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  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited October 2011

    Awwww Nedeza!!!  So sorry to hear about your husband.  I hope he will be alright.  Vegas was FUN!  You must come one of these years.  I think there were like 50 of us there!

  • christine47
    christine47 Posts: 846
    edited October 2011

    Not sure this is the appropriate place to ask, but thought someone hear might know the answer to a couple of my questions. 

    For those of you who have done your nips already, I had C-V flaps last week (Thursday), I have plastic guards sewn on.  One of my nips is flesh colored, the other slightly yellow in comparision, do you think this means I could be loosing it??  No drainage from either.  What were you all told about bras in the immediate post op period?  I was told to wear the breast binder 24/7 (by the resident), I wonder if this is putting to much pressure on the nipple protectors and the skin under them.  Thoughts??

  • Prairiemermaid
    Prairiemermaid Posts: 67
    edited October 2011

    Hi all! I'm baaaaaaaaaack! Got back home from my exchange surgery at around 10 am. Everything went very well: No nausea, very manageable pain (2 extra strength Tylenol works) and no unhappy surprises. Most importantly, I'm baaaaaack! I didn't realize how afraid I was of getting "put to sleep". Though having the same anesthesiologist as my 2 previous operations (at my request) was comforting -- he's very good and I trust him. The worst prt of this whole thing (barring the unnecessary worry) was that I felt very groggy today and slept in my comfy chair all afternoon! Wait, is that really a bad thing! ;-) Is that really a bad thing? ;-). Oh, and I have two drains in place, something my surgeon didn't think would be necessary, but for which I had prepared myself all along. I call them my "little buddies" :-) and they may come out as soon as tomorrow at my first follow-up meeting with my ps. I hope I'm not being overly optimistic about everything, but I'm just giddy to be home and mending. Oh, and when I'm gently poked my new transplants, they felt soft and squishy -- yay!!! Through all of this, though, my deep gratitude to all of you for your sharing and support. You've helped me so much...



  • Prairiemermaid
    Prairiemermaid Posts: 67
    edited October 2011

    Hi all! I'm baaaaaaaaaack! Got back home from my exchange surgery at around 10 am. Everything went very well: No nausea, very manageable pain (2 extra strength Tylenol works) and no unhappy surprises. Most importantly, I'm baaaaaack! I didn't realize how afraid I was of getting "put to sleep". Though having the same anesthesiologist as my 2 previous operations (at my request) was comforting -- he's very good and I trust him. The worst prt of this whole thing (barring the unnecessary worry) was that I felt very groggy today and slept in my comfy chair all afternoon! Wait, Is that really a bad thing? ;-). Oh, and I have two drains in place, something my surgeon didn't think would be necessary, but for which I had prepared myself all along. I call them my "little buddies" :-) and they may come out as soon as tomorrow at my first follow-up meeting with my ps. I hope I'm not being overly optimistic about everything, but I'm just giddy to be home and mending. Oh, and when I've gently poked my new transplants, they felt soft and squishy -- yay!!! Through all of this, though, my deep gratitude to all of you for your sharing and support. You've helped me so much...

  • Lilah
    Lilah Posts: 2,631
    edited October 2011

    Christine -- I haven't done a nipple yet... but I'm pretty sure yellow is OK...even black is apparently part of the healing process (at least based on what I've read here in the past).  With that said, never ever hesitate to call your PS's office if you have any doubts or questions.

  • jyg
    jyg Posts: 60
    edited October 2011

    Prariemermaid - congratulations! So glad all went well with your exchange. My drain outputs dropped to less than 30 cc within 3 days of surgery. Hope yours come out quickly.

  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Posts: 433
    edited October 2011

    Wait, how many people needed drains for their exchange?  Is that normal?  Mine were excruciating to remove after my BMX.

  • NoMoreHL
    NoMoreHL Posts: 92
    edited October 2011
    sweetbean, I did not have drains and I am one week out from surgery. Yeah!
  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Posts: 433
    edited October 2011

    YAY!  That is awesome!  Did you need radiation, HeftyLefty?

