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  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca:  I will be praying for you...and I want you to come back here on Wedneday and let us know what the meeting was all about. 

    Deborah

  • codavis
    codavis Posts: 48
    edited January 2011

    Has anyone with an implant felt pain in their "breast?"

     I had a mastectomy and expander placed last February and then had 6 months of CMF chemo. I waited 6 weeks to recover and then had my exchange surgery on November 17. For the past week or so, I've felt very brief, sort of stabbing pains in both breasts. I'm surprised that I would feel anything like that with an implant and am wondering if anyone else might have experienced the same thing. 

    Thanks

  • codavis
    codavis Posts: 48
    edited January 2011

    Has anyone with an implant felt pain in their "breast?"

     I had a mastectomy and expander placed last February and then had 6 months of CMF chemo. I waited 6 weeks to recover and then had my exchange surgery on November 17. For the past week or so, I've felt very brief, sort of stabbing pains in both breasts. I'm surprised that I would feel anything like that with an implant and am wondering if anyone else might have experienced the same thing. 

    Thanks

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited January 2011

    Codavis -- I'm not sure... I do get pains now and then (which I attribute to nerves)... I also have itches sometimes which is very weird since the surface of the skin is numb.  If not nerves it could be spasms in the pectorals... but do you feel the pain in both sides at the same time?  If so, I'm stumped.  Regardless: if the pain is persistent you should talk to your PS. 

    thomasj -- that sounds too soon to me as well...

    Rebecca -- god bless you for having good humor!  I will pray for good news and I second what Deborah said: please keep us posted!

  • LG300
    LG300 Posts: 512
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca - I hope everything goes well at your appointment on Wednesday.  Please keep us posted.

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca:  The time share sounds absolutley lovely--it's very beautiful up there and we have always planned to return again soon.  I am sorry to hear they are bringing you both in on Wednesday and we will all be thinking of you and sending many good thoughts your way.  Big, big hugs.  Please do let us know how your appointment goes.

    Fighter:  Although I no longer feel comfortable sleeping on my stomach I can and sometimes do sleep on my side but I think it's more that I trained myself to sleep on my back and that's what now feels normal.  As far as the implants go, mine look and feel better then what I started.  My DH loves them and won't leave them alone and he loved my befores just as much.  As far as naked goes, they look pretty good and I only had one side done. 

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited January 2011

    Thomasj:  You will need at least 2 weeks because even if you feel great you shouldn't be driving, lifting or doing anything strenuous.  This is still a major surgery.

    codavis:  I get aches and pains if I over do it and also I think some of my nerves are growing back so I have a weird combination of numbness and feeling.  If I don't wear a bra they tend to ache a bit as they like to be bound all of the time now.  Anything more then that and I would call your PS.

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited January 2011

    heebie-jeebie:  This picture site is completely private and completely anonymous--many of the women there use a different name then the one they use here and they don't have an avatar if they don't want to.  Only my DH would know who's breasts were mine--and maybe my PS.  I know Erica could really use some help making a decision regarding her exchange and you are one of the rare people on BCO who is having the surgery she is considering.  If you still don't feel comfortable posting your pictures on the forum--maybe you could share your pictures with her privately?

  • cleo100
    cleo100 Posts: 75
    edited January 2011

    Soccermomofthree, I know the Allergan Style 45's come in silicone. I don't know about saline and the gummy bear implants are a different animal in texture, shape and sizing.

  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 186
    edited January 2011

    Lilah - thank you for the information, it does help.  I at least have some idea of what to look forward to:) 

    I am also struggling with the decision of silicone or sailine.  I know there are drawbacks and advantages to both so it is a hard decision.  I am thinking Saline because I am not sure I can deal with the worry of what could happen IF the Silicone were to rupture.  This sucks that we have to make these kind of decisions after going through all the other poop.  Any thoughts anyone?  

    I would also like to thank everyone for all your support and encouragement through this long hall and I hope you are all doing well.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited January 2011

    JenC -- I've heard that saline may be more prone to rippling than silicone.  That said, there are a number of women here who opted for saline because it comes in a larger size than silicone, so perhaps if they are around they can comment.  I am pretty sure that most here choose silicone because it is softer, by and large, than saline.  Even the gummy, which has less chance of rupture because you can literally cut it in half and it remains two whole pieces, but which is firmer than regular silicone, is softer (as I understand it) than saline.

  • heebie_jeebie
    heebie_jeebie Posts: 92
    edited January 2011

    Lilah - Yes, I know the swelling will need to go down.

     Yes, I acutally feel fine with the pictures, it is my husband who is being stubborn about it.  I would be happy to share via email.  Erica - pm me and we'll set it up.

  • rebetata
    rebetata Posts: 213
    edited January 2011

     Thank you to all of you I will check in for sure on Wednesday I wont forget. I hope everyone has a great day.

    Rebecca

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2011

    I hear the 45's are AMAZING ! I wish I could have had them... maybe if I ever get another set...LOL

    REBECCA...... sister...... I am on board praying for you right now. I offer your whole family up in prayer... I think many of us will be praying for you until we hear tomorrow. (((((HUG))))))

  • hopefulhealing
    hopefulhealing Posts: 581
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca prayers from here too. 

     Sorry what are 45's?  I have Mentor textured high profile. I have the silicone and think they are very natural feeling. Struggling still with decision if I should go 50 cc more on revision to get rid of rippling. I have 450 on right and 400 on left. I would go up to 500 on right and 450 on left. Right now the right that has more in it has just a tiny bit of rippling. Would also add alloderm to the top. That is where I am most concerned. What do you guys think?

  • soccermomofthree
    soccermomofthree Posts: 70
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca I am praying for you. 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Posts: 6,028
    edited January 2011

    Determined:  You have textured implants and textured implants are known for causing traction rippling.  Did you have rads?  Is there a reason you needed textured implants?  If not, then switch out to silicone smooth round implants and this might resolve the problem.  I am afraid that switching the size and sticking with textureds might not resolve the issue. 

    Deborah

  • jsmiley60
    jsmiley60 Posts: 31
    edited January 2011

    Hello ladies. I finally have my exchange surgery scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11. I cannot wait to get these expanders out of me!

  • soccermomofthree
    soccermomofthree Posts: 70
    edited January 2011

    Hello jsmiley60 I am happy for you and know the feeling.  My exchange is Jan 31 and I am so excited too!  Hope all goes smooth for you and we can enjoy soft breasts again! :)

  • jkz
    jkz Posts: 158
    edited January 2011

    My surgery is scheduled on January 31st also Soccermom. ThomasJ my doctor took me out of work for 6 weeks because really wants me to heal inside and she doesnt want me driving for at least the first 2 weeks.

     I am having the current implants I have exchanged with revisions to the pockets. I had to switch PS because I feel my previuos one just screwed things up. Tge implants totally settled wrong. The are too far to the sides. I currently have Allergans, high profile 750's. My new PS only uses mentors and will also be using a high profile implant but she will be using either 650 or 700's..

  • soccermomofthree
    soccermomofthree Posts: 70
    edited January 2011

    Jennifer I am glad to have someone on my day.  I hope your new implants work out better.  How long have you had those in?  Its good that your PS is being so very cautious with you so the implants don't misplace.

  • stlcardsfan
    stlcardsfan Posts: 227
    edited January 2011

    Posted this on the bra thread, but wanted to ask here as well.

    Has one heard of or used Silicone gel sheets after there exchange on the incisions? I had a 5 week follow up with PS today and she gave me info on this. Very interesting reading, and it is up to me if I chose to buy and use this product. Was just curious if anyone else had heard of this and if so what their thoughts were.

    Thanks! 

  • deekaay
    deekaay Posts: 254
    edited January 2011

    Lilah, I too have had an itch on my new breasts or on my arm where I am numb.  Then I go to scratch it and it's like I cant' reach it.  So weird.  I do have some feeling returning especially on my arm so itches are becoming more accessible if you get what I mean.

    Ladies getting exchanges soon--you are going to looooooove the softness!!! Say good-bye to those hard TEs forever!!!!!!!

  • thomasj
    thomasj Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    You have all been really helpful with the going back to work question.  I guess I am seriously underestimating my time for recovery.  I'm even scheduled to babysit my grandkids (3 and 1) the followng weekend.  Might have some rethinking to do.  Thank you for your responses.

    I will be staying overnight for my exhange surgery but don't think I'll have drains again - hopefully.

    I found myself more ready for the BMX because I knew I had to in order to remove the cancer; this surgery is more difficult as it is 10 months later and isn't so urgent.  I am hoping for a good outcomes.  I have 505cc in each expander and am 5ft. 3in, 120 pounds.  I have no basis for comparison but hoping all is Ok  I am also having some fat grafting.

  • annettek
    annettek Posts: 1,160
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca-here is a big old hug from Texas and will check in tomorrow to see what the deal is

  • annettek
    annettek Posts: 1,160
    edited January 2011

    I am stumped too...what are 45s?

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2011

    45's are high profile implants . The give great upper pole fullness.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2011

    To be exact....

    the implants are silicone and they are " Style 45" by Allergan

  • Estepp
    Estepp Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2011

    Rebecca... going off to bed praying for you.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited January 2011

    StLcardsfan -- i tried gel strips... I wasn't a fan so didn't use them long enough to see results (but my scars seemed to be healing fine so I was not patient).  I think others have used them.  I found it an odd sensation to have this strip glued to my chest... I have feeling at either end of my reconstructed breast so I could feel it.  I don't think they can hurt...

    Deekay -- I hope that's what the itches mean (return of feeling)!  It's definitely strange to not be able to scratch.

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