be seen. It is called CO2 laser resurfacing (I think), it hurt more than the exchange for sure, but only for 1 day, now it's just itchy and annoying. Love the squeezeably soft foobs though!!
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Valerie: I had a peel done about 4 years ago and it was similar, though I don't think it was as deep as yours is. I couldn't leave the house for about 1 or 2 weeks. I too had to cover it in Aquaphor and it burned like hell. I was told to dunk my entire face in ice water several times a day to ease the burning. Glad this is distracting you from your foobs LOL! My skin looked amazing after the peel so it was worth it.
Deborah: That's horrible! I cannot imagine being robbed at gunpoint and I'm glad this didn't happen to you. I have the numbness on my right side. It can be quite intense at times and I really hate it.
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Deborah - how frightening! I have nighmares when I eat spicy foods... maybe you should lay off the BBQ? Anyway, thanks for the research. I'm sure everything will be fine. I just hate it that I keep learning about new complications, as if this disease wasn't bad enough.
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Hey all, want to say congrats to all the recent exchanges! I hope everyone is recovering well.
I mostly just lurk here every once in a while these days, but Dawne-Hope your comments on lymphedema prompted me to say something. I'm so sorry you're having to go through it, it really sucks!! You're absolutely right in your description of the lymph "highways" being removed in addition to lymph nodes, and that both of those things can contribute to lymphedema. Unfortunately a lot of doctors downplay the possibility, but with our surg histories we are all at risk, and if it's you that gets LE it really sucks. There's a great website started by some BCO women with LE that is a great resource, called Lymphedema Step-Up Speak-Out (http://www.stepup-speakout.org/). Their page with the preventative actions you can take is the best I've seen anywhere, so if anyone's doc didn't give them a good LE prevention lecture you can find the needed info there.
One thing that's little known is that LE is not just a fluid buildup in the tissue. It is that at first, but over the years the tissue itself changes in response and becomes thickened and hardened and at that stage no amount of compression or massage will bring it back down to a normal size. Sorry if that scares anyone, but my point is to scare you into assessment & treatment ASAP if you have symptoms because early treatment is way more effective than later.
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Deborah: Look at it this way- you were not MEANT to be there. And you will not have that happen!! Now get some sleep--minus nightmares!! JUDY
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cs7777 - thank you for posting that link. after my rant yesterday I saw estepp's lament over on the lymphedema forum. I read them all and can so relate. Thanks for the information. I'm in anger mode right now about it. I want my life back. I want to be able to exercise again. I've bookmarked it and will reference again. Thanks.
whippetmom - We all know your gifts in breast whispering and now you're a prophet, too?
Glad you're safe. Drinking massive amounts of water helps. As does elevating my hand when I sleep. MBJ - Glad you're back! Wondered what happened to you, missed you!
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Yeah Dawne-Hope, you have every right to be mad and frustrated. All I can say is HUGE HUGS to you!!!!! Thanks for pointing out Estepp's thread on the LE forum, it's a raw honest accounting of life with LE that all BC docs should have to read to understand why they shouldn't be minimizing it like so many of them do.
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Hi all, I had my exchange done yesterday and can't really see what they look like because of the wrap, but have high hopes. I opted for silicone high profile, about 750cc I'm 5' 4" but have broad shoulders so can handle the size. I also had fipples done at the same time. Skin came from left side of my abdomen and was grafted, then I'll have the tattoos done.
I had the exchange done at a surgical center. Not sure how to say this except to say it. I woke up halfway thru the surgery. I felt the cutting for the skin graft and yelled out that hurts. Thank goodness they had numbed me with shots and not just what went into the IV. I then had a very hard time completely waking up because I suppose they put something else in the IV to calm me down. I think I actually joined in the Dr. and nurses conversation. LOL
Anybody else have this happen?
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Holy cow Renee, that is like everyone's worst nightmare going into surgery. Not the way it is supposed to go -- and fortunately something that rarely happens. All surgery is scary, but yipes, you must feel really traumatized by THAT experience. I wonder what they used for the anesthesia???
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Dawne-Hope and Firni _ I actually have the same thing, and also after SNB only. I have LE in my thumb and index finger. LE massage, wrapping,bandaging, custom compression garments -- none make it go away. Actually, it will go away, but as soon as I remove the bandages, I can feel the swelling instantly return. I think the fluid just gets pushed up into my arm where it is not measurable or noticeable. When I wear a compression sleeve I get cords in my axilla, so I think the fluid then makes it up to there and gets stuck. I also have a cord that comes right out from the lower outside edge of my gummy and goes down past my waist. It all started one month after my exchange, leading me to believe it is related somehow to the implant -- compressing something, or causing inflammation which is clogging things up, or scar tissue or SOMETHING. It could just be that it was related to the BMX's 4 months before and just appeared when it did. Or maybe related to edema caused by AI's. I keep being told that this is a very UNUSUAL presentation. Maybe not... you two both have the same thing! Maybe women just dont show up for treatment with this mild, non-diffuse kind of LE, so the statistics are not reflective. Well, the statistics are ridiculous, anyway...I too feel mad, mad, mad about this... For the most part my docs are so unknowledgeable, and so disinterested...it is SO distressing.
