Exchange City
Comments
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MarieK: I was not understanding everything well when I saw my PS this week. He was talking about the area I had radiation on (it was not the whole breast) and how later we may decide to do a different procedure than what I'm having in Feb ... I chose only have the TE and not use skin from my back/tummy, etc (sorry, I can never remember what those procedures are called). He was talking about a new procedure too that we might want to consider. I was confused because I too thought my next surgery would be it ... until I came into this thread and started reading and so I think that was what he meant - not decide now, because I've already decided what I want, but decide later to do a different procedure if things don't come out the best.
He also seemed concerned that my right TE has dropped as it should but the left has not. I had my BMX in July, but my left TE is still very high. I'm really ok (or at least I think this way now) with not looking great naked, but if I end up lopsided and that is noticeable with my clothes on as it is now, I will really not be happy.
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Good idea ... Nordstroms, thanks. I was dreading going into VS anyway because I never like going there (even though I buy their products from time to time).... I didn't want to let too much time go after Xmas and not get full credit for my gift..... I think I will pass on the bras there and just get pajamas or BVDs !! The implants are so much better than the expanders I hate to complain......but
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Keeping up with all of your exchanges and wishing you well. The support and caring on this thread is pretty amazing.
Since having my implant removed in October and dealing with all the aftermath, I am finally healing and feeling better. The surgery site has a lot of scar tissue -- feels like bones in spots --but it is still more comfortable than the contracted implant. My body's need to make copious amounts of scar tissue makes me wonder if I will ever be a candidate for reconstruction again, but for now I try not to think too much about it. Having one natural breast presents some interesting challenges when it comes to clothes, but I've decided to put off getting a prosthetic and be creative about it for awhile longer.
Hope you all had good holidays and the new year is off to a great start.
-B
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Rebecca - Glad there is no rupture but sorry you have to have a PET. Glad you're feeling good! Keep us posted, please!
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Rebecca -- that's great news about no rupture; now let's make sure there is nothing going on with that PET scane!
Bonnie -- glad you're feeling better finally!
Ladies who just had exchanges: it's so normal to feel bummed out right now... all these months of waiting, it's like post-partum depression. I know I went through it but you WILL feel better and, as someone said, you can always revise.
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Kansasmom: Patience is key here--It took mine almost 3-4 months before the full drop and fluff happened. Up until then I was pretty sad about it. Being a Uni I kept comparing my right to my left and tormented myself to no end, lol. It gets better and I am getting some feeling back. Not under my arm so much but I can feel my scar line which is really sensitive and I do know when I am being touched and it is slowly becoming part of me.
Diane: My first bra shopping venture was quite depressing and I was still quite swollen and still in pain, too. I wasn't allowed to wear underwires (and still have to wait until the end of February) an Nordstrom's didn't have a good selection of wire free that fit me. So I was fitted by Nordstroms, purchased one sportsbra there for their time and went on line to purchase Victoria Secret Bras--I bought one each of their wireless and I love them all as they are very comfortable. They didn't have my size or the selection in store. It will get better, it's just a bit frustrating at first. If you go to the picture forum "Post Your Bras" you can see what has worked for some of us.
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The thread is called "Post Your Bras" -- which I only correct in case she searches the phrase
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Ann97: The one thing we all find out is that this is a journey--Reconstruction is never fast, over and easy but once we get it right it is so worth it. I would PM Whippetmom to get her input on what is going on with your expanders. You will find she is an expert in all things having to do with implant reconstruction and I am sure that she can help you!
Insurance should cover whatever needs to be done to get things right for you. As you can see from Bonnies posts, what works for some doesn't always work for another, especially when it comes to radiation.
Rebecca: I am so glad that there wasn't a rupture! Crossing my fingers that the PET scan is clear and everything is fine. Looks like we will be having our nipples done around the same time!
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Lilah: Chemobrain, lol. Fixed it!
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Thanks for the tip on the Post Your Bra site.... There are some great one out there. I've never posted pictures so I feel a little guilty about checking everyone out...... But it's such a helpful site.
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Ann97 All your revisions should be covered by insurance. under Federal law it must be covered, of course it is subject to your deductibles or copays if you haven't met them. That is why I literally cried to my doc that I had to have this revision before the end of the year. He squeezed me in and I love him for it! Also, the PS doesn't charge the same price as he did for the exchange. I think most charge a reduced rate. I me really I didn't ask for the 500ccs on my augmented side at my first exchange...I was asleep. My PS charged the insurance company $1900 for my 1st revision and the exchange was around $6200. I would guess any issues would be between the insurance company and the docs. I have a friend who had the DIEP flap procedure and in 5 years has had 10 revisions...and now she wants implants!!
Diane
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My exchange and augmentation on the natural side is in 2 weeks. I'd love to get some info here about the practical side stuff for this surgery as compared to the MX. For instance: Should I break out the button up shirts? (My Dr. doesn't do drains, BTW). Will I need to sleep propped up and on my back for a long time (especially since now it is both sides). My last time, I always had one arm I could use, but this time it is both sides - so how long are my arms unable to lift? Thanks for any hints about whats to come.
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Thanks for the info, DiDel, and WOW on the 10 revisions. Here I thought I was going to be in and done.
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remember though some things are just little. I don't know what all she had done but I think it is rare for anyone to come out after the exchange and that's that. Another thing I wish someone told me pre-op. My PS said revisions very common in the first two years.
