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  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited July 2011

    Rnjules:  I'm not sure if Whippetmom is around this weekend, but she started the Implant Sizing 101 thread and checks in there quite often.  She is very knowledgeable.  For the quickest response you need to post your brand and model number of TE along with your height, weight, and rib circumference (below the breasts).  She (or others there) might be able to help you ask the right questions when you go to your pre=op appointment on Wednesday.

    You could also try sending Whippetmom a PM...

    Thinking good thoughts for you!!!

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited July 2011

    Shortlady -- you probably need to do exercises to stretch the muscle... but you should check with your PS first to make sure it is allowed (it probably is but I always say: check with PS first :)  Your doctor should have suggestions for how to stretch... and, if not, can provide you with a prescription for PT. 

    Rnjules -- you need to talk with your PS about your expectations and, specifically, about how unhappy you are about the placement of the TEs.  Most of the time how the TE looks is NOT how the final implant will look... but it is absolutely imperative that you make sure your PS knows you want them perky :) 

  • shortlady
    shortlady Posts: 36
    edited July 2011

    My PS said I could at least stretch my hands above my head.  He would like me to wait at least a month before exercising.  I am not sure about stretching much at this point.  My PS is very concerned about my left radiated side.  He keeps reminding me not to do to much.  He has had people that had problems with their radiated side even 2 months after the exchange.  I plan to take things very slowly.  I was seeing an OT before surgery and she showed me various stretches and exercises.    

     I got my back scratcher today.  I wish I had bought one earlier.  

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited July 2011

    Well, you could try stretching your non rads side, Shortlady, since you said it's that side that feels limited.  The exercises mentioned above are perfect... you can do it with just the non-rads side... then add the rads side when your doctor permits.  I would call them stretches and NOT exercises... and since you are allowed to stretch hand over head, you're OK doing them.  I was also told to reach arm out to side (making it parallel to the floor) and do small circles (first forward 10 times, then backward 10 times)... and to flap arms like a chicken.  All seem silly but do help with range of motion, as doe the "wall crawl" described above.  I used to reps about 5 times a day in the first few months post surgery.

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    anniemomofthree and rnjules--

    I've been reading all the posts, just  not responding in a while.  But it looks like we are all on the same day!  I have to be at the hospital at 7am.  How 'bout you two?  

    I'm pretty nervous about this, but not nearly as seriously crazed as I was before my BMX.  How are you holding up?  

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    Hi July 7th exchange girls!  I am one week behind you all, I am sure you are all getting excited (maybe that's not the correct word).  Rowan, you are lucky to be going 1st thing in the morning, I waited until 3 in the afternoon for my BMX, and was sick to my stomach before they ever started.  Will you all be going home right after surgery?  Please keep us posted on how things go for you.

  • shortlady
    shortlady Posts: 36
    edited July 2011

    Thank you for the stretching advice.  I took a walk today and I was doing some simple arm movements my OT said I could do while I walked.  I said Hi to a gentleman waiting at a bus stop. He said I would have to move my arms faster if I wanted to fly.  LOL.  It made me smile.  Smile

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    Christine47--I am glad it's early in the morning.  I dread getting up that early and showering, but I think I would be a basket case  if I had to wait until later in the day.  I am supposed to home the same day--maybe even by noon.    Yeah, excited is probably a stretch--but I am looking forward to having it behind me.  I'm sure I'll be on here more than less for awhile.  You'll have to keep us posted as you move towards your date.

    I am having a massage the day before--Cancer Family Care in Cincy just got a big donation and anyone with cancer and her/his caregiver can get a FREE massage for up to a year after diagnosis.  the therapist is a bc survivor and really, really good.

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    rowan,

    A massage the day before is a great idea!  I know I will get a pedicure and manicure next weekend, must have pretty hands and feet for surgery.  What to do with my hair (or lack of is another story).  Guess I will wear a fun baseball cap until I need to put on surgical cap.  Did you do chemo?  Wish I could loose 10 lbs before sugery, I say this as I am getting ready to go to a 4th of July picnic and eat way to much I am sure, LOL.  Can't wait to hear from you later this week.

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    christine47--yup, I got the pedicure last week.  I don't usually get manicures because I am so hard on my hands and I'm not good at maintenance, but enjoy!  as far as hair, with it being so early, I am just coming it straight back when I get out of the shower and lettng the wind and air have its way with it. I also have short hair so it doesn't really matter, just no poofy gel this time.

    I did not have to do chemo or rads this time...I had a diagnosis 13 yrs ago where I went through the regimen with a lumpectomy.  I can't imagine doing that and having all this surgery this time.  ((h(ugs))) to you for making it this far. 

