Exchange City

Rebecca54

Mummy, I had surgery yesterday, exchange and fat grafting. I freaked out before too! Another surgery, I hadn't done my homework etc etc etc. I really feel good, a little sore, mainly from lipo and fat graft. Slept well last night. But I wouldn't have gone out to breakfast with hubby immediately after! Sometimes medical professionals lose perspective!

Anyway good luck tomorrow, will be thinking of you!

Englishmummy

Thanks so much for the quick responses and kind words, Ladies - I am blaming tamoxifen for my over reaction as it is quite out of character - I get nervous but not out of control and not to the point where I can't hide it - but my new 'trait' has been prevalent the last few weeks. Ha, may as well blame it for everything... I shall be honest and say that writing it all out and reading the contributions is very cathartic.

What did you all have for anesthesia? I am having propofol. Also, has anyone tried the silicone gel for scars - BioCorneum? I know you can't use anything for a few weeks but does/has anyone used it or anything like it? Oh, and for my BMX I had to wash with hibiscrub but this time, no - anyone know why? There's still a risk of infection, right?

SummerAngel, I am not having fat grafting done tomorrow - the PS is confident I won't need it? So he wanted to wait and see. It may be on the table at a later date, I am so thin and boney in that area right now I can't see how it wouldn't be. I know you said before that was the worst part.

LKS,  I doubt I'll feel like breakfast too....it is ALWAYS my least favourite meal of the day, one I try to avoid, plus Colorado Springs has lousy breakfast places IMHO  Great tip on the water and walks, I forgot about that - could you do a small walk the next day? Having that 'junk' in my body for longer than necessary is one of my issues. I also have the Exchem drops to help clean it out. Luckily, I don't actually work (outside the house) for which I am so grateful, so going back is not something I have to worry about, but we do homeschool although I plan all that a month in advance and the children know what they need to do.

Elizabeth, I am worried about the pain so thank you for covering that: I had little to none with my BMX as I had a paravertebral block and ON-Q pain balls, all of which were splendid! I dislike any narcs so am glad to hear that tylenol cuts it. Yes, the tendency to do too much, too quick is always there - I like being busy and independent. My hubby is off tomorrow of course and provisionally, Monday/Tuesday - he tends to organize everything with military precision so there will be little for me to do .....the polar opposite of my 'creative' organization or lack thereof! I shall likely be ready for him to go back Sunday night  Bless him! Ok, off to do some deep breathing before I take my 3 to their Italian lesson.....Thank you once again, I am sure I shall be back at least 10 times before tomorrow....

Englishmummy

Thanks Rebecca. Wishing you a healthy and speedy recovery, sounds like you are well on your way. Does it feel a lot different? I mean than the TE's?

SpecialK

mysunshine - my PS feels that the abdomen and hip donor areas have the best outcome

MamaM

does anyone know what we are to use on our scars? My PS wanted to use tape (apparently this flattens them somewhat) but I'm allergic to it. Any brands of lotion or scar therapy recommended?

BBwithBC45

MamaM, my PS told me to use Scaraway Silicone Sheets. I'm sensitive to tape, but I did pretty well on those silicone sheets. Only after about 10 weeks I started developing a little rash and so I stopped using them. I've only used them on my native breast, which had been lifted and reduced at the time of my mastectomy. Once the steri-strips are gone from my exchange side, I'll go back to using Scaraway.

SpecialK

My PS recommends Biocorneum

Msmath

Just got home from the PS. She said so far we have dodged a bullet. She did a procedure in the office and was able to remove over 100cc of fluid from my right breast. I am on antibiotics and full restrictions. My PS even looked at my mom and said you will need to stay longer and keep helping her. I go back on Monday for a follow up and for her to decide if I will need surgery to insert a drain again. I will need to call if anything changes over the weekend. So not going back to work Monday......ugh

Czechmate47

Sorry to hear you are going through that Msmath. I ended up in a similar situation about six weeks ago although my exchange isn't until December. I had the last of 4 drains removed after nearly two months post BMX and had 120 cc drained off a couple weeks later. Then I ended up having the drain reinserted. I have to say I felt SOOO much better after that surgery. I think there were some clots and general debris that my body was trying to break down by producing fluid. The swelling/redness/pressure was gone pretty quickly and everything seems to have chilled out in expander-land, although I still have the drain. Hopefully it will come out next week...I'm setting records!