  • virokie
    virokie Posts: 63
    edited October 2011

    sweetbean, I did not have drains either.  It seems like those who do get them really don't have them for very long, so it seems.  I know scary thought to have - DRAINS AGAIN, yikes.

    Prairemermaid,  I am so glad to hear that things went well for you and that your BACK.

    Tina T,  I can't wait to hear how things go for you this Friday.

    Vickie

  • NoMoreHL
    NoMoreHL Posts: 92
    edited October 2011

    sweetbean: No radiation. 

  • virokie
    virokie Posts: 63
    edited October 2011

    I have been complaining about a pain/ tightness under my arms.  I just thought it would go away when the drains came out, then when the T.E.'s came out, then as the implants settled.  I have to say I was starting to worry me because it was not something I would want to have to deal  with forever.  I went to see a PT and I think she was magic.  She massaged my arm pit and I think she worked her way into my body and massaged the muscles in my back around my side and to the front, it felt so good.  Then she taught me some exercises, variants of walk the wall, and taught me how to massage under my arms- it is wonderful and it is really helping to release the tightness---ALREADY and I have only been once.  So, for other's who have mentioned having the same thing ask your PS for a prescription to a PT.  I hope you can find one who works with bc and all our issues.

    Vickie

  • ginger48
    ginger48 Posts: 1,437
    edited October 2011

    Rehm046 and Carrol2- sounds like we are all scheduled for the same week. My exchange is on Oct. 27th. I am getting increasingly more anxious as I read all the complications people have been having.

    My PS has not even scheduled a pre-op appt and I have no idea what to expect? Is it always a same day surgery and do most people have drains? I think I will call her office to see what is going on. I just feel like I have a lot less info than most people I am reading about here. All I know is they are silicone implants. no discussion about size of implant or anything else. I don't even know what this fat grafting stuff is all about.

    HeftyLefty- I know you are dealing with so much on the breast side of things but can I ask how is ooph recovery is going? I have that next and am also worried about side effects from that. I have not sleptmuch since my BMX in late June and was so looking forward to that changing with the exchange. But I think I read somewhere that foggy brain and sleeplessness can occur with ooph? I feel like I am losing my mind!

  • lab44
    lab44 Posts: 24
    edited October 2011

    For those of you who have had your exchanges recently - I hope you are all feeling well.

    It's been very helpful to "hear" that you are feeling well and your recovery is going well. My exchange is in two weeks (Oct. 18th). Just had my pre-op appt yesterday and am anxious to get these boulders off of me. I am looking forward to some relief.

    I am taking the advice that you have all said about not getting disappointed and letting my body heal & settle before making any judgements on my new implants. I know it's a process but the light at the end of the tunnel is almost here :-).

  • NoMoreHL
    NoMoreHL Posts: 92
    edited October 2011

    Ginger: you must have me confused with someone else. I only had an exchange surgery, no ooph for me - at least not yet.

    Ginger, also, it is very important that you try not to be anxious by reading other people's posts about their individual hardships during recovery. Our circumstances might be different, our health condition at the time of surgery might be different, as well as each individual's ability to respond to stress, anxiety, pain levels, and expectations. We come to this board to vent our feelings, our frustrations, as well as our positive steps forward. For example, I, for one, was having a very tough couple of days emotionally (for a number of reasons, not all related to my exchange), so my reports here post-surgery might have seemed a little bit of a downer. 

    I am happy to report to you that I am over one week out from surgery now, and I feel great. Most of the minor complications I experienced have subsided and my mental state has evened out as well. Things are looking good and my fingers are crossed for the healing to be complete without any bumps in the road.

    I would definitely call your PS office to see when to schedule a pre-op appointment, because you will probably need to have blood-work done. Plus you probably have questions and you need your pre-surgery instructions.

  • heathermcd
    heathermcd Posts: 21
    edited October 2011

    Thanks everyone for the pick-me-up...(two pages back). I'm already feeling better about my new foobs. 

  • jyg
    jyg Posts: 60
    edited October 2011

    Ginger48 - Call your PS office to schedule a pre-op visit with her/him and get all of your questions answered. (Make a list.) They will probably handle it just like the mastectomy pre-op procedure. Mine sent all of the forms by e-mail, set up anesthestiologist of my choice, scheduled pre-op visit with hospital, etc. Plus, the silicone manufacturer (if you are havinging silicone) requires that you read literature and sign acknowledging that you have had enough time to consider all the options for exchange.(At least Mentor does.)

    Drains depend on the PS preference and the extent of work done at the time of exchange. For BMX I had drains in almost 4 weeks. For the exchange last week, I had 2 drains for 6 days but had a lot of repair work on the pockets.

    Regarding oophorectony, be certain to get questions answered by your surgeon about the immediate surgical menopause you will experience (assuming you are not yet post-menopausal). From professional, not personal, experience this can be quite an adjustment for some women as hormone levels change abruptly. 

  • Prairiemermaid
    Prairiemermaid Posts: 67
    edited October 2011

    Hi all -- I went to my post-op ps appointment this morning after sleeping comfortably on my "comfy chair" last night.  The pain is still low and manageable with two extra strength acetamenophen tablets every six hours.  My doctor and nurse looked me over and took out the drains - yay!  So I only wore them for about 24 hours.  I was steeling myself for the pain of the removal when my nurse said they are much smaller than the ones used after my BMX so they shouldn't hurt as much.  And they didn't!  A little pain, but quick.  I'm still in my surgical bra, which I find comfortable.  From what little I could tell through the bra fabric and when I was in the doctor's office, things look pretty good.  But I'm just glad to have this dreaded operation over with.  And just like you have all told me, it's nothing near as traumatic or debilitating as the BMX.  I'm going to have to concentrate and remind myself to keep from trying to do too much before the healing is done.  That's how good I feel one day after the operation.  I hope my experience helps to calm the fears of others here.  Tomorrow I'll shower and remove the bra and get a good look in the mirror.  I'll remeber what you've advised -- don't expect perfection or even to see the final results this early and "step away from the mirror!"  I'll let you know how things are "shaping up".  Thanks again everyone... <3   ~Sharon

  • Prairiemermaid
    Prairiemermaid Posts: 67
    edited October 2011

    Angelique -- I'm so glad you are feeling better this week!  And I wanted to say that I think the advice you gave to Ginger was wonderful and spot on...

  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited October 2011

    Ginger48 - Are you saying that you aren't going to have a pre-op appointment at all or that you're scheduled for a pre-op appointment but it hasn't happened yet?  If it's the former I can certainly understand your anxiety.  You deserve to have lots more information from your PS than what you've been given.  I suggest asking for a pre-op appointment even if that's not their normal procedure.  Please let us know how you're doing, OK?

    Best wishes! 

  • NoMoreHL
    NoMoreHL Posts: 92
    edited October 2011

    Thanks, Prairiemermaid!

    I don't know how I missed your 1st post about your exchange, but 

    CONGRATULATIONS!!  party 

    I am so glad you feel well, and you did not have any nasty side effects. Also, good news that the drains are out already and that it wasn't too painful.

    virokie: I am glad to hear that your PT has helped ease the tightness under your arms. Thanks for the post, because I was beginning to feel a little tightness, myself. So I began massaging it and it has helped! 

  • ingoodcompany
    ingoodcompany Posts: 12
    edited October 2011

    Had my last fill last Thursday and exchange date is scheduled for Dec 5!!  Very curious to see how the final result will be............. I had delayed reconstruction so I was VERY happy just having the expanders in and waking up to 200cc's!!!!   ( exchange surgery was four months after BMX)  

    It's taken me awhile to feel like my old self again, but I'm back!!!!

