Exchange City
Comments
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Has anyone heard from Annemarie? I've been thinking of her and hoping her exchange went well.
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I'm new to this thread. I just had my exchange a week ago. It's been a long road for me as I've had lots of complications along the way.
I had a ton of pocket work on my bad side and am happy to report that I have very little pain from that!
I've had complications on my good side as my PS had to redo my mastectomy! He couldn't believe how much breast tissue was left behind... Ended up with a drain, then needed emergency surgery last night, because drain was not working and he pulled 200cc's of blood out!
So now I have a new drain and am pretty sore... Hoping this is the last complication!
I will say this... My new TaTa's feel so much better than those hard TE's. I am thrilled to be able to move on in this journey!0 -
Stewbie – we’re good!!! (Couldn’t have nipple-sparing MX, as the cancer was too close to the nipple. I originally planned on nipple recon, then decided instead on a trip to Vinnie for 3D tatts… still looking forward to that!!!!)
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Obxgflygirl1 – Totally normal. Many posts here dealing with stuff like that…here's just one...
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/7/topic/786554?page=22#post_3398310
It doesn’t matter a bit what stage you are, nor should you feel at all guilty that you might have had it easier than other women. Your feelings about having faced a life-threatening illness - and all that entails - means that life as you once knew it has changed. Sometimes we just need a guide in the form of a good therapist to help us navigate the new waters.
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Dulcigirl – awesome post!
When I was diagnosed, and people around me would burst into tears when I told them the news, I told them this - The way I look at it, one of three things will happen: 1) This will be very easy, and God will walk me through it; or 2) this is going to be very hard, but God will carry me through it; or 3) all my human efforts, and those of my human doctors will not work as we wanted them to, and God will carry me home. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.
I’ve stuck with that position since September, 2011. I still believe it. I don’t cry much, except in church, when I’m singing a particularly relevant song, and I am just awestruck at the wonder of His love.
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Lauren423 – Congratulations on crossing over to the Squishy Side!!!! And thanks for the link….I’ve seen those…. Maybe I’ll try some!
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DM13 – Welcome to the Squishy Side…especially after all you’ve been through!!! May you continue to heal well.
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Well, ladies, the Rock Tape (Kinesio Tape knockoff) is working!
Wearing it for three days - with no other compression - has reduced the fluid buildup in my left upper pole better than ANYTHING (including the Belisse bra) I have tried in months.
Today the LE/MFR therapist removed the old tape, did a ton of MLD and MFR, and re-taped me using Kinesio Tape.
I am astounded by the results.
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Obxflygirl1 as for getting the nip (I only need the left one) I am also one the fence. I kind of want to but then again I don't know. I think for ME if I needed both done then I would go for it, but only needing one I'm afraid. What if it doesn't look right, or what about it being "on" all the time and the natural one not, what if it's huge compared to my natural one. My husband said it's up to me, he supports me whichever I decide. Maybe I'm over thinking it, oh well back to the fence. How about you?
DM13 sorry you have had such problems, this to shall pass. Happy Healing!0 -
I'm horrible--I didn't take notes.
I didn't have nipple-sparing, although i really, really wish i could have. I had big nipples, but i loved 'em! I actually always thought they were normal until one day i mentioned them and my husband said, "Babe. I've never seen nipples as big as yours." hahahahah! Oh well.
I have enjoyed the heck out of all of these posts--i love, love, love having a forum where i can go and read so many different points-of-view!
I THINK my last fill was Wednesday...the PS pulled out the needle and saline squirted out. He said, "Yep, you're definitely overfull, which is a good thing." I go back on Tuesday.
They're much more uncomfortable than they usually are--i'm getting more pain at the top of the TEs--rather than on the sides. They look like canteloupes. Uneven canteloupes.
Steph
p.s. could someone direct me or post the short link to where the pictures are?
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steph - the pis are on a different forum. You'll need to PM Lilah or Nowheregirl to ask for access.
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Blessings....thank you! I'm going to do my best to honor all the strong women who have walked before me by finding the warrior within.
Mrenee68..... I am leaning toward the nips. Never had much but think I would feel more comfortable with a couple of little buttons. My PS does it in her office. We are suppose to talk about it when I go back to Chapel Hill for next check up.
