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  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Posts: 545
    edited July 2011

    Lmichelle - does your PS overfill?  I was filled to 550 but got a 475 implant for a more natural look.  Have you seen my pix?   I couldve gone swimming in between but being a uni, I had one big awkward looking boob and one natural side that was pretty flat from kids so I was embarrased.  I got the OK to swim now because my dermabond is in tact but now I am afraid of getting that ONE TEENIE GERM into my incision...just an unjustified fear of mine.  I dont want anything to mess up the results I got!!!

  • Fighter_34
    Fighter_34 Posts: 496
    edited July 2011

    Okay ladies surgery is done. I have mixed feelings. They feel great, but look wired. I am being patient how long does it take to look normal or should they be looking normal by now.

    Thanking in advance!

  • Cameron
    Cameron Posts: 128
    edited July 2011
    Fighter: Allow 4-6 months for proper time to settle in. You may still be experiencing swelling and tight pectoral muscles which need time to relax.  Hope it helps!  Remember to support the new boobs with a good bra.  Smile
  • JenC
    JenC Posts: 186
    edited July 2011

    Hey everyone.  HOpe youare all doing well.  It has been a while since I have posted.  Been really busy and just got out of the hospital.  As most of you know I had my exchange in April, well, I ended up with a staff infection and this past Saturday I had to have the implant removed, high dose antibiotics and cannot even think of doing another reconstruction to the mastectomy side for about 6 months:(  So back to one regular boob and one concaved boob.  Not making me feel very attractive. I have a drain in and once that comes out I am going to get a good prosthetic for the time being.  It is just neverending.  I have had bad luck with the implants.  I think my body just does not like them.  When I am able to do reconstruction I think it will be time for the tram flap.  Dont think I want to risk this stuff again.  Well, just throught I would drop by and say hi and update my status.  Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July.

    Laughing

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    Hi all,

    so much good advice--I have a wonderful husband who willingly does everything to help.  our youngest just finished college and is off to  grad school in August so we don't have little ones underfoot anymore--that's a huge work reduction.  about the pedicure--I was told pedicure was ok.  so, again, it all depends.

    I am totally nervous about this surgery, not as much as bmx, but  still just tired of pain and recovery. I feel like I'm whining, but I know we have all been there or are there right now...thanks for listening.

    my PS is really conservative about exercise after surgery so I am sure it will be months before I am what I consider active again, but I'm ok with it.  I don't want any complications if I can avoid them.

  • Amyrich
    Amyrich Posts: 8
    edited July 2011

    SuebeeBC-I also am 3 weeks out, and this past weekend i ventured into our pool and it felt wonderful. It actually relieved some of the tightness I was feeling. We had company in town, took them to the beach.....I was in water there, but just waist high. I was a little nervous about the ocean, just went in to cool off a little. I made sure I showered as soon as I could! My PS said i could have swam a week ago, but I was scared! You should try it!

  • redskyatnight
    redskyatnight Posts: 80
    edited July 2011

    Rowan, I too am wondering about recovery from exchange surgery. My e-day is July 21 and my aunt is traveling out to be here to help out with my family while I am in surgery and for a few more days. Two weeks later, my DH is taking a business trip to CA and I wonder if a) I'd be ok to come along? or b) I should stay home and have someone help me out w/ household chores, driving, and my kids and pets? 

    LMichele,

    I am filled to 350 with my 275 TE's and I am going for 400-450 hi profile implants at my exchange. If you want to see my te pics, I am on the photo forum. I'll look for yours, too! 

  • rowan
    rowan Posts: 131
    edited July 2011

    redskyatnight--I'm sure others can weigh in on what to expect after two weeks...Of course, it's better to overplan, but that's easier said than done sometimes...

  • Amyrich
    Amyrich Posts: 8
    edited July 2011

    redskyatnight-

    at 2 weeks, you will feel ok, but you have to be real careful not to overdue it..it will be 3 weeks tomorrow, i still get tired toward the end of the day, and when i've done too much, i can feel it in my implants...it seems a little more swollen than normal and a little more painful. if  you go, just take it easy! it will feel good to get away! you will know if you've done too much!

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Posts: 150
    edited July 2011

    Yes I am nervous! Getting ready for tomorrow. Mine will be bilateral. I feel that I have just started feeling better again (am 5 weeks out now from my last  6 cycles of TCH). I am going in for my triple Herceptin today- then surgery in the morning.

     YIKES! I am nervous. I think w/ the BMX I was so ready to get the cancer out I didn't have time to get nervous. 

    I know it's got to feel better. These TE still hurt/ache at times. Will let you all know how it goes- surgery is 1130a- one hour from my house- have to be there at 930a. Thinking I'll be home in the late afternoon/early evening.

    Counting down!

    Lisa

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited July 2011

    Fighter:  They tend to look a bit "hamburger bun" flattened rounds at first.  Are you part of the picture forum?  I think it helps to see other's surgeries to help know what to expect.  PM me if you are interested.  Mine took almost 4 months to drop & fluff.  My MX side is still a bit tighter/higher then my augmented side.  It was really flat in the middle which was really noticeable from the side and it shrunk quite a bit compared to the aug. side so I really looked lopsided for awhile.  It is still a bit smaller but before my other side was smaller.  Give it time!

  • MBJ
    MBJ Posts: 3,671
    edited July 2011

    redsky:  I really tired easily though I wasn't in any pain.  Looking back I can't imagine traveling right after having my exchange.  Too much running around wouldn't be the best thing and I don't know if you would want to fly yet, if air travel is involved.  Ask your PS to be sure.  I also had drains in and this took about a month to heal and completely close up.

  • Fighter_34
    Fighter_34 Posts: 496
    edited July 2011

    Yes, I am going to PM you. I thought I had all my bases covered but I need to compare and make sure.

  • Alberta3
    Alberta3 Posts: 8
    edited July 2011

    Can anyone tell me where I can find the video showing implant messaging. I saw it once but forget where it is. Thanks a bunch!

    Alberta

  • matty123
    matty123 Posts: 264
    edited July 2011

    Very Good advice about not lifting or using your arms too much..wiping,scrubbing,pushing pulling ect... im learning that the hard way. My mx side is fine some soreness under the armpit but mt mt augmented side really hurts if i use that side especially my areola that is still got steri strips on it.

     So listen to these ladies they know do not be stubborn like me and just try to do everything,im done i am not doing anything to  hurt these ta ta's anymore! went through too much to get here!

    Good luck to all the exchanges this week! and thanks to all of you for reminding us to be CAREFUL :) 

  • islandmom
    islandmom Posts: 131
    edited July 2011
    Alberta3:
    Here is the link:
     
  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Posts: 1,477
    edited July 2011

    Thank you for posting that. Wow the model looks amazing!

  • shortlady
    shortlady Posts: 36
    edited July 2011

    Annettek: I like what you said about being girly.  I am also use to just doing things my self.  My daughter and I have always talked about those girly girls.  So, I guess I need to become a girly girl.  I have to keep reminding my self to ask for help.  I feel funny about asking for help when I look like nothing is wrong with me.  When I have had to ask for help, I usually say I just had surgery and can not lift.  There is one young man at my grocery store that knows my story and is very helpful when he is working.  

     Justagirl: I have a 15 year old son and I told him he would have to help me after surgery.  He does help when I ask, but acts like I asked him to do something terrible.  He acted like he was going to die when I asked him to push the shopping cart the other day.  He usually does help, but not always with the best attitude.  I am hoping he will soon grow out of this grumpy stage.  

    My husband has been great.  He was off from work the first two weeks after my surgery so he did all the house cleaning, laundry and cooking.  He is now working in the mornings.  He is still helping with the house work and going to the store with me.  

    3 weeks after exchange surgery and I am driving a little.  I try to park in a space where I can just go forward in stead of backing up as twisting and looking back is uncomfortable.  I have a pillow I put under my seat belt to keep it from rubbing.  

    Good wished to those having their exchanges this week.  If you have recently had chemo make sure your protein levels are good.  If not get some powder protein shake mix and booster up your protein levels.   

  • Alberta3
    Alberta3 Posts: 8
    edited July 2011

    THANK YOU..ISLANDMOM

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    LisaGH,  Best of everything to you tomorrow.  Compared to chemo this exchange thing has to be a breeze (I hope).  I am next week and getting abit nervous.  But I am excited to get rid of these hard and sometimes uncomfortable TEs.  I will be thinking of you tomorrow!

  • justagirl
    justagirl Posts: 633
    edited July 2011

    shortlady,

    The attitude of your 15 year old son is a common one, in general, of all 15 year old kids when they are asked by a parent to do something.

    I was fortunate my son has never given me 'attitude' when it comes to helping me due to one of my surgeries, but he still give me 'attitude' on everything else I ask him to do. My son even does the weekly grocery shopping by himself now, as he says it's embarrassing to have to go with your Mom.....yet he did go with me last year when I had surgery and chemo.