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I plan to ask that on Monday when I go in for my follow up. I hope's it's not the same stuff they use for twilight with a colonoscopy! LOL
Seriously, I need to know what it was so I will never have anyone use it for me again. It made me really sick. I threw up 3 times before I got awake enough to get out to the car, then again after I got home. Believe me, they wanted me out and gone. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say on Monday.
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Renee -- what a nightmarish experience! I hope recovery goes better.
CS -- thank you so much for that link! I must say I worry all the time that I will get it so I really should just see an LE therapist and have myself measured (knowledge is power)!
Jerusha -- find a doctor who will help you! I am so sorry to hear of your suffering.
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Renee - yikes! I've heard of this but thankfully it hasn't happened to me and I've had 5 surgeries since my dx (and several others as a child). I did have trouble waking up once, and I almost always get really sick from the anesthesia. I think I'd want a detailed report of the incident for future reference.
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Thanks girls! I feel better already!
I had my BM April 7, 2009 with TE's. I had a few set back's and a few surgeries due to infections -one week after BM the drainage going into the tube was cloudy and infected. I had surgery to remove and replace the TE and put a new drainage tube in which set me back a few month's on my fill's. Then when I was almost done getting fill's in August of 09 I got another infection which looked like a small pimple which led to another surgery to remove and replace the TE. Which was like starting over but ever so-o slowly on my fills. Now October 5th, 2010 I had my exchange surgery and I should be happy but have been so concerned.
First of all my left foob wouldn't expand like my right foob due to past radiation and lumpectomy 15 years ago. I had a choice to release scar tissue and get implants or a bigger expander. I chose the implants since I have had enough of being so uncomfortable with the expanders for so long. Hoping I could get a bigger implant. Well I did. I got 750 mentors in both sides. They sound huge but they look small. None of my bras fit! And my radiated foob is so much smaller even though they are the same size implants. I am so flustered with my ps because he doesn't like to answer questions when I ask and I like to ask alot of them! He acts like I am neurotic which I am not at all. I just like to know what I am dealing with and all my options up front. I can handle anything but not in the dark.
So when this should be a happy time it is a worrisome time not only because of the size of the foobs but I am concerned about infection because I have a small area on the incision which seems to be seeping very small amount of drainage. It's clear and yellowish and doesn't look infected and I have no fever but it doesn't seem to be healing as fast as the rest of it. I am on a antibiotic and keeping a close eye on it. Just don't want problems down the road again. My ps is hard to talk to so coming on here as always is a God send to find the answers to your FAQ's!! Like "drop and fluff" !!! Sounds great! Not sure what that is but I am figuring it will be a good thing!! Maybe I'll get better shape and size!! Yippee and also how they change for a long time -Great. I am not going to look like burger buns! And the surgical bra I have been in for the past 2 weeks-good to know I am not the only one!! Except mine is packed with gauze rolled up to the size of a small brick under both armpits I think for swelling and to keep them in place but for a while there I thought something was wrong! They are very uncomfortable but I get this surgical bra and gauze off Monday -I hope!!
Just wanted to thank everyone for sharing!!! I read these threads all the time and never thought I would finally be able to post on an exchange thread! But it finally happened!! Thanks girls for the wealth of information! Best to all! gmp300
One last thing! I saved my hair during chemo by using the cold caps and I have been busy on that thread helping women find out how to save their hair. They really work!!
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Rene: That is such a scary story! It's my worse nightmare to wake up during one of these surgeries. My first anesthesiologist was amazingz: she did a local plus Tramadol and no nausea or pain ever. My second anesthesiologist ignored my request for the same drugs, did what she wanted and I woke up so nauseous and all the way home. We had to stop every five minutes all the way home in case I threw up. Glad I didn't but they hold the key to how well we do!
gmp300: So sorry you are going through this!!! So not fair and I hope you have good news on Monday. I found out about the cold caps after it was too late to use one:(
Lymphedema: My drs, as much as I love them, are very serious about lymphadema, however, whenever I have voiced concerns they blow it off and say that it isn't lymphadema. I disagree. I have been waiting since my MX in March for Medical to approve PT, then it come through after it's cancelled and now I'm waiting for the extension. Crazy!
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- Deborah: Thank you for thaking the time to look at my new pictures. So my breast has now dropped and fluffed not flopped?? LOL!! Should I wait to get my fipple and tattoo? My biggest fear is after he does the "oragami" fipple & tat that my breast will be smaller. Should I still wait 3 months?
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MBJ -- I mentioned that same fear re: the origami method (my implant side is tight) and my PS said she would do a graft instead as she agreed there wasn't much skin left to be gathered up. You might want to ask your PS about that. I suspect a graft will give you a better match anyway to the natural one.