Good luck
Di
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Ok, so today is 18 days past exchange, and got the ok to start moving my arms above my shoulders etc, to get range of motion back. My right side - no problem, left side (cancer side) is terrible. I can barely move my arm up without feeling pain. I mentioned to my PS and she checked my arm in various positions and said the muscles are still firing so I guess that is good. I just can't move it the way I used to. She gave my orders for physical therapy which I intend to do, but has anyone else dealt with this? My incisions are all healed up, no infection or anything like that. Just very sore muscles.
heebie_jeebie - for me, I brought button front shirt to my exchange surgery to wear home. I found sleeping propped up with a few pillows was more comfortable then laying flat. I was not allowed to sleep on my sides right after surgery, but can now. I was on a 5 lb limit for both arms, and not to raise them above my shoulders for 30 days except for teeth brushing, washing hair, etc. I also did not have drains for the exchange. I am sure others will chime in as well as each PS seems to have different requirements.
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stlcardsfan - My range of motion on my left side was a whole lot worse after my exchange. Be thankful your PS wrote orders for a PT. Some of us have to fight for that. I worked with an OT and she loosened the faschia (sp?) and broke up some scar tissue. It HURT but now I have all my range of motion back. Get to that PT! They can work wonders!
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heebiejeebie: ditto to all posted above! I can finally raise my left arm over my head for the first time since March thanks to PT!!! Was ordered do nothing for two weeks. Then gradually up to five pounds only on MS side. It will get better. Gentle hugs. Oh yeah, I only wore button up shirts for about a month.
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sticardsfan - I had trouble after my mastectomy (3 weeks after) and my TE surgery (within the first week after). Both times I went to a PT which helped me tremendously. All I needed was heat, massage and then follow up on my own with stretching exercises using a theraband.
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Thanks everyone for the feedback. I will make that PT call on Monday and get going on this!
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mom3band1g: I looked back through your posts to me and you are 5'5, 118# and ribcage 28. If you have 325 cc implants, there is no way you are an A cup! Where did you go to get measured? ToysRUs? I think you went to the wrong store. You would at least be a "C" cup by proper measurement. Do you have a Nordstroms to go to for a fitting by a specialist?
Deborah
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toyrus lol
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Hi, ladies and Happy 2011 to you all. I am an occasional lurker and your posts have educated and enlightened me. Good luck to everyone in the process of exchanges and healing from surgeries. I have learned to be patient and I am getting quite satisfied with the outcome. I had my exchange on August 25 and am scheduled for nipples on February 4. I plan on returning to work the Monday following the Friday procedure. Also, I am choosing just a local instead of sedation. I have two questions: will a local afford me comfort during the 1 1/2-2 hour procedure? Also, what would you experienced ladies recommend to protect the new nipples...especially since I need to look professional after a couple of days. I am very concerned about maintaining the outcome and not crushing my new nipples. Thanks much for your suggestions:) Cleo
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cleo - I just had my nip surgery 4 weeks ago under a local. The needle for the local HURT which surprised me because I didn't think I had much feeling in my foobs, but I could feel it. After that, I enjoyed the conversation between the docs in the room. We had a very knowledgeable and enlightening conversation about cameras. LOL! I could feel the tugging and when they put the stitches in, that felt weird. I found it a fascinating experience. Learned a lot too!
Some of the ladies were given 'nip guards.' But they told me to cover the nips with gauze and cut out a place for the nips. Regarding looking professional ... I had to three days after my surgery and what I ended up doing was wearing a bulky sweater with a skirt and boots. Whatever they recommend for you ... nip guards, or gauze you are going to have to adjust what you wear on top. No silk shirts for awhile!
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thanks for the answers. Guess I better find those long sleeve button up shirts and some zip up sweaters. I still have some front close sports bras from the MX, but I think they are going to be to small.
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whippetmom- you made me laugh! Toysrus??? Thanks for the giggle. I looked up online how to measure for bra size: measured rib cage at 29 and it said to add 4" for odd numbers. I then measured the fullest part of my foob and it was 34". The website said to subtract rib # from the other number and 0-1" was a AA..... does that sound like the right way to measure? I did get the 325 implants.
I know I need a revision on my prophy side but I don't want one. I'm going to let things be for a year.
I'm still laughing about Toys R us!
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mom3band1g - We all know that reconstructed breasts after MX are not like normal breasts. The bra sizing guides are for 'normal' breasts. Reconstructed breasts are wider with less projection so they will size us smaller. We need bigger bras than the bra sizing guides say because of the width of the implants. Those guides are not helpful for us reconstructed gals!0
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tried to edit my post above and it wouldn't let me??!!
Anyway ... I received the 325cc implants too and I wear a "D" or "DD" cup depending on the bra. Not one of those guides yet has worked for me.
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Cleo, after my nip surgery, I used antibiotic ointment and taped on gauze. Then I was able to put on a bra for work. Easy, worked fine. Don't know about the local, I was knocked out. deekaay
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Cleo, forgot to say I had nip guards until post op which was about five days out. Those are hard to hide but fortunately they come off soon.
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heebee, I never had to use button up shirts post exchange. I think I only have one and I haven't had it on for months. I was able to put on pull overs as long as they weren't tight. Best of luck with your surgery!
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