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Posts: 150
    edited July 2011

    I'm the day before- 7/6- Wednesday. Getting nervous but also ready to be rid of the TE.

    My surgery is 1130a- have to be at the hospital 930a- it's an hour from my house so won't have much time to wait around. Looking forward to the week- I'll have drains- but just 2 this time rather than 4 from the BMX. 

    A little less than 2 days and counting!!! Any advice welcomed.

    Lisa

  • annettek
    annettek Posts: 1,160
    edited July 2011

    annie, rnj, rowan and lisa- WOW who lotta news boobage gonig on this week!!!! SO excited and happy for you all....

    lisa- the best advice I can give you is **DANCE** over getting rid of those damn TEs (do it before exchange since you really should take it cool for awhile following surgery:)

    I am getting excited nutso myself over the new nips and fat graft this thursday= question- how long recovery as far as feeling like going to work? and how on earth do you dress with raw new nipples????

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited July 2011

    Annettek:  I wore Medela Nipple Protectors with the tips cut off over my bandages and a fiberfilled bra that hid the bandages (mostly-nothing tight) and loosened my bra straps for 6 weeks.  No push up bras at all!  Healing was a breeze and I could of had surgery on a Friday and gone back to work on Monday or Tuesday.  Good luck!!!

    For all of you who are having exchanges this week:  Happy squishees and happy healing!!!

  • vivirasselena
    vivirasselena Posts: 51
    edited July 2011

    Hey all....are there drains involved with exchange?

    Lord, I hope not.  With my MX I had them in for over 5 WEEKS!!

    michele

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Posts: 150
    edited July 2011

    vivirasselena- it's my understanding the issue of drains or no drains varies by PS. My PS said yes I will have drains- 2 (had 4 for BMX). He said it would be much easier than w/ BMX.

    I will dance today at adivce of annettek Smile. I know it'll take a little longer than a few days for me- my counts are still likely not great since I am only 5 weeks out from last chemo. But won't miss the TE at all. Glad I had them- but glad to see them be replaced w/ implants!!!

  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited July 2011

    vivirasselena:  I'm not there yet so don't know for sure, but my PS told me to plan on drains.  That way, it will be a happy surprise if I don't need them. 

    Sending good vibes out for everyone's surgeries this week!!!!!!!!!!!

  • matty123
    matty123 Posts: 264
    edited July 2011

    Happy 4th to Everybody! and sending good thoughts to all the exchanges coming up :) I'm 3 weeks out from mine today!!! yeah no dancing yet ,but tomorrow i start with a personal trainer working from my belly button to my knees!!! i gained 7 lbs all right there!! So today i eat EVERYTHING that hits the bbq! 

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    LIsaGH--welcome aboard this week's exchange babies...

    vivirasselena--I was told no drains this time around, I had four for BMX

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    beacher--so glad to hear you can exercise--I can't wait to get into yoga again and more walking...

  • annettek
    annettek Posts: 1,160
    edited July 2011

    beacher- you make me feel like a slug...i was released to work out a month ago and...and...and...I used the original nip date in June to put it off under the "why get started when I will have to stop" line....

    thanks MBJ

    vivaressalena- as said, up to PS and your body. I had my drains in forever it seemed following BMX but none after exchange. but, like anything I don't imagine them as bad second time around for at least know what they are like...that first tug after a BMX- sheesh

  • matty123
    matty123 Posts: 264
    edited July 2011

    ya  i spoke too soon i feel so crappy today,my areola on my lift side has shooting pains still has stitches around it with steri strips. and both of the girls feel like iron !! hope i feel better tomorrow, my incision on my lift side is red all around it hope i do not have an infection....

  • Spellgirl
    Spellgirl Posts: 28
    edited July 2011

    Beacher- good thoughts to you- sorry that you are hitting a bump in the road. Just say no to infection.... maybe it was the BBQ....Cry

    Good luck to all who are getting their new foobs. I look forward to joining you in a few months. :-)

  • matty123
    matty123 Posts: 264
    edited July 2011
    Thanks Spellgirl i hope you are right Cool
  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited July 2011

    Shortlady -- LOL on trying to fly!

    Rowan -- that is awesome about the free massages for a year!  Wow I could have used that!  Also I'm sorry to hear that this one is a recurrence.  Let's hope that this will be the end of BC (or C of any kind) for you!

    Beacher -- so sorry you're feeling sore on your lift side.  I definitely found the lift side took MUCH longer to heal than the implant side.  But hey: shooting pains means you've still got feeling!  If you are at all concerned that it might be an infection, do call your PS.  Better safe than sorry.

    And to all the new exchangees (and Annette for nip surgery) -- good luck this week and wahooooooooooo!!!!

