Exchange City
Comments
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blessedby4, I would definitley see BS or PS ASAP about the lumb. If the silicone leaks it could be bad. You need a MRI to determine if you do have a leak. I had a leak in my saline implant just a year after it was put in - of course it was taken out to do an alloderm pocket/sling repair and 6 months later was leaking - from a surgical stitch they think. I had to wait almost 3 months to get it replaced and it was pathetically shrunken by then. Glad I had the saline as it was evident that it was leaking.
Hope the lump is nothing to worry about, in the end.
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My implants looked flat & kind of square until I took Whippetmom's advice and starting wearing a good bra 24/7. They are looking better; not perfect but better than they did.
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chiluvr,
What kind of bra did you buy? My PS wants me in a sports bra 24/7 for 6 weeks. There are different types of sports bras, though - I was thinking of the high-tech ones, rather than the ones that just sort of smash you into a uniboob.
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Im reading that alot of you had the nips with the exchange? My PS said she can not do that until about one year after the exchange??? She did not mention anything about FG, Im guessing that I dont need it? After the BMX I was all bones with 2 bumps, still am I guess (on top that is..lol) but I just hope this is done right.
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Hi Rubalu. I am scheduled for the exchange on 2/17.Can't wait. The TE's really bother me at night more than anything. I am only numb behind my armpit and alittle below the incision otherwise all my feeling is back. I find wearing a tank top over a sports bra alittle better not rubbing on my skin. I really hope the exchange makes my life better so I am not feeling like I am carrying bricks on my chest all day. Do you think the weekend and a Monday will be enough time off before I go back to work?
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When I asked my PS if he'd seen anything unusual in the TE exchange surgery (like signs of cancer) he said no but that he had sent all the scar tissue and fat he removed for pathology review. He felt if there had been anything unusual, he would have heard by my follow up visit last Thursday and that he will have the full report by the time I see him next week. Did anyone have bad news from a pathology report after TE exchange surgery? I try to manage my worry list well but this isn't one I'd thought about! I plan to put it out of my mind until my next appointment but can always learn from the experience of others and know it helps to be prepared.
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Sweetbean - I'm wearing a Victoria's Secret "Body by Victoria" lightly lined full cup. It's a "training bra" for molding them to the shape I want.
I was wearing a sports bra and I think that's why they were looking so flat. They were getting smushed. They seem rounder now but of course it could be the drop & fluff I keep hearing about.Denise
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Well 4am will be here soon. Have to be at hospital at 5:30, at least I am first. Should be home by lunch I'm guessing.?
Will report tomorrow. Good night all
Jenny0 -
B123 - Hi, you might check the Breast Implant Sizing 101 thread if you haven't already!
Golden01 - I didn't have much scar tissue removed at exchange, but I didn't even think much of the actual tissue until I read your post. I've been reading these threads for a while and haven't seen this come up before. I'll have to ask my PS...
Good luck to everyone with exchanges this week!!!
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nehson123, I had my exchange on 1/9 and took the week to recover. Don't know what you do, but even a desk job involves typing, moving around, etc. It is a ton easier than the BMx, but, it is still surgery. I pretty much laid low til Friday, 1/13. Tried to let things heal up and not move too much. Pain wasn't bad, I had perscription Motrin but only took that for a couple of days.
Biggest risk I have heard is the temptation to overdo it too soon. I hope you can give yourself more time to heal... Best wishes, it is a lot more comfortable!
Happy healing to all and short waits to those scheduled! Cheers, Lisa
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Best of luck tomorrow Jennyfrombama!! Hope you are back in the comfort of your own home by afternoon and loving the squishies!!
Nehson123 - I had exchange surgery on Thursday and returned to work at my desk job on Monday. HOWEVER, I went back on Monday of Thanksgiving week which meant it was only a 3 day work week with 4 days to then continue to recover. That said, you probably could return Monday but a full week may be too much.
Hope all the January surgeries are recovering well....Happy healing and Go squishies!!!
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I had my exchange on 1/24. It did seem easier than my BMX but I slept a lot the first four days. I have two drains again and they aren't slowing down much. They also hurt more this time but probably because those nerves have regenerated. I go back to PS on Wednesday so hope they slow to below 25 cc by then. It is such a catch-22....you need to get around and move but the more you move, the more drainage. Ughhhhhhh. I had my BMX drains for 4 weeks. I am sleeping in the recliner again because I always roll to my sides in the bed (I throw the pillows off in my sleep)!
This thread has helped me with my current remorse about the size of my new ones. I am hoping the "drop and fluff" is all you girls say that it is. I also think this sports bra they make me wear 24/7 smooshes the hell out of them. And my PS says NO underwire for 3 months! Any good advice on non-underwire bras? The Bra thread seems to be very underwire friendly.
Good luck to the upcoming girls!
Susan
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Hi Susan,
Congrats on your exchange. I had mine on 1/23/12 so we are about the same in the healing process. My PS was adamant that I have my VS Biofit bras by Friday the 27th and that I start wearing them 24/7 in order to shape my implants. I also had to start the 4x per day massage or as I call it manipulation or PT. If I were you I would ask your PS why he doesn't have you in an underwire bra when other PS are so adamant about it. Perhaps there is a reason regarding your situation/diagnosis that was a decisive factor? Ask. Also I had my drains removed on Friday. I was at about 25 cc's per day and that was ok with them. You probably can't wear the underwire bra's at least until the drains are out. Take Care.
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Thanks Jaysmommy! I will be asking for sure on Wednesday. I know it is printed in all of their take-home literature so it doesn't look like it was just info for me. He is the "guru" around here but I have found him to be very fond of his own reputation. I do see a PT and an OT (because my BS thought I had LE) so I will check with them -- I see the PT tomorrow.
Glad you are doing so well,
Susan
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Susan - I also posted this on the bra thread, but here goes...
Whippetmom suggested two to me along the way. The first was a Warner's Elements of Bliss Wire-Free Contour #2003. That is one that should be easy to find in a department store to try on before buying. The second bra which is very comfy and seems to be a favorite non-underwire is the Wacoal Wire-Free Awareness Bra #85567. Be careful if you decide to order online as the Awareness also comes as an underwire. I've been wearing underwires for a while, but this is still my go-to comfort bra.
Good luck!
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Odie16, yes I was home by noon on Monday, thanks.
Exchange was fairly easy. Little pain but not much. Surprised though, only thing I have is steri strips on incision and lil gauze which he told me to take off today. No wrap, no bra, said wear loose shirt and cami.
Wondering if that will change on my post op on2/6.
He went to 550: which I really was hoping for more like 500. I was filled to 450 and liked it. Worried its going to be bigger than I like. Maybe will look better in couple weeks.
Ready to go bra shopping soon.
Jenny0 -
Regarding the Biofit bra, which one did you buy? My exchange is Thursday!!!! Whoo hoo!!!
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Jennyfrombama: Glad to hear your home & doing well. Welcome to the Squishees club!
TinaT: Thanks for the bra info, you just saved me some time searching. I just got home from my 2 wk checkup. I had the exchange on 1/17. I was told I can begin to massage 10X once a day & start wearing a non-under wire bra. I didn't receive written instructions,is there anything else I should be doing to enhance the fluff & drop? Going to see if my local Kohl's has either of those bras..Thanks
Janet
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Hi Sweetbean,
I was told to buy the Biofit demi or push up. Either one. They said it has to be underwire to help shape the implants. It's so weird how some PS believe in the underwire and some don't. You should ask your PS where the data comes from regarding this. Or maybe it's just their experience? I don't know. Also when I went to VS they told me they aren't carrying the Biofit anymore so I got measured and bought the Incredible Push Up because the sales girl told me that it's the most similar to the Biofit. Then I went home and ordered a couple of Biofit's from the VS online store. They are so far still carrying them there. Good Luck!
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Hi all - I have the Bali T-Shirt bra - SO comfortable, no hardware, no underwire, nice shape. I bought it at TJ Maxx. I think Hanes makes one too.
2 months since my exchange! Feeling good. I love telling people that I had a mastectomy (left only); the girls match and look great in clothes. Some drop and fluff, I have continued with massage. Fat exchange next. Volume is great - I am a tall/slenderish-on-good days B cup, 450 moderate high profiles are working well.
I do have something poking out from the inside - you can see a point pressed against the skin. PS says it's the alloderm. I never would have imagined that cadaver muscle would have corners! Weird. Doesn't hurt, looks funky, PS says fat will cover it all. Anyone ever have this?
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Just got back from my PS visit (a little over a week out). Everything is healing well and pretty much in place (right one needs to drop a bit, he recommended continued massage on that side). I think it is a little far to the right too. I can get rid of the "breast band" I've been wearing since last week and see him again in two weeks. He is a "keep it simple" fellow and says a sports bra (stretchy kind, not the compression kind), a cami, or nothing for now. I am not getting any pep back which he wasn't too concerned about but am going to check with my MO about getting my iron levels checked. Until the first of the year, I was on aspirin along with my tamoxifen and had a time or two I really bled from a cut so may have a little lower levels heading into the surgery. I'm wondering if there really is any research on the bra after TE exchange recommendations or it is just PS preference. He did recommend I delay going back to work for two more weeks (had planned to head back on Monday but I can't imagine getting up and dressed to get there, had a hard time putting on real clothes for my 11:30 doctor's appointment this morning!). I'm inspired by all the stories of how fast folks are recovering but, at least for now, I'm heading back to the couch!
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Golden01: if your body says rest than that is what you need to do. Today is 2 wks out for me & I feel very well, the most energy I've had.
AnnEM: You sound like your doing well. Good luck with the FG & keep us posted on how that goes.
I saw the PS today & got the OK to start massaging & wear a non- under wire bra! I already went shopping!!
If anyone has tips on the massaging I would love to hear. My doc was rather simple... Squeeze 10x once a day. I would have thought different directions during massage. Would love to hear from you ladies that have been doing this. Thanks0 -
My exchange is tomorrow!!!! Whoooooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo!
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tenaj - I think everyone is different and I think the best you can do is to wear something supportive (following your PS instructions) and wait! Seems the massage will help with drop and fluff.
I went through the whole TE and exchange process looking pretty much as I did before BMX. If I look hard at my pix I can see a little drop since right after exchange. So I don't think I'm a good one to ask about drop and fluff because I didn't really experience it!
Regarding massage - My PS told me I'll do it forever. It's done to fool the body into thinking the pocket is just a little bigger than it actually is to prevent capsular contracture. I was instructed to place my hands on my breasts and move them in and out several times, then up and down several times and to train myself to massage every time I use the restroom. I have also read of a few other methods from women here. One was told to place her hands on the implants and simply press in (pushes the implant out in all directions). Or lie on the floor on your stomach (wouldn't do that until you get the OK from your PS). Another is to place your hands on your hips and bring your elbows forward until you feel your pec muscles contract.
sweetbean - YAY! Good luck tomorrow!!!!!!
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golden - if your iron comes up normal you might want them to check your D3. It's one of the highes vitamin deficiencies and has very similar symptoms to anemia.
Anne: I have a point like that too - didn't know it was allodermbut that makes sence. I thought it was the TE but have it in the same place now 10 days out from exchange. Feels like the implant is folded and has a point or a big pice of sand. Weird!
Tenaj - my ps said to GENTLY push in from the sides to the midling and hold for a few seconds a few times several times a day.
I had fat grafting with my exchangeon 1/23 and it has been by far the most painful. It's finally settling down. The worst part for me was the ITCHING at the places it was grafted too. Expecially the first 4-5 days and now when I would get too active. Benadryl has been a life saver with it as I was told to NOT TOUCH it.
Sweetbean - wohoo! Congrats :-) Hoping for speedy recovery.
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Rubalou - Thank you, good idea. We checked my D3 just when I started with the MO and it was at the lower end of normal. Was taking supplements to raise it but stopped before the exchange surgery and will get started back next week. Meanwhile, I live in Arizona so I need to get outside!
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I've read studies that say that D3 interupts cancer's cell membrane as well - BONUS! I can always tell when I forget to take it for awile - wipes me out.
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rubalou-
I may have missed it but how much D3 do you take daily? I started taking it myself after reading that it could be helpful. I take two 1000 iu's a day.
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Dear Sisters,
I had the exchange surgery on January 19, 2012. After one year and 2 months of TE problems and chronic pain mostly due to radiation and capsular contraction. The day after the surgery (in at 7 am and out by 1pm) I felt so much better. In pain but better! The PS said that the TE just popped out. I had the smallest silicon implant I could get because my skin was not that good on the cancer breast side and also because I wanted small breast. I was a B and I am hopefully an A now. I was surprised by how much pain killers and day in bed I needed. Today I can type a little but I am to take it really easy because I believe I did everything too fast after MX and TE in November 2011. Bottom line (for me): pain killers (T3) for an entire week, time off from work on week 2. I will start week 3 tomorrow and hope to drive a little? But I am really happy about the feel of my new small and healthy breast. It actually feels like my own. Same weight and feel. I would like to add that this surgery (hopefully last one) seems to be harder on the family which is getting tired of having me in bed. Oh, well! Hang in there if you are with TE, it does get better!
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For those that have already gone through the exchange, did your PS tell you that if you go the silicone route yup will need MRIs every few years which is not covered by insurance in order to check for leakage? That is about s 2k expense I am not sure zi am willing to take on..
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