Exchange City
Comments
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Hi Ladies,
I have been lurking on this thread for a few days. I was dead-set against implants but have started warming up to them (maybe) as I am not ready to be cut all over.
So, please excuse my ignorance when it comes to implants, and humor me if I say anything stupid
Yeshua4me,
So glad to hear an implant success story. Can you share some details about your build and the type of implants you got? Also, did you get radiation?
Hope your oncology visit goes well!0 -
Pinkbutterfly -- if you have not already, please go to the thread called Breast Implant Sizing 101... you can talk with Whippetmom there (as well as hear more about such details
Whippetmom is aka "the breastwhisperer" though really she ought to be "the implantwhisperer" because she is so very knowledgeable about the subject. Welcome to this thread!0 -
I had exchange surgery to Gummies nine days ago, June 10. Have felt good and perhaps doing more than I should. Had friends over for dinner (picked up the meal...didn't cook except for dessert), been out to eat, and walked shopping mall and did errands yesterday with husband. (By the way, what does DH stand for? Still learning all the acronyms!)
Beacher: Yes, Ive had the swollen firm tummy. Had fat grafting. Wondering if it's fluid from doing fat grafting and also all the saline they give us before and during surgery to keep us hydrated.
I like my results. Gummy 410 FX 495. Looks good when I stand up straight with good posture. But On one side there's a dent and little flap of skin when I slouch. Is that a "divot"? Is the flap and divot fixable? How?
One last question: how do you massage? Like pressing in and up? Or in little circular motions? My PS said it's not necessary but many of you have liked the results. Would appreciate someone who found massaging helpful to share more specifically how they did it and how often.
Thanks!!0 -
Thank you and giving you and update day 2 after surgery:
I am feeling much better today. Last night I had a hamburger patty and fruit salad. My goal it to have two protein shakes a day and one meal with some kind of meat. I have had problems with healing and low protein levels in the past. I use the powder protein and mix it with milk, greek yogurt and berries. My dietician encouraged me to watch what I eat after surgery so I do not put on weight while recovering. I have more energy today, but I am trying not to do to much. I am reading the paper, checking e-mail, watching tv. I may take a nap later today. I am trying not to sleep to much so I can sleep tonight.
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regarding bras after surgery:
I was sent home with a large ace bandage which I was allowed to remove the day after surgery. My plastic surgeon has me now wearing a hook and eye bra from walmart. He will let me know when I can start doing the message. After the TE my new foobs look a little flat and one side seems larger than the other. I will see my ps on Thursday the 30th and I am also anxious about what he has to say about how they look.
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Pinkbutterfly: Was diagnosed Jan 2010. My father's 3 sister's all had breast cancer (all died) so my Onc. wanted me to have genetic testing to see if I carried the "cancer gene". Well, I tested positive for the gene (I'm in my 40's) so I had some decisions to make. I only had cancer in the left breast--2 cm, stage 1--but because of the "cancer gene" in my DNA, I had a very high chance of developing cancer in the same breast again, or the other breast, or in my ovaries. I decided to have both breasts removed, my ovaries taken out, and tissue expanders inserted all during the same surgery. Had the surgery in Feb. 2010 and started my expander "fills" in March 2010 while going through chemo. My "fills" or expanders never bothered me but it might be because chemo was such hell. Lost all my hair, felt like crap, and had rock hard boobs! I was a mess.
After chemo ended in Aug. 2010 my Onc. thought it best if I received radiation on the cancer side. He left the choice up to me. I went to see my PS and he told me to do whatever I can to save my life and if that included radiation then to do it. Life first then boobs. So, I radiated until Nov. 2010.
My PS wanted me to heal inside a bit from the radiation before he'd do the exchange. Had the exchange March 30 2011. I have 45 Natrelle silicone-filled breast implants with 460 cc's on both sides. I don't have any nipples and may not get them because I love wearing light colored blouses and I don't have to wear a bra to cover up a nipple. But I'll make the nipple decision later. I have plenty of time. I've also noticed that I am beginning to get feeling again around the outside of my breasts.
I have hot flashes because they took out the ovaries but I can handle them. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, not having a period anymore!!! These hot flashes are worth it. Also, I can't take any medications that most breast cancer survivors take after treatment (I think they take some for 5 years or so) because I have the "gene" and the medication does not help me. So, I just removed everything that this cancer likes to attack and go on with my life. Hopefully, it will lay dormant and I'll see grandchildren one day!
Sorry so detailed...I'm an author by trade. Oh, yeah--I also grew back some fantastic looking hair! Great boobs and flowing hair--what more could a girl ask for?