Lkscolo

englishmummy- I'm in CS too. What hospital are you going to? I was at memorial north. Great care! Enjoy this gorgeous day

marketingmama

I found the exchange surgery to be very easy. I took a week off of work but didn't need the whole time--though appreciated it! I had general anesthesia but nowadays, they're so good with it, that you're up and around very quickly. I think a took pain meds for the first day or so, as I'm a wimp. Didn't even try tylenol. Main thing is not to lift or do anything that could pull at internal stitches.

Regarding scars, I've got a ton (some not BC related) and I've read that most say the silicone sheets are most effective. I'm not certain they really helped me any more than plain old time but it's worth a shot. Some of us scar worse than others. If you use them, just be sure your incision is completely healed. A few years ago I used these on a scar that I thought was healed. Wound up developing a small abscess that required draining and antibiotics. I have heard good things about BioCorneum but I've not had personal experience with it. The plastic surgery site, realself.com, has loads of info on scarring and their search mechanism is pretty on point. You might want to read more on the various scar treatment options there and certainly also get your PS's opinion.

I'm struck by how many PSs will do fat grafting at the same time as exchange. Mine wouldn't and felt it was best to do after the implant had settled. I suspect this is a good way to align final results of implant placement with need for/distribution of additional fat. That being said, sure would be nice to get it all done at once.

MSMath, I just went through a similar situation post-exchange. I lost my implant and had two days of IV antibiotics in the hospital. My PS said that implants must be removed if there is infection. I had hoped to just have antibiotics but I guess he erred on the side of caution. I hope you can avoid explantation because it's frankly upsetting being flat on one side and then knowing you'll have to start with expanders all over again (in 3+ months). Good luck!!

marketingmama

MsMath, I missed your update. Happy for you!!

mysunshine48

Englishmumm, You are going to be fine! I was apprehensive too, but all went well. I was not told to shower with an antibiotic soap like I was with BMX either, and wondered about that. However, they tave me antibiotic wipes to use when I was changing into the gown. It was much easier than BMX and my recovery has gone well. I will be thinking about you

Englishmummy

Ahhh, thanks Sunshine. Do you mind my asking if you had your surgery done in a hospital or a surgery centre? I am glad your recovery has gone so well. I am sure I shall be fine just my 'amygdala' doesn't yet agree! Sorry, we did the brain this week in school 

Happy MsMath got in to see the Dr. Wishing you well and quickly! 

Thanks for the silicone tip, MarketingMama. I was told nothing on them 'til the strips were off. I have been using Almond oil or Rosehip seed oil and massage on the ones I have now and my PS kept checking the date of my surgery as he could not believe how good they looked...

 

Englishmummy

ooooh, major bright spot....my son is 'practicing' hoovering! Just incase Mummy can't do it next week!!!

Scottiemom11

Lkscolo. . .maybe two weeks until I stopped really noticing the implants. I have nerve issues with pectoral muscles but don't feel the implants except on the bottom sometimes.

MSMath. . .update when you can. Prayers

Scottie

Rebecca54

My PS did not tell me to use hibicleanse this time but I did it anyway, thinking why not? I already had it. Interestingly the nurse in pre-op asked if I had used it. (for whatever that means). Will definitely get the Biocomeum!

I'm day after exchange and been on 2 fairly long walks, off the Oxycodone and just taking tylenol. I hate opiods, but will keep one by the bed in case in pain in the middle of the night

Msmath been thinking of you, last I heard you were heading into PS for possible infection. Hope you're ok.....

Bobkat303

ENGLISHMUMMY.   you will be fine and so happy when it is over.  HANG IN THERE!

kingster

That's a great question. How long does it take to not be highly aware and think about these implants constantly? I know everyone is tired of me talking about them, but they are at the very forefront of my life. I've had these things for 7 months. Love them in a bra and clothes, but very very sad looking naked:(

Bobkat303

How long till your swelling went down after exchange?   I had exchange Tues so only 2 days     

robinblessed54

Ladies, you have to give them at least 3 months up to 6 months for the swelling and drop to happen. they are a foreign body, and you will have to get used to the "new normal". I am 7 months post EX. I have the Allergan 410 gummies FF 475 CC. I was always aware of something there for at least the first 5 months. Just lately I don't seem to notice them as much. They have a wonderful tear drop/natural shape with a nice upper pole and drop off. I know it is hard and we all have to get through it as best we can. Be sure you keep in touch with your PS if you have concerns. They won't do any revision until you are out a few months and swelling is gone. Keep smiling and taking care of yourself. I have a lot of support groups here. The one at my church is a wonderful group of women that support and help you because they are the only one that can relate. Just like the ladies on these boards. Take care and God bless.