  • tinat
    tinat Posts: 2,235
    edited October 2011
    ingoodcompany - Yahoo!  The countdown has officially begun!  You sound very excited - hope it all goes without a hitch.  Congrats!!!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited October 2011

    Ginger, I would agree with others that a pre-op appt. is necessary as every surgeon is different.  I can tell you that I was told that I would have one day surgery-no overnight needed, and the drain issue is very individual.  My PS said 80% chance I will not need drains, but I'm trying to not get my hopes up, because I don't want to be disappointed=and for me, the drains were the biggest "pain" after my BMX.

      I also agree with Hefty that this jouney is different for all of us.  I've had so many ups and downs-and really, I feel I've had a pretty easy time of it-no chemo or radiation-so who am I to complain?  But my body image has changed completely, I'm not comfortable in my own skin (tonight-but I bet it will be different tomorrow, or the day after). And while I'd like to believe that the approach I've taken will keep the "other shoe" from dropping-and it's certainly better than it was 6 months ago-I still wake up every morning and have moments of  "really?".

       Not to be "debbie downer" but even as I am approaching what I think is the near end of this journey, I will always have my concerns...

      This is not relevant-at all-to exchange surgery-I just realized, but I think we all know each step is, just that, the next step.

      Pat

  • ginger48
    ginger48 Posts: 1,437
    edited October 2011

    HeftyLefty- sorry about the mixup with the ooph.I think that was Survivor. there are so many posts here it is tough to keep up. Glad you are feeling better this week.

    HeftyLefty,jyg and TinaT- Thanks for your responses. I am not usually an anxious person but was definitely getting a little worried with the results some people had this week. I think I was really feeling uninformed...

    I did call PS office today and when I started asking questions the receptionist said, "haven't you had a pre-op appt yet?" when I said no she set one up for the 19th. My surgery is on the 27th so that should be ok. I am just going to think positive in the meantime.

     Prairiemermaid- glad you are doing so well and I agree with you that HeftyLefty gave me some good advice.

  • ginger48
    ginger48 Posts: 1,437
    edited October 2011

    Jyg- I will definitely get answers to the ooph questions at my appt on the 14th. I was on the pill till diagnosis in April and when I went off I have not had a period since. But I have had a few surgeries and they said it could be due to that. I guess you have to go a year before they consider it menopause so I think my system will be in for a shock. So far just some hot flashes and night sweats but nothing major.

    Rehm046-We must have been posting at the same time. I am with you on the no chemo/radiation and I feel so grateful for that! Just can't wait to get these rocks off my chest and get rid of the muscle spasms. Once I start sleeping again; life will be good. I see you are a CT girl as well. Was your surgery in Hartford? Mine is at Mass General.

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited October 2011

    Ginger, Yes, all my surgery and treatment has been at Hartford Hospital. And I so agree with you-if I can just get these rocks off my chest, I swear, I promise, I will not complain again...Cool

    I've, in all seriousness, had great care, and good luck, more recently, with the MD's I've been working with.  So,  while I am getting tired of it, I feel lucky that I haven't had to search and switch repeatedly.

  • shannonr
    shannonr Posts: 89
    edited October 2011

    Rehm - Great news !  I agree with HeftyLefty, keep looking forward.

    Carrol - you are getting close and you have had to wait along time !  I hope your DH heals quickly and can help, but most people say this one is so much easier. 

  • Prairiemermaid
    Prairiemermaid Posts: 67
    edited October 2011

    Rehm & Ginger -- I can tell already, less than 48 hours after my exchange surgery, how wonderful it is to be rid of the turtle shells! I waited one and a half years because I was afraid of the surgery. Now I'm so happy that I finally sucked it up and went for it. My oncologist commented this summer when I told her I still had my expanders in, "Really? Most women would practically hold a gun on their doctors saying, replace these things NOW." ;-D I can see what she means already -- soft is nice. I wish the best results for both of you (and everyone else here too)...

  • shannonr
    shannonr Posts: 89
    edited October 2011

    Prairie - I already tried the gun to my PS and he still said my tissue needs to mature more.  I cannot imagine putting it off.  When he finally gives me approval for exchange I will take absolute first available.  Glad to hear you like your squishy boobs and are feeling good.

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