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Yeshua4Me, Thank you for your post. I am also positive for the gene and will undergo a hysterectomy soon. I have been in chemical menopause for past three months and I can handle the hot flashes, too. I will probably opt not to take Arimidex because my joints are getting affected by the Tamoxifen I was on. Onc said Arimidex is worse on the joints. My quality of life is more important than 8% chance of reoccurence.
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Slinky: I totally understand about the joints being affected. During chemo I had to have shots (given in my stomach!) for a week everyday after a round of chemo and boy did it affect my joints. Some days I could barely walk--I had such horrific bone pain. Since chemo ended I've had lingering bone pain in fingers and toes. Was pretty bad for a while but as time goes by the pain is less and less. I still have it but Motrin now keeps it under control. I used to have to take Norco's for the pain and I hated being "high" all the time. And you're right--quality of life is the most important factor.
Pinkbutterfly: I forgot to mention that I wear a size 32C bra so I'm not huge, I have just enough.
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Thanks, Lilah,
I heave seen that thread ( lurking there too) but I feel like I don't know enough to ask intelligent questions yet... Don't know what kind of TE I have, or how much is in it. I just got my first fill last week, as I had to wait several weeks after rads. My PS isn't going to do anything til after 6 mos, so guess I have time to educate myself. Have learned more from BC.org than any other source on recon. I am considering micro fat grafting too, or a combo of implants and FG to hopefully get the best appearance,feel, and maybe prevent some radiation-induced complications. For me, I think that will be the tricky part, but, I guess I still have time.
Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences for the benefit of others.0 -
howard - I'm not sure you need to massage the gummies. For the regular silicone rounds massaging helps prevent Capsular constricure (CC) and helps to soften them up. The ladies who have the gummies will correct me ... but I don't think it is necessary for them?
Yeshua4me - Love your avatar and your attitude! Truly great boobs and flowing hair ... we'll never take for granted the little things again, will we?
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Dawne-Hope -- ok I don't see an avatar for Yeshua4me! (How strange) Maybe she removed it?
Pinkbutterfly -- it's all good! Glad you're there (even as a lurker). So if you're not sure you are going to have implants, why do you have TEs? Is it a just in case sort of thing?
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Lilah - I may have used the wrong lingo ... I'm not all that computer saavy!
I like her screen name! That's what I meant! 
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Oh lol -- sorry! Avi = photo as far as I know. (But who knows it could be me who is confused!)
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No ... I'll bet you're right!
I shouldn't get on there on Sunday nights ... I'm exhausted! 
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I want to congradulate you all (Joan, SueBee, Beecher, Cameron ShortLady, Howard) for having had your surgeries. I know now about some of the expectations. And of course I have a lot of questions!! Am beginning to take my xanas to calm me down. For some reason I'm more nervous about this surgery, than the MX.
I'm having my surgery this friday June 24th. I will be having the exchange of my TE .for a silicone implant and then on the other side..a reduction. This will almost be a mastectomy in itself. The PS told me that the reduction side will require more "down time" than my exchange time.
Some questions for those who have had their procedure....Did you need a recliner chair after surgery? How about drains? Did anyone have drains after their TE' exchanges?? I'm almost sure I'll have one on the reduction side. When Did you begin messaging your exchange side? My PS hasnt mentioned anything, but I had to do that with knee replacements. (I'm sure I'll have to do it with my reduction side as well, to keep it free).
I know I'll have a lot more questions as things come up.
Congrats to those who have had their procedures and doing very well.
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meJoy, don't be nervous! Whatever will be, will be; there's no use fighting it :-)
I didn't need a recliner; my PS warns against them actually, he says they limit circulation and that is especially harmful after surgery...something about blood clots forming due to lack of circulation, along with increased risk of clots due to surgery. He specializes in PS but is an osteopathic doctor so he looks at things rather holistically. BUT, tons of people use recliners without problem. I just used lots of pillows and enjoyed my king size bed a LOT!
I didn't have drains, and my PS hasn't mentioned massage yet. I see him for a 4 week post-op on Tuesday, maybe I'll know more after that!
You'll do fine, don't stress out if you can help it :-)
-Cameron
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Question: Is there anyone who has had a BMX and exchanged to implants that DOES NOT have rippling problems? I am curious because it seems that this is a very common problem because of the lack of breast tissue. I know that smooth causes less rippling than textured, but reading through alot of these threads and posts, it seems to be across the board regardless of implant type. Or are there success stories of no rippling? I would love to hear from anyone who hasn't experienced rippling.
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meJoy - my PS is on the recliner bandwagon. He suggested it for the first night - I did it for 5. I can really sleep in my recliner however. Ive been in bed for 2 nights now. I did hear about clots but also heard that is true if you dont get up much. I was peeing in the night and getting my own water and stuff all day so I kept moving.