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    Lisa, just noticed you also on this weeks list for exchange, less than 2 days away.  You also must be getting anxious.  I will be so intent on hearing news from this weeks crowd, as next week is my turn.  Seems like I have a million things at home and work to get done in prepartion of surgery, great to keep me distracted.  Wishing all exchange ladies a fantastic, painfree, infection free and dream size squishy week.

  • Anniemomofthree
    Anniemomofthree Posts: 370
    edited July 2011

    Rowan, rnjules and lisagh,  

    So, we are all doing the Big E this week. I am nervous....still wondering about size!  Hoping it is uneventful.  I go in at 8:45 for a 10:30 start.  I am expecting no drains.  Anyone else?  No idea how this one is going to go....anyone else?  I think I felt more at ease with the BMX!  Just finished chemo 10 weeks ago.  I keep remembering that this is surgery.  Especially when people write that they can not lift things.  Seriously, who is going to do the wash around here?????

  • annettek
    annettek Posts: 1,160
    edited July 2011

    hiya Annie....wow another on the exchange...very cool.... as far as the lifting it really concerned me after my exchange as my doc kept telling me NOTHING heavier than 10 lbs ever...(actually five the first few weeks) I listened...sure sometimes I made a mistake and grabbed something but then I felt it...fast forward 3.5 mos later and I slowly work my way up as needed...I am glad I waited tho, it was part of the healing and I doubt I will ever haul a fifty pound sack of anything again (yesterday I bought some chlorine tabs for the pool in a 35 pound bucket...surprising myself I agreed when the guy asked if he could put it in my car...brought to mind that me "pre-bc" always thought I had to do it all...I would have grabbed the damn thing and lugged it out...instead I say yes, please. When I got home I cautiously wrestled the thing out of the trunk and dragged-rolled the bucket the garage and kicked it right side up with my foot. A lot of work? Yep. But the way I see it these new boobs have been a lot of work and if I have to start acting all girly and careful at my age, well so be it.

    Good luck everyone and have a great day

  • justagirl
    justagirl Posts: 633
    edited July 2011

    Anniemomofthree,

    Yes, no lifting until the Dr give you the all clear.  After coming this far, you sure don't want to be ripping out sutures or worse.

    Clothes Washing - no you won't be able to lift a basket of wet or dry clothes.  I just sat my 17 yo son down and explained to him that he was going to have to do this while I was in hospital and to help me with the heavy part for 6 weeks after the surgery.  He would collect the clothes and I loaded them.  He put the clothes in the dryer and pulled them out when dry and carried the basket into the living room where he dumped it on the couch and I folded it all.  Then he carried it upstairs and put his and his Dad's clothes away and helped me with mine.  He stripped the sheets off the bed for me and put them back on clean.  

    If you can't get one of your children to help, or they are too young, then DH or a friend or family member can.  If that doesn't work out, then don't worry about things like clean sheets on the bed weekly - let it go.

    Like the vaccuuming - I always do it but couldn't so DH got that job.  He didn't do a great job but he tried and hit the main spots.  And if the vaccuuming hadn't been done, life goes on.........

    Nuture yourself - protect yourself - it is your body and your future.

    AS a mom, I was just used to doing it all myself but now is not the time to be Super-Mom.

    If you are kind to yourself right after surgery, truly, you will heal faster and be back doing all you usually do sooner.

    Make sense?

    Good luck!

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Posts: 545
    edited July 2011

    WHOA so much going on out here!!!

    Best of luck to the gals 'moving forward' this week! I am so garsh-darn happy for you all!!!!

    Beacher - we are BOTH three weeks out.  I get a little pinchy when I wake up and start moving.  Leftie (augment side) is more pinchy feeling. 

    Someone mentioned pedicures before surgery - At my pre op I was told I had to take off nailpolish so you may want to check before you get all of that done!!!  I was a little bummed.

    I got the go-ahead to exercise last week but I am trying to take it easy for a little while longer.  Im on vacation now and have been walking like MAD everywhere but Im still afraid to go in the water even though that was OKed too.  I am super pooped at the end of every day!!!!

    So Im thinking of all of you gals - wow...it'll be here and past before you can even realize it!!!!

  • LMichele
    LMichele Posts: 88
    edited July 2011

    SueBee, re: going in the water, did you go in the water at all between MX and exchange?  I am 8 weeks out from BMX and not sure, maybe done with fills? (or one more on Thursday?  I am only up to 350 cc's and it feels like plenty???) I was SO hoping to go in the water on vacation the last week of July!!! A nice big cool lake in NH... heaven on earth!

    i think i'm gonna take the plunge and post pix later on today if anyone cares to weigh in... should I keep on fillin'????

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