Exchange City

annette/arlene

Yes, I'm having burning issues too and it is much worse when I don't have a surgical or sports bra on.  Don't know what it is but it's driving me crazy.  I'm hoping this starts to subside soon!!! Other than that I feel pretty good.  Getting used to the 'girls' and they do seem bigger than before. My DH says no, they are just not saggy (thanks Babe) anymore

I'm going to give it one more week then maybe go see the PS.  I have an appt on 4/21 but I don't know if this is something I need to discuss with him.  I can always call his nurse, she's very good.

Jan

I got home around 3:30. My throat hurts from anesthesia and I do have pain but nowhere near the level of the mastectomy. Took a three hour nap and feel better. I want to know what they look like but I can't see anything until 48 hours when I can take the ace bandage off. He said I only need to wear a sports bra until I see him next (7-10 days). Glad to be on the other side. Thanks for all the infol Ladies

Congradulations to all the ladies that have had there exchanges!! Seems like there is quite a few.. thats good,but bad too..you know what i mean  I HATE BREAST CANCER! But now you girls enjoy my exchange is getting closer too !

kjbrown and JenC... so glad to see you here on the other side of exchange and sounds like you are both hanging in pretty well.  I had some throat issues from the anesthesia tube also but was fine in a couple days.

I had to take a little break today from my surgical bra as it was really digging even after I loosened up some of the hooks.  Picked up a couple of those Danskin zip-ups at Wally World that someone else mentioned.  They do feel very supportive and feel so much better but I will try to wear that surgical bra to bed tonight.  I'm just 5 days post now and every day is getting easier but man, does it hurt if I accidentally exert my chest muscles.  DH had to pull me up off the kitchen floor this afternoon after I bent down to pick something up.  Lots to learn yet about my limitations.

Thinking of everyone going through surgeries and recoveries.

Joy - nice pic!  Happy to see your smiling face

All of you ladies who had exchanges this week -- yay!!!!  And take it easy.  Let yourselves heal.  Be self-indulgent.  Have your menfolk and childrenfolk and other folk wait on you hand and foot -- be the diva you are meant to be!

Hi, I've been lurking here for the past week and have found some very interesting discussions. I thought I should register and share my story. I'm 11 days out from my exchange, which took place in the morning of March 24th. So far, so good!  Last summer I rolled over on my left breast as I was getting out of bed and felt a painful lump. At first I thought it was just a tender spot due that time of the month, but when it didn't subside in a couple of weeks I decided to have it checked out. My doctor felt it, said it was probably just a cyst but sent me to have a mammogram and ultrasound "just in case" . My mammogram came out clear but since the lump was palpable, the ultrasound was able to pick up on a mass. I think a week or two past when I received word that I should have an MRI and a biopsy. My insurance paid for all of these tests, so I didn't hesitate. All of this was happening over late June and July of 2010. Finally, in early August my primary care doctor called with the news. I didn't cry or freak out, I went about my day at work, went home and told my visitng niece and husband the news. I don't think I cried until days later when the gravity of the situation finally hit me. I met with a fantastic BS who immediately assigned a team of doctors to my case.  I met with all of them and it was determined early on that a BMX would be the course of action due to my small breast size and signs of microcalcification on the right breast. I didn't want to deal with this in the future so take them both! I didn't need chemo or radiation so did a cursory meeting with those docs but then just saw the BS and PS. I took 12 weeks off work. I will say, I was miserable for the first 2 months. I really had a difficult time moving around, had drains in for 3 weeks and just felt awful. I finally started to feel normal during the last month off work. I had TE's put in at the time of surgery and had fills every 3 weeks. The TE's were pretty awful too, so uncomfortable!  I reached my limit at around 435 cc's or so and told my PS that I was done. I needed to get those TE's out!  I had my exchange surgery on 3/24/11 for Mentor HP Silicone 550 cc's. I also had Alloderm put in at first surgery to create the pocket. I had drains in for three days after the exchange,  didn't have any bruising, and overall felt pretty good all week. This surgery was a million times easier. I had an appt today and my PS said my new breast are healing well and would settle in a few months,  ( they are very full but don't look very big - I'm 5'4" and 135 lbs) and that I should continue to wear my sports bra 24/7 for another week then I can wear cami's or a wireless bra. No underwire for about 3 months. PS recommends aloe for the scars, and massage to keep the boob soft. I'll decide on nipples later this summer. I'm happy that this chapter is coming to a close. I know that I am one of the lucky ones and am grateful.  I'm lucky to have a great support system at work, really awesome friends who brought me chicken soup and the best husband ever. Plus, my sister and parents were amazing as well. I wish only the best for everyone else. I've only been visiting this site for the past week (I stayed away from the internet during this process) and have been inspired by so many amazing people who have shared their stories. Good luck to all those still in recovery, stay strong and lean on your friends - they will support you!

Hi all!  It seems like there has been alot of action around here, congrats to the exchanges this week and thinking of the upcoming ladies to exchange! - I hope everyone is doing well! 

Its been 2 1/2 weeks since exchange and I feel good, I am happy to wear a sports bra 24/7, like I was told to, I don't think I am used to the size yet, they are definitley not huge, but bigger than my 34A's I had, (now at 34-36C).  I feel like without the support somethings gonna fall!!! ;-) Sounds silly, but I just don't feel supported unless they are pinned to my chest in a high-impact sports bra.  I was joking that my poor hub only gets a quick "sneak peak" when I'm switching bras at night - these puppies are always under wraps!!!

I also think I have some rippling, I am not freaking out yet, I know that time will tell what will be, but I notice it when I bend over on the sides by my arms...  My insicions are doing alright, but still tender to the touch - how long till your steri strips fell off?  Mine feel like they are not near ready to peel off...

What do you all do for sleep?  Since exchange I find myself on my sides alot - I just cannot help it - after all the months of back sleeping, now that there is something soft there, I do it automatically...trying not to squish the girls, tho!  I try and catch myself and roll to my back when I can...I read above about some pain upon waking, I can agree with that, when I wake in the middle of the night, I think my positioning makes them hurt and I have to shift...not sure what is the cause, tho...

Firedancer:  Glad to hear you are doing well!

Thanks, MBJ!

Joan - good to hear from you, too!  My surgical bra was flimsy to me - I didn't feel supported, so I ditched it asap, I was more afraid it was going to screw something up rather than support me ;-) .  Glad you are liking the new boobs!  My hub did the same thing and was 'pleasantly surprised' by how soft they were ...I think for a little while there we thought I'd never have squishy boobs again, definitley won't miss those TE's!!!

MBJ - ha! I love it!  Since mine are still constantly in a sports bra, when I do let them out to "breathe" a bit  ;-)   the reaction on his face is like a kid on christmas! After all the changes, bmx,  the weekly-ever evolving bustline with the TE's, It's really nice to sort of be getting that "new normal" feeling going on. ahhhh, .....*smile*....

I'm eight days out now from exchange and nipples. Like some of you I have the burning sensations. Totally tolerable and if I take anything, it's Tylenol.

 My biggest issue right now is BOREDOM!!!!  Since I had nipples done at the same time as my exchange I'm being super carefull, in other words doing nothing!!! I have energy and inclination, I just don't want to risk anything shifting.

My husband is complimentary, and see's them daily, as he is my official nipple protector engineer, and installer (foam sponge with holes).

 What about driving? How long do you think one should wait?

Thanks MBJ, I know I won't have the proper reaction time yet.  I guess I better continue to rely on my driver.

Stephanie:  So glad to hear you are doing well!  Congratulations!!

Also, is a low grade fever anything to worry about (99.5) or is that okay? My surgery was yesterday.