PS didnt mention anything about massage yet but I am still tender. And no drains this time but then I had an augment on the left not a reduction...my drain after mx was virtually dry in 3 days so maybe that had something to do with it.
I'm one week out today! Yeah! And I woke up on my left side and my first thought was 'THIS DOESNT HURT!!!!" Even rolling over and sitting up was easy this morning. Oh brother am I in danger of doing too much now!
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shortlady,
please do take it easy, i had my implant in for a month and the incision decided to open up, don't know if it was something i did or not, i also had radiation on that side. i now have an expander back in. i thought i took it easy but who knows.
take care
peggy
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Yeashua4me,
Thanks for sharing your story. I believe that you will see your grand-children! You did everything you could possibly do, and that should give you peace of mind.
Lilah,
They were placed at the time of my MX. I think they did this to save the skin (skin-sparing) as I had to have delayed recon due to rads. My PS gave me the choice of doing immediate lat flap, but I had heard that it was better to wait until after rads, and I'm glad I did, as I don't want lat flap. When I went in for my first fill, ps told me that I still had time to decide what kind of recon I wanted, but let's go ahead and do fills slowly to see how my skin reacts. I have learned throughout this process that there are as many opinions as there are PS's, so it's hard to know if it's being done the 'right' way, or even if there is such a thing. So, my understanding was when I had TE's placed that I had to do that regardless of what I was having done.0 -
Thank you Sue. We have a sitter coming for the day tomorrow (surgery day!). My husband will be home to watch the kids (8,6, 4 1/2, 2 1/2) for the rest of the week and weekend. Then Monday I'll be on my own. Husband will come home in time to make dinner and in the evenings will do the shopping, laundry, etc. Just have to make it through the 8-6 days...lots of TV time maybe and hopefully playing at friends house for the older kids.
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Good Luck KellyMaryland tomorrow! Keep us posted on how you do. My kids 13 and 14 will be away at camp next month when I have my exchange. My question was when I could return to work (not physical), I was planning on going back a week later, if you can manage your family going to work for me should be easy in comparison.
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SueBee and Cameron....I didnt think about blood clots and restricted movement with the recliner. But you raise some excellent points. Will definitely be using my bed ...going shopping for some extra pillows. I AM one who believes that getting up and around is the best way for healing (and so does my family, so they dont let me hang in bed). Thanks for your input. Great food for thought!
Good luck to all of you going through surgery tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you!
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Kelly BEST OF LUCK tomorrow!!! I think by the following Monday you should be pretty good as long as you take FULL advantage of your husband being home this week. The less you do now, the faster you'll be on your way later.
Christine- many say the following week is OK if you dont have a strenuous job. Im one week out today and if I had a desk job, I could probably work a 1/2 day but I dont think I would make it through 8-9 hours.
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Sue, thanks for the imput, I am just going to work 1/2 days the weeks following my exchange, and taking advantage of weekends will be completely out for 10 days. I was going to try and ride with my husband to pick up son at camp 3 days after surgery, but on the advise of a few of you will let him go himself. My job is not strenuous (except mentally).
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Kelly and anyone else having surgery this week -- best wishes for an easy time of it and a good outcome!
Slinky -- I have a gummy (Allergan 410) implant and no ripples. I think the women who get ripples are those with thin skin.
Pinkbutterfly -- ah that makes sense! I do know that implant reconstruction after rads requires care and time, so its good you are taking it slow!
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Kelly - best of luck tomorrow, sweet dreams - you will do great - keep us posted.
Slinky - I had PBMX and have been very pleased with the whole process. I don't think I have "rippling", unless it is very slight. I didn't have radiation so that might make a difference.
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Dawn-Hope: My screen name, Yeshua, is Hebrew and it looks like this ישוע
when written in Hebrew. Also, Yeshua looks like this Ιησους when written in Koine Greek. I've
studied both languages because I write theology for a living.
Glad you like my screen name. Wasn't sure if you knew it was Hebrew. Well, transliterated Hebrew
into English.
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Lilah and Vmudrow, thanks for the responses. Mine are still new (going on the third week post exchange) but they look pretty good. The non-cancer side has really softened up, where it actually bounces and jiggles. It feels more wrinkly than it looks - when I cup it with my hand I can feel the wrinkles more than I can see them. I know, stop feeling them! I was told to massage two times a day for 5 minutes, so I am following instructions.
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Yeshua4Me - I studied both languages too ... liked Hebrew wayyyy better! Love it, actually! I write & study theology too! 0