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Help! I am having my exchange surgery on Tuesday and am torn between silicone gel and saline. At the moment am planning to go with saline but after reading through several posts and topics, I see that most women go with silicone. Does anyone out there have saline? I am scared to do silicone because of potential leakage and don't have the money to have periodical MRI's to assess whether or not the silicone is leaking (my insurance doesn't cover it). I was a full A prior to all of this and am going with 300's. If any of you have any information, it would be GREATLY appreciated.
Best,
Holly
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Hi Holly: The newer silicone ones aren't as dangerous as the older ones. If you cut one open the gel doesn't flow out like before and there isn't as thin of an outer shell anymore. They both need to be changed out every 10-15 years and insurance is required to replace them for free and at no cost to you. The silicone seems to have less rippling then the saline and also projects more and feels more natural. I highly recommend contacting Whippetmom by private message and have her help you to insure you are going to get the size and projection you are anticipating so you don't have to have a redo. She is also on Breast Sizing 101 here on BCO.
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Lilah: Thank you! Where will they take your graft from?
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Hello again! I've been busy muddling thru my life. I do have an exchange date though! Friday November 12th. I'm going to an outpatient center and look forward to getting rid of these rocks!
Emme
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Holly -- the choice really is personal but as MBJ said most of us get some form of silicone because it feels and looks better (by and large) than saline; the exception is women who want really large implants (silicone does not go much beyond 800 cc's, I believe, while saline can go much higher in size, as high as 1100 or 1200 cc's) so saline is a preference for women seeking larger implants (PM MooreTennis for questions about that... she switched to saline for just that reason). There have been others here who have switched from saline to silicone and been happier (sorry I can't remember who) because of reduced rippling. Saline tends to be firmer than silicone and feel more natural. They do recommend the MRIs though, about once every three years; can you check with your insurance about that? Or ask your PS? It seems to me this is considered necessary and, if so, has to be covered by insurance due to the breast reconstruction laws.
MBJ -- I don't know yet! I was so happy when she said it I left and figured we'd talk about it when I see her next (which is in a few weeks). I'll let you know. I believe there are two common donor sites: inner thigh and bikini line (under it). I think inner thigh is more common though.
Emme -- good luck!!!!!!
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I'm back from vacation and finally caught up with all the posts! Yowza! Congrats to all the new citizens of Yippee-Squisheedom. Hope you're dropping, fluffing and loving life.
Sweetie- You posted further back about rippling but just had to comment. Prior to exchange I saw women posting about having issues with rippling but never really understood what caused it. I've developed it, too, and my PS explained it by holding up an implant she had in her office. As she held it by the edge you could see the ripples running down all sides of the implant since they are not completely "full". She said because of my thin skin (even with the Alloderm she used) the ripples are caused by the ripples in the implants being seen through the skin. She said implants were never designed to be used for reconstruction, but for augmentation where they are covered by breast tissue. She told me that going with a larger implant would only make the problem worse as the skin would be even tighter and thinner as it was stretched over it. Next time you're at your PS's office hold up an implant and you'll see what I mean. What I don't understand is why, after all these years, haven't they come up with a implant specially designed for reconstruction? The gummy may have less rippling but then you give up some of the softness and movement.
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Renee--omg!! poor thing. glad you survived through your ordeal.
Deborah--never go back there again, even if you do have a GC!
Holly--totally agree with MBJ. Silicone is much softer. Saline has a tendency to become hard after awhile. silicone is much safer now. No leaks. But contact whippetmom. She's the best.
MBJ--only 3 weeks out from exc. and I've already scheduled my fipple for Nov. 8. Now I'm wondering if I should have waited...:-/
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Kate33-welcome back. Glad you had nice time. Thanks for the post-it makes a lot of sense to me and I was wondering the same things. I know the implants are not completely full or they would be big round mounds. They need some give to fit in the pocket but then it leaves those gaps as gravity takes over. That's why most of the rippling is on the top and side. I wasn't sure if a larger size would help or not. I also have alloderm. I am starting to wonder about fat grafting too. I'll put some new pics up and to show the rippling and I will ask him in two weeks. If it wasn't for the rippling I would be very happy with them. They feel great and the shape is really nice. Remember you and I talked about being smaller breasted and it made us look more petite. I think with the size I am I still feel petite but have some boobage, so it's a good inbetween. Nothing drastic. I am glad I chose the rounds over the tear drop. I know now seeing the rounds in me that I wouldn't have liked the tear drop as much because they would have been even flatter on top. Also They wouldn't move and I like how these can be pushed up in a bra or pushed together. Maybe we should start a thread about how to deal with rippling.
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Holly, For what its worth... the saline is enclosed in a silicone shell, which of course, is not an entirely inert substance. SO you are still exposed to silicone, if that is your concern. You are right, though, that the exposure would certainly be less in the case of a rupture. Hope that helps a little.
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