Exchange City

Rowan -- sorry you're down and I agree with the others.  It's normal and the sad feelings can hit at odd times.  I remember I cried bitterly for weeks around the decision to have an MX.  And then once I actually had it I felt good -- glad it wasn't the horror I imagined, I guess.  I had paid the latter half of the fill period (which for me went on for months because my PS filled me very slowly -- 60 ccs at a time -- to 850 cc's)!  I was given gentle stretching exercises (my hospital actually sent me to a class prior to discharge after the MX) to help with range of movement and I think it also helped with any initial discomfort.  Illustrations of these stretching exercises can be viewed at the American Cancer Society website.  As for counseling -- I say: yes!  Whatever works!  MBJ is right there are a number of places to look.  There is a national group called, I think, Gilda's Girls that has support groups that are free.  I bet you could could find a list of support organizations (with free services) on the American Cancer Society website.

MBJ--I think in Cincy it's called the Wellness Community.  I"ll give them a try. I think they do offer some sort of exercise program.  I put my Y membership on hold because I knew I wouldn't use it for now.

I have had some luck with Cancer Family Care -- massage for half price for a year.  It also goes for care givers.  I took my daughter once when she came from out of town.  the massage therapist is a cancer survivor (single MX) and I feel well enough to go see her again.  She was a huge help prior MX--I was a nervous wreck.  I think CFC also offers counseling.

Lilah--I checked out your suggestion--it's actually called Gilda's Club--not in Ohio at all, but maybe someone else can use your suggestion.  There's a nice site map on the web site.

I am getting, I believe, 50 cc a fill; so I guess we're in the same boat.  Today's my first--I'll let you know how it goes.

Cameron--thanks for sharing.  I tell my mother (she's 85) to not do things that make her hurt.  I guess I should take my own advice.

Ladies--all of you-- have gotten me back to a better place mentally, and I'm ready to take the next steps to getting well.  I'm going to make those phone calls about counseling and exercise.

Hi all!  I need a positive word.

Last night I took my first peek and I didn't particularly like what I saw.  I know all about the "peek don't freak" adage.  But I am worried anyway.    surprise surprise!

So I had the nipple sparing MX.  Well my nipple is like all the way over on the left side of the "breast".  That I guess is the main thing--and that would tell you how misshapen it appears to be.  The bottom looks weird too, like it is folded over or something.  I'm not describing things well.  But I guess the thing that bothers me most right now is the nipple. 

I will be going for my FU tomorrow, so I am hoping my dr. will make me feel better.  My husband just said, "Well I think you have been making light of this whole thing.  It may never look as good as you want it to>"  Preparing me for reality I guess.  But he doesn't have the advantage of everyone's experience like I do on this board.

Pegs, I'm sorry you are still experiencing pain.  I hope there will be someone with the same experience with a few encouraging words for you!  Hang in there!

Georgia

Jorrja was this the exchange you had or the BMX with TEs? 

hello Everyone! I have not been here for a while, not sure why. I think i was pretending i did not have bc?? No.... that never happened,....crazy i know when every minute im in  pain from t/e's! I did finally get my exchange date its June 13th way to far away to get too excited.  But i want to know how many of you deal with back problems, shoulder problems ect... I am literally falling apart even my dr said yesterday  i have alot of skelatel and muscular issues. AAAAAHHHHH ya and they hurt, beside the freakin tupperware. I planned that as soon as i got my exchange date i would work on getting my body strong again, and now i cannot move. Also afraid i will or hurt something else. I have gained 8lbs and bought a bunch of new summer clothes to fit this new body 3 sizes bigger than last year... And how long do we have to to wait after the exchange??? omg i should have bought 4or 5 sizes bigger .... i wish people understood how really awful bc is both emotionally and physically  YES we will survive but the journey is so hard and the scars are not just left on our bodies,,, just had to get that out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you all for being here for eachother just wish we did not need to be here at all and I BELIEVE THEY HAVE A CURE

Beacher - I'm doing PT for a winged scapula from BMX, range of motion issues and some shoulder muscles that have me in a hunched position 24/7.  Since exchange is in a month for you, your PS might request you to wait till after to start PT, mine did.  With all the restrictions right after I waited 5 weeks post exchange to begin.  It might take a bit, but it'll hopefully help!  I think after 3 weeks it is beginning to help me! Good luck!

