Exchange City
Comments
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Annettek - Thanks for the info. It is really appreciated.
Dawnj - Good luck with your surgery I will be right behind you. I have also had three surgeries so I am also hoping that this one will be a piece of cake. It is almost a year to the day from my mastectomy to the date of the exchange. Kinda creepy. Good luck with everything, keep us posted.
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Hi, I am catching up on reading posts on your wonderful and helpful thread. I have just completed a twelve week treatment schedule and am now on Herceptin every 3 weeks for the rest of the year. Through this I have had the TEs in and am now booked for the exchange on 4/25/11. I have to be honest up until now I feel as though I have had so much on my plate to think about or get through that now I am thinking about this next step and need to do some good research or inquire about it all. To date I have pretty much completed my fills and my PS has felt that I probably am at my limit for filling which I was in agreement about, but I better make sure before going to the exchange because then it becomes final. When the exchange happens is one's size reduced a bit from the size of when the TEs were in? Also, my PS said I should keep in mind that each decade when the silicone implants need to be replaced that my size will get a little bigger. I am 40 now, thus need to most likely have this done each decade. Also, I have one side that is higher than the other currently with the TEs in. The PS said that she can either let one side down a tad or try to hike up the other, but that usually the letting down plan produces better results. I was a size A before the BMX and am looking like maybe a full B currently with the TEs in. I feel as though each step of the way from surgery to treatment I have done my best to research, question, get opinions, etc. and I am at the exchange part of recon and want to follow the same process so I have the best outcome possible. I know I am in the right place, so thank you in advance, ladies, for anything you can share with me. You are all amazing. PS- Months ago I had started the process of seeing the posted photos, but put it aside as I just was not at that point in time yet. Maybe I should do that as well.
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Annette K, I just read your post(s). Thank you for the insight regarding questions to ask the PS. I am so happy for you that your exchange is complete. It is great news and you are very inspiring and strong.
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MARY.... I hope you are feeling better today! HUGS HONEY !!!
Debbie....... I know what you mean about the whole..." need support thing" until you came here. I was just like that. All of my life... even as a teen... I gave support.. I lead the group... I took care of everyone.... and was ok with that. Then... I got sick in 08 with BC. WOW.... I still did not let too many here support me... if you will... that is just a bit hard for me... but BCO became my lifeline to a " new normal."
Bless you all ! Heal well.... and happy bouncy boobies!
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I am feeling much better today and the pain and tightness has gone down considerably. 8 am Monday morning is the big reveal. I know it isn't going to match my natural side so I am hopeful that my PS at least put it in the right place, lol. I joked before surgery that I was hoping they weren't going to play "pin the nipple on the boobie" while I was unconcious. After the surgery the PS told me I tried to assist midway through the procedure but I don't remember a thing, thank goodness! Going to try and drive today as I have many errands to run. I hope everyone is healing up quickly and you are all having a pain free day.
BTW: Right now, my "step off" is almost undetectable!
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That us AWESOME MJB! Sometimes I wish I couldn't see my new pups til they were done..i keep looking at them and looking at them-just posted some new photos 3 days post exchange-i can't tell anything at this point:) One minute I hate em then next I love them...we'll see
Thank you Onestop, for your kind words...I am a scaredyass chicken:) The photo forum has really helped me along the way. I am supposed to land up a 36 full c when all has settled it (now after reading your post and about future exchnges, am musing that in 30 years will I be an 84 year old with 36 DDD?!:)
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Great news ladies! The area that was lipoed for fat grafting has been an area botched by a "reverse tummy tuck effect" after a myomectomy 12 years ago. I am happy to report that for the first time in years I now have a very sore but flat tummy! I can wear a bikini again!!!! Now I just have to tighten up my muscles a bit. Yay!!!
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MBJ- you tried to assist your PS during the surgery?! That's so funny. Glad your feeling better and you got a flat tummy on top of everything else. You go girl!
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Sweetie: I started out with a tummy that stuck out further then my breasts, lol! And yes, apparently I started conducting an orchestra in the OR and they had to re-sedate me, lol!
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MBJ, lucky you to get bonus flat tummy out of it!
and so funny that you tried to help. Seems like something I would do. lol0 -
Firedancer:
Stopping by to wish you well on your exchange Monday! I will be thinking of you and praying for a quick recovery.
Jan
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EastCoastGirl: Yes, I am a control freak! I always know more then the dr. I am sure I was showing him where to put the nipple, lol!!
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Ruth -- yeah I agree the manual manipulation you've had (which sounds intense) may have moved the implant (but who knows? sometimes implants just move). I agree with Sweetie, though: gummies are not supposed to move so, once your infection heals, you might want to look into it. I believe MRIs can "see" the implant (or maybe it's just leakage that MRIs see? anyone?) -- but you should not have to feel that uncomfortable. Anyway for now: heal!
Orchid -- wow what a night you had! So glad you are feeling better and that your PS was able to help you remotely. Keep taking it easy and heal! (I'm starting to feel like the "heal!" fairy now
Marie -- I'm sorry you're still feeling badly. Have you tried using a fake nipple on your implant side? I think you can buy them on the internet (try amazon for "fake nipples"). It might help you to feel better about the differences... and add a little extra something on that side.
MBJ -- LOL I love that image of you conducting a symphony in the OR! I am jealous of that flat tummy :P I can't wait to see the new bras you posted!