Robin

mysunshine48

Englishmumm, Both my BMX and exchange were done at the outpatient center! Yep, 5 1/2 BMX! I was shocked when it was scheduled there. Surgery at 7 am and went home (with help of two people) at 4 pm. It actually worked out well, once I got home. I had my sister, who was wonderful, to help for 3 weeks! Anyway, my exchange was at the same place. 1 1/2 hour surgery and and 1 1/2 hour recovery, and home. I was a lot more "with it" after exchange. Slept for the afternoon and could walk around then house....slowly. Pretty quick recovery. Just rest as much as you can and don't lift. You will be fine!

kingster

Robin, I love your positive spirit! I feel guilty for wallowing in self pity. I am alive and that's amazing to me;) Breast cancer has made me a more empathetic nurse. It has showed me that more people care about me than I ever realized. I recall how much breast pain I was in before my bmx and remember that these implants aren't too horrible. I wish I could just forget that they are there, but I can't. They feel so annoying, and I try not to project that in my everyday life, but it just comes out. How does anyone get used to these implants? Maybe it's the daily physicality of my job, but it's been over 6 months already, and they feel so darn uncomfortable. I know they look a lot better than no reconstruction. I liked my pre cancer self, and miss it very much. Thanks and I really am grateful for all the blessings God has put in my life. Love u Robin!

Msmath and everyone struggling with infections, please take care of yourselves. So glad you went to see your ps today to have that drained. Is it a seroma?

marketingmama

Kingster, I understand and send you my best. None of this is easy, and every day I miss my old breasts as well. Doesn't help that I lost an implant.

One of the real challenges in my view is that once the surgeries are all done, we might be disappointed that we don't look as we might have hoped or expected. It's also tough to adjust to losing sensation. I don't think you're wallowing in self pity. I think you're doing your very best to adjust to a life changing situation. Be patient with yourself.

BBwithBC45

Today is 9 days after my exchange. I saw my PS's NP this morning and she thinks I'm more swollen than I should be by now and that I may have a hematoma. I'm supposed to go back on Monday morning to see the PS who will then make a decision if we can wait and see if I absorb the hematoma, or if I need another surgery. Bummer.

Englishmummy

So, I hang my head in shame for being such a baby yesterday!! I compulsively cooked and folded/ironed yesterday. Woke up about a dozen times last night, finally got up at 4am. Today I know it was such a waste of energy to stress so. My surgery was at 7am, done by 8, walked out of there at 8.30....The nurse told me she didn't want to let me go but had no reason to keep me as everything was great - she even told my hubby no housework for 6-8 months ...ha,ha! So far I have taken 2 Tylenol and been on a short walk. As you all predicted and reassured, it was an easy surgery. I want to thank everyone for their support -in a frantic moment/hour/day, these boards are such a comfort. The support is uplifting and I definitely appreciate it.

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

hummingbirdlover

Englishmummy, that is awesome news! Welcome to the squishy side.

BB, I hope your swelling goes down. Take it very easy.

Have a lovely weekend ladies and keep on keepin on.

Lkscolo

english mummy - wow that is great news! Thanks for the update. Hope you are happy with results. Hope you took a nap! These boards are such a blessing. What did ladies do years ago?!?

Nocalmom

Rebecca54: I have bought so many bras throughout this process. Get a soft bra with thin straps, remove the cups and step into it. The most comfortable for me is made by Yummie. It's thin and stretchy but supportive enough (for me) with thin, adjustable straps--very easy to step into. Every other soft bra I bought was too snug. Hanes and Warners make decent ones too, and there are lots of them at Target. I got mine at Nordstrom. I'm sure you can order online too. Good luck!

kingster

Thanks Marketingmama;) Is your infection clearing after implant removal? So sorry about hearing that, but glad you are ok. Infections are scary stuff.

Englishmummy, you got out in world record time! Congrats. Now just take it easy for a while, since you did all your housework already, lol.