Pegs... your rads side can be more sore for about 3-6 weeks.It took more to do our rads side. I am sure you had to have a capsulectomy.. ( removing all the scar tissue radiation caused.)... since there is more evasive work done to the rads side... it is totally normal to have pain and soreness much longer than the non rads side.

I experienced the same. My rads side was much more sore... and then after about 4 weeks.. it felt more like the other.

I will answer any question you have on rads and implants. PM me anytime.

Laura

clfinch.... I also did not mean anything by a past post of mine. What I meant from that post was simply we will not be perfect... but we can look... ok. I am sorry you took my post badly.

Nolo, I was afraid that might be the case.  The nipple sparing thing sounded so cool, but I would think it just adds a whole new problem for the PS.

Lilah, this was an exchange.  I only had one side done as the other side was "replaced" 11 years ago with my first diagnosis.  At the time, I was thinking the tram flap operation I had for that one wasn't worth all the pain and trouble.  But now, I have defniitely changed my mind.  This implant procedure isn't a walk in the park either.  And everyone always remarks on how great my tram flap boob looks.    I'm not so sure I'll get the same compliments on the implant.

Hey, beacher4209... I am right there with you.  I gained 10 pounds over the last year going through all this sh****.  And I am having a darn hard time getting it off so I am blaming it on the Femara now.  I have gotten back to most all my activites at the previous level since my first exchange 6 weeks ago, but now I will be going through that all over again on June 15th so that is going to set me back again.  I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit any longer and don't even know what size tops to buy anymore with this reconstruction still going on.  Good luck on your upcoming exchange.  Looks like we'll be healing together.

Cameron, Mother Nature has a great way of kicking our butts into line.  I nevered pictured dandelions as the messenger, but why not??  Hope you are feeling better, deekaay.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((clfinch)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Yes ... it sure is so very hard for all of us! I did look good before my second exchange.... and I do look better now. I am VERY hard on myself. If you want to see me on the picture forum... please PM me and I will tell you my private name there.... so you can see what is..."ok" for me..

I should be more tender here..... as I always need to remember.... I judge myself WAY hard... and yet, I think others look AMAZING! I have seen.... IN REAL LIFE...lol lol... about 40 breast from the sisters here... over the past three years..... so I KNOW how awesome these ladies look.... AND YOU WILL TOO!

Laura

ugh.  After running low grade fever for a couple weeks, taking zpac and lots of vitimin C, yesterday my boob turned red and the redness spread to my side.  PS canceled my exchange surgery for tomorrow.  She thought about sending me to the hospital to get iv antibiotics but decided to send me to an infectious disease doctor tomorrw and said that the new doc might send me to hospital for iv antibiotics.  Has anyone else experienced this?

I just want my soft boobs and for this to be over.

Lilah. Hmmmm I dnot remember saying I'm sore. . Just a little by the rib cage. But only when it's pressed. I am just 6 days post exchange so maybe things will get better but don't like how it looks. I go to dr for Fu today. Can't wait for drain to go! And hope she has some encouraging words. Funny we were thinking this would be our last long trip to ny. I think not.

  ANNETTE,SORRY TO HEAR THIS IS HAPPENING!! HOPE IT GETS TAKEN CARE OF QUICKLY.. I TOO AM AWAITING EXCHANGE,I WILL PRAY FOR YOU

OK Georgia (just saw that you signed your name): not sure what to make of the "folded" part... that does not sound right to me, so hopefully your doctor can clarify what is going on there.  It reminds me of how Claire82's first results were and she had a revision (with a different doctor) which involved another TE and a new implant (and the fold is now gone and she is happy).  She is a uni.  As for the location of the nipple... some of that may be due to swelling (for that matter I suppose the fold could be as well) and so that may change with more time... I also have seen a lot of NSM's and sometimes that does happen.  Again, this is a question for your PS.  Yes the results WILL look better over time but sometimes it is not a matter of time and I really can't tell without seeing it.  I'm sorry to not have something more encouraging to say.  I really hope the PS puts your mind at ease.  If not -- after giving it a few months (because really the look WILL change a lot in the next three months) -- you may want to get another opinion.

Jerusha -- thinking of you today and hoping everything goes well!!!