Exchange City

Tagging along on what GraciousGal said - someone mentioned them looking like hamburger buns... Is that transformation to looking like real boobs the "drop and fluff"? Mine seem pretty flat, although I haven't been unwrapped yet. How long does this take? I heard about having to massage them, do you think that helps speed up the process?

I am having my exchange surgery on Thurs. 6/14. I have had the expander in for 6 mos. and have gotten very comfortable with it. I am playing better golf than I did prior to getting diagnosed last fall. That being said, reading everyones' posts about having squishies rather than turtle shells, has made me very excited about the exchange. I was a 38D with a large portion of my breasts under my arms. My PS reduced and lifted the good breast when I had my mx in Dec. I am looking forward to not being lopsided and for both breasts to be a C cup. All of your posts have educated and comforted me. Thank you.

Thanks Tina!



After reading this thread the past week, I'm going into my follow up today with a million questions! One thing for certain, is that I'm walking out with that card!!!



Also, today is the big reveal - we'll see how big/small these foobs actually are...

I had my exchange last Wednesday June 6, and as others have said it was so much easier than the BMX! I only took pain pills the first 24 hours and Tylenol for a couple of days after that. Sleeping on my back has been the hardest, but now I can lay on my side with some pillow support. The squishies are so much nicer than the rocks I've had the past few weeks. My PS put in high profile silicone -- I was barely a 34B cup before the BMX (more an A+) and now I'd say I'm at the top of B -- definitely a nicer profile than the post-menopausal girls (athough I'd rather have them back and no BC). PS said I could take off bandages after 2 days and take shower, as long as I didn't let water run directly on the implants. No drains, but then I had no complications during the TE phase and wasn't going for anything very big. At 5'7 and 135 lbs, I'm happy with the proportions. We'll see how they "age" now, if there's drop and fluff. Those of you who posted about your experiences were a tremensous help in letting me know what to expect.

i had my follow up today my exchange and reduction was 14days ago i feel very tight on both breast and in pain 

i was told today i have infaction in both breast and i am now on antybiotic again bummer

good luck to everybody  

thank you Tatina i was on antibiotics (Cephalexin 500mg) for one week after exchange and now on the same one for 7 days hope it helps

Momof2 - Glad to hear things are going well.

Erika - Sorry about the pain and the infection. I hope the antibiotic clears it up and you can continue your recovery pain-free.

Diane - It's good that our experiences can help you. Sounds like you have a positive attitude, which is huge.

Thanks for everyone's comments about drop and fluff, swelling, etc. I got really down this morning about being too big. I took my bandage off last night and today put on the sports bra I had been wearing post-bmx, and it's a bit, um, snug. I fit in my tighter button-up shirts okay, but I'm a lot fuller than I'd like, so I do hope it changes in a few months. 

Okay, so the apt didn't go as I expected. The nurse forgot to give me the card, which I asked for. But it's my fault because I forgot to remind her on the day out. Thank goodness the drains were not nearly as painful coming out as last time. When I asked him about changing shape/size, he said this is pretty much it. He said they won't change really at all. But they're kind of flat looking. Maybe I didn't get a good look,or maybe because I was reclined. Then when my husband said I didn't think they looked big enough, the PS put his hand over it and told me theyre a full C. They're definitely bigger than before.. Maybe I'm not sure what I expected. Maybe I expected to look like a porn star and I don't. Maybe it's because they look somewhat real and I wasn't expecting them to... I can finally take a shower tonight and I'll get a better look (standing up) then.



Erika - sorry about the infection. Hope you're on some strong meds that will clear it up ASAP.



Dunes - what a change from the TE to the implant. You almost don't even think about it since that pain and uncomfort isn't there all the time.

Feel better Denise. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

I went from a D to a B and now find I wish I went a little bigger.. Feel out of porportion for my frame.. Going to ask PS to get some fatgrafting done (have more than enough of that)

How did you all decide between saline and silicone? I was leaning towards saline but I'm having trouble finding anyone that can say they like them compared to those who have the silicone gel. If you have any silicone vs  saline would you give me a your reasons on my new post http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/788802?page=1#idx_3 I'd really appreciate it

6 days to go...can't get here soon enough

had all of my pre-op testing and meetings yesterday, so I'm good to go

2friedeggs, I didn't choose the silicone, that's what my ps uses

I have a question for all of you on this strand.  Now that you have had your exchange, are your muscles still really sore??? Right now I have my filled expanders in. One is 500 and one is 600.  They are hard as rocks and my arms sore and my muscles seem really sore with any amount of extra activity.  Would like feed back on how it feels after the exchand and if all of this gets better???

I m having saline because silicone requires mri's every 3 Years to check for leaks and I can't afford that.

Quick question - is dancing considered 'strenuous'? It's been months since I danced (swing and ballroom) and the group I used to participate in is having an outdoor dance tomorrow. I love those. But am I okay a week out of my exchange? I'll probably call my PS just in case.