  • sundermom
    sundermom Posts: 98
    edited July 2011

    Hi ladies.  I'm looking for some encouragement here.  I had my exchange on May 10th and am just finishing up 36 rads.  I have Natrelle Style 20 475cc implants.  I am 5'1" 130 lbs and have a 32 inch rib cage.  Pre BMX I was a 36DD and wanted to downsize.  I was hoping for a full C and I think we're off the mark.  I seem small and flat IMO.  Also, the radiated side also seems to be riding higher and appear smaller than the non-radiated side.  Can this be fixed?  I am expecting too much?  What should my next step be??? 

    Tammy

  • annettek
    annettek Posts: 1,160
    edited July 2011

    wow so much going on....

    redsky- iwent to NYC two weeks after my exchange and I think it did me a world of good- I took care to not overdo it and rested a LOT in the afternoons but it just made me feel "mo bettah good"

    SueBee- I am right with you in the caution over the water and incisions...my PS drilled it into me...and while I love the water I stayed away from it while healing...

    rowan- my doc is uber conservative about excercise after the exchange- he says long after external looks healed to remember lots of work was done inside...'

    Lisa - so excited for you- this is a GOOD surgery....the BMX is a pile of junk while we are full of fear and like you said..thinking get this damn cancer outta me-will be htinking of you tomorrow

    JennC - aw, damn...sorry you had to go through so much crap. Get yourself good and healed. When you are feeling up to it, you have time to explore all of your options and thank goodness we live in a time and place where there are a gazillion good ones. Big hugs my friend- you are beautiful as you are for you are healing and that is no small thing.

  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited July 2011

    JenC:  So sorry you've had such a rough go of it.  I had a long touch and go period during mastectomy healing, but I think the worst is behind me.  However, I'm still in the expansion phase so I've got a way to go.

    I opted out of flap surgery so I'm not very well-versed.  I've seen a number of comments from other women who've had implant failures and they usually mention TRAM flaps.  That is preferable to a DIEP flap?  I'm just curious....

    (Edited - or have I been reading LAT flap?) 

    Please take care of yourself!!!

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    thundersmann, sorry you are not as satisfied with your exchange as you  would like to be. I have not had my exchange yet, so no help here.  I am slightly taller (and heavier) than you, but sounds like I was almost same size pre surgery, 36D, and I am 32 in rib cage too.  I have my exchange next Thursday.  I am worried about the size thing, hoping for small C cup, did you like the size of your TEs??  I have my preop consult next monday and he will finalize the implants he will order for surgery.  I think I will be in the 475-500 range as my TEs are expanded to 525ccs.  I also will get the allergan/natrelle.  I think that you always have the option of revisional surgeries, etc. 

  • deekaay
    deekaay Posts: 254
    edited July 2011

    JenC, so sorry you have to back track.  Disappointing, but the flap may be a good option for you to finally get reconstruction that sticks for you.  Heal well, deekaay

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    funny how things change with breast cancer, "exchange city" once meant going to the mall after Christmas and BC was "before children" at my house.

  • sundermom
    sundermom Posts: 98
    edited July 2011

    christine47- I loved my TEs!!!  They were filled to 480cc and looked great.  I know things are supposed to get better with time after the exchange, but I don't think that applies to size.  I'm wondering how the revision process works.  It is possible to go larger???  Does that mean back to TEs?  Is that even possible after rads?  I wish you the best of luck with your exchange.

    Tammy

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited July 2011

    tsundermann,  I think that you can go larger or higher profile without going back to TEs, when you go back to your PS you need to express your concerns, after all we have been thru we deserve to get what we want, as much as this is medically possible.  I am also happy with my TEs and have a feeling my PS is thinking just mid profile implants and somehow I think I need to be high profile.  He has been great so far, but I am really going to question him next week.  Thanks for the good wishes.

  • sundermom
    sundermom Posts: 98
    edited July 2011

    christine47- I have a follow-up appt. on September 13th.  The PS wanted to wait 8 weeks after the last rads to "assess the damage" and then we would make a plan.  I find myself needing to hit the Ativan over this issue!  The worrying is making me crazy!!!  I guess I just wasn't even thinking that yet another surgery (or two) would be in my future.  My DH tells me that things look "fine", but after all I've been through in the last 8 months I'm hoping for more along the lines of "great", "fantastic" or "spectacular". LOL

    Tammy

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