Hope all the northeastern girls are weathering the snow storm tonight okay.0 -
mrenee68
I too am a uniMX/with implant, my 2nd exchange surgery or revision was 12/21/12 with a larger, ultra high projection. I am much more pleased with this 2nd implant.
I was considering nipple reconstruction but have the same concerns as you. It leads me to lean towards not going forward with it at all. You certainly will never be able to go braless without the two nips/sides being completely different. Tattoo was a consideration but not sure if I feel it a necessity.
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Thx ladies, I found a box of Genie no lace in nude & black at CVS (its like a Walgreen but pricier) however its next to the grocer so I didnt wanna make a special trip to Walgreen.
Will let you know,they are being washed today. tried them on,they seem very very comfy and not expensive. Save the money for the red lace ones at Macy or Nordstrom,may have to go to Orlando to find one of those places or just order online.
Hope everyone is safe up north. Doesnt sound good. Did you ladies stock up on food items? Here when we have a hurricane, the bottled water sells out overnight. Has anyone seen that channel "Veria living"? Its on free trial right now. Tried yoga? I have not tried yoga but went back to Zumba class. Are some of you running?
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Hi Layla - It's hard for me to believe, but yes, I am running. My BBF said to me, "Before BC, the only reason you would be running is if someone was chasing you with a chainsaw." Now I'm signed up for some crazy 5 mile obstacle course race. I think my sanity was removed with my right breast one year ago today!
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We have way to much snow ...20 or more inches...had to stay overnight at work called coded triage finally got to leave this morning at 11Am..buried in
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I don't feel bad about my body after the BMX. I have no regrets. I am 180 degrees from that view. I feel completely myself, whole, the same Michelle as before.
I feel I have a new lease on life. I feel grateful to be alive, that my cancer was caught early and that I can put it behind me. As my husband told me prior to the 1st big surgery, "You are not your breasts..." That's true. I'm more than just one body part. I know people who have had pancreatic cancer and cancer of organs that couldn't be removed because they were essential to life. They would have loved to have those cancerous organs removed, but didn't have that option. I feel that breasts aren't necessary for living. I had a good run with mine....but I don't miss them.
Reconstruction is a good thing. I liked visiting this forum for the information, but I haven't really conected with anyone during the week I have been a member. I think I'm ready to move on.
Aloha and thank you for sharing your information so selflessly.
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ANNEMARIE....... How are you? We are thinking about you since exchange. Let us know how you are doing.
GRIER..... How are you coming along? Thinking about you too!
DULCIGIRL , Blessings20, Sherry, Renee68..... And everyone else In my corner, Hello and Happy Sunday!0 -
Happy Sunday to you!
I am grounded today. Solitary confinement, actually. DH said, "No way. Stay home and stay well!!!" Determined not to have to miss my rescheduled exchange date. I can't wait!!!!!!!
I mean, I am even looking at my post-surgical compression bra with loving anticipation!
But he also said I'd better hang up my ice skates. Pout. The "new girls" had better be spectacular!!!
Thankfully my church offers online streaming of services....So I'm going today in my recliner and fuzzy slippers. Now there's a little added meaning to "Just As I Am." :-)0 -
DULCIGIRL ..... You are going to feel so much better after the exchange. I can't wait to hear all about it as you heal and reveal. Mine are getting softer by the day. Recovery was so much easier this time around. I have to keep reminding myself not to push the weight limits.
"Amazing Grace."....that's how I feel today.. Keep Rockin' those hot heels!0 -
Obxflygirl how long ago was your exchange? Mine are getting softer too, but not soft yet...wondering if I'm being impatient. I suspect I am.
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Obxflygirl,
Happy Sunday..I will be having my exchange Friday nervous and excited they had better be awesome for all the suffering I had to go through...0 -
Sherry I am sooooo excited for you!
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Cindy....exchange was Jan. 17.... A week before yours. In the last week, I have noticed softening a great deal. Give yourself more time. I'll keep my fingers crossed you start jelling soon:)
Sherry and DULCIGIRL have their exchanges this week.....hallelujah !!0 -
Supposed to see ps tomorrow....hoping to get rid of steri-strips.
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You guys are a funny bunch always puts a smile on my face..
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JamieB,wish you could tie a rope around me and drag me until I get up and start running. Dr told me not to run on the cement to protect my knees but its a 20 mi drive thru bumper to bumper traffic to the beach. Guess I could run in the park but around here the neighbors would probably Baker Act me! ROTFLOL.
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Steri-strips gone...woo hoo.
PS is quite thrilled with her work. Says I still have lots of swelling and that's why they are not totally squishy. She also said they have not settled into the pockets.
So I can start massage, and exercise with limited upper body. I don't have to wear the bras 24/7 any more, but she wants me to continue with the compression band.
I see her again at the 6 week mark.
Anyone heard from Annemarieh?0 -
hey guys I am wondering how most folks have felt with sizing with TEs and then implant. I just had my last fill today-500ccs and am worried that I will be too big. Initially I wanted full C and was worried I'd be too small. Now with the 50cc fill today to 500cc..I feel very big/wide. I know the expanders are much different than implants, but wanted to see if anyone had worried/questioned this as well and if implants looked smaller than the TEs with exchange. I am wondering if I should have ps take out the 50cc he put in today. I do not want to be all boob..am 5'3" and about 116. don't know why I am second guessing so much this time. I think because ps wanted to be sure i wanted the fill today because I was getting big for me?? I do trust him, but am confused. Any ASAP advice would be greatly appreciated. I have already put a call into his nurse..thanks!
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UGH....Sweet baby Jesus...this last fill had BETTER be my last! I am STILL hurting from last Wednesday! YIKES. I go in tomorrow to find out and fingers crossed, I come out with an exchange date (fingers crossed)!! I am looking forward to sleeping on my belly!
mamatwinz~~ I'm similar in size to you (5'4-ish, 125) and i have about the same amount in my TEs, AND am going for the same size as you.
Mine are huge, completely bulbous, and look like 2 large canteloupes just stuck on my chest. I was talking on my phone yesterday, and realized that i was resting my left arm on top of my left TE. (insert my rolling eyes) CindyLoo~~ Yay for the steri-strips being gone!!
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Mamatwinz - I completely understand not wanting to be too big. My "killer" breasts were 34DD and I hated them. My new friendlier foobs are shaping up to be a nice C. I was filled to 600cc for my TEs and have 650cc silicone perm implants. I am a big person - 6'00" and 150lbs so keep that in mind, but I bet you'll like your perm implants. I HIGHLY recommend asking Whippetmom her suggestion for your perfect implants. I got exactly what she recommended and am so pleased. And trust me - I hated those TE's. Felt like an over-inflated barbie doll. Check out the BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101 thread.
Sherry67 - so happy for you! Good luck on Friday.
Cindy - I'm jealous of your lack of steri strips. Its 4 weeks today and I still have them on. It's so hard not to pick at them.
4 more weeks and I can start running again. It's been since the day before my BMX. I used to have a nice ass from running and really saggy boobs. Now I have a flat saggy ass and really perky foobs.
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thanks guys! I did get info from whippetmom..she said 500 would be full C or small D..I think its the small D I am worrying about now.
At today's fill..I was 450 and he said, I can do a little fill at 20cc and reminded me that port takes up about 20cc as well..i said that i was okay with going to 500 and he asked if I run, etc because he was concerned I would be all boob because I am tiny.. i think that threw me off guard, because I was thinking 500cc...so he did it and now that I am home..I put on a tank top and also a stretchy long sleeve T and my chest looks huge/wide..too big. Just am not sure if this will look smaller/better with implant or if maybe it is too big for me..looks heavy?? I think if I would have stayed at 450, he may have done large implant..vs filling to 500 and having to go bigger than that?? stewbie2..how much are in your TEs now?
:)Thanks
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Miserablex100...it's 2.5 weeks post exchange and I asked if she would remove them today. She was happy to.
She said I could do light jogging....intervals...but I think I will wait. I'm just happy I can get back on my bike trainer.
Mamatwinz the TEs are much wider than the implants and hard, so you are much more aware of them. Be very clear with ps what you like and want.0 -
cindyloowho..I thought I knew what I wanted re:size..but since it is coming down to the last one..I am second guessing everything. I think too..with advice that 500cc implant would be good..I maybe should have stayed at 450cc for my TEs to get 500cc implant.?? I should have thought about it more today before going ahead?? What size implants did you have? My dx is about the same as yours..diagnosed late October 2012..did you also have to wait a couple months before exchange? did you have them removed??
Thanks for input guys..
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