Onestep -- you should go the a thread started by Whippetmom called Breast Implant Sizing 101 -- she has a WEALTH of knowledge and can help you a lot. To answer your one question that I remember (after scrolling through three pages from being away for the weekend
yes the TE is going to project more than the final implant. But that is because the final implant will be nice and soft and not a rock hard turtle under your skin!0 -
Ladies: I had the big reveal today and I am thrilled with my new nipple/areola!!! He did the origami method for the nipple and he also used a skin graft from the side of my bikini area for the areola and then he finished the nipple off with some fat underneath to give it some projection. Along with the fat grafting for the step off and my "dog bite" on the side, my breast is now looking very real and natural. I have never been so happy!!!!!
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MBJ, So glad it worked out so good!!! Worth the wait. And if you have the same experience as me, it will only get better with time. Dee0
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Dee: Thank you so much! I cannot tell you how whole this makes me feel now that it's done. Even though I will still have to do a tattoo for color, this is truly the cherry on the sundae that makes it worth all of the surgeries combined.
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so happy for you MBJ:)
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annettek: Thank you
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So, I had my first follow up with the PS after my exchange surgery last Friday (3/11). He was pleased with the way my breasts looked but we discussed some issues I really did not like. One side has a bit of a 'concave' look to it on the upper pole region. He stated this was because that was the cancer side and the BS has a tendency to remove more on that side. Also I have a small dimpling near the cleavage on the other side. He's thinking it could be fluid but since all this is so new he wants to wait to see how the 'girls' evolve! The implants adjust to your body rather than your body adjusting to the implants. I'm not too concerned because a revision can be done for both of these issues and I may get some lipo (Yay) to have the fat grafting to fill. Other than those 2 issues I am immensely pleased with my outcome. I do not have to wear that horrendous bra anymore. I can go back to my cami's or a sports bra. But no gym until another week. All in all I am pleased and I look forward to my nips, tats, and final revision work.
This is really worth it!!!
Jan
MBJ: Congrats! I can't wait until I can say I'm done!!
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Jan: You will be amazed by how much they change in the next few months. I waited 6 months before even considering getting my nipple done as I wanted to make sure everything had pretty much settled into whatever shape it was going to be. Now that he did the final tweaks, I have to say, I am possitively thrilled. So worth it to be on the other side of this. I might have to just throw myself a party, lol!
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MBJ:
Party???? I'll bring dessert!
Thanks for the encouragement! I need to go check out your pics on the forum. I'm so looking forward to the end!!!!
Thanks
Jan
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Jan: I might have to lose a few pounds before I have a party then, lol! I thought for sure they took out more fat then they put it. Oh well. It's great to be almost done!!!
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Jan, I had a shelf, too, on the right side. Now that I've had revision surgery, and they replaced my original implants with some slightly larger ones, it seems the shelf is gone, but I'll have to wait for the swelling to go down some and then re-assess. It's because the BS took more fatty tissue from that area than from the other side. I guess it's hard to know exactly how much they are taking, or else, as in my case, I had had a small amount of slow growing invasive BC there, so she was being more conservative. Fat grafting can and will take care of this, or in my case, a larger size implant, then later fat grafting. It is a bit disconcerting, until you consider solutions with your PS and just get used to it until the next step . . no pun intended!
I'm feeling much better now, and carefully keeping track of my meds. Got super constipated initially, which never happens to me normally, except maybe after a long plane ride. So I tried something I have never tried before. It is a laxative and stool softener called Miralax, and it was recommended by a pal who is also a nurse anesthesiologist. It worked really well! And it is a tasteless powder that dissolves in any liquid. That Roxycodone is lovely, and I'm glad I'm not an addictive personality or recreational druggy type, as it makes me feel so good I could imagine starting out each day with it! I'm also using MMJ tincures, which they have really gotten down to a science, and they work amazingly well on thier own, and in combo with the RX pain meds. They also help you taper off of the strong RX meds.
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Thanks Orchid:
It seems the more I read the more I hear of fat grafting so I'm not too concerned. I'm not due to see the PS for another month but I think I'm going to take a break from surgeries (I've had 3 in six months) and wait until everything settles down to see what I need to do. I know I don't need larger implants.
I trust my PS totally so I'm sure he'll do the best for me.
I hope you heal well!
Jan
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I checked out your pics MBJ and Wow!!!!
Your PS did a fabulous job and you look sensational!!!! I understand why you are so happy with the results.
Jan
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MBJ wahooo! I am so happy for you! I can't wait to see the pics -- did you post already? I'm really glad you are so pleased... makes all the worry worth it, right?
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Jan- that is GREAT NEWS! I simply have to stop looking at mine...it is driving me nuts...every litte ripple, curve,I am convinced they are WHACKED..then I remember oh wait- only 6 days...i knew better in my mind but somehow expected instant perfect...argh....I have no choice but to learn patience....you guys all help me so much:)
thanks
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MBJ all I can say is: a thing of beauty is a joy forever
And you look BEAUTIFUL!0 -
Lilah: I have to say, from one uni to another, it was sooooo worth it. This was the surgery that in my mind, if they didn't get it right, I would be so devestated and he just did a beautiful job. I can't wait until it heals. I look down and it loos so real!!! I didn't expect this at all so it's kind of taen me by surprise. I thought I would have to start avoiding mirrors like when I have a bad hair day, lol. Thank you for all of your support through this!
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AnnetteK- thanks for thinking of me on my surgery day! I am one week out from surgery and I am still emotional about the outcome. I guess I was expecting more. I think I got use to my expander size and now I feel small. Expanded to 600/ implants 500. There is some "concave" Look at the upper pole region on my BC side. I'm not sure what changes to expect in the next few weeks. Rounded? fuller? bigger? smaller? Anyone's input please. It's a very emotional time right now. I should have a more positive attitude. I just don't feel very pretty right now.
I go see my ps tomorrow, I could use some help on questions for him?
AnnetteK, I hope you are doing good. Would love to hear from you and how you are doing.
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