Exchange City

mysunshine48

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Trailrose, Are you not worried about lymphodema with lifting so much weight? So many of us have been told not to ever lift over 10 pounds, especially on the node side. I was even told not to wear my watch or jewelry on that arm. Comments?

AudreyB

Hi everyone. Glad to read all your posts and catch up. Cheers for all the successes and prayers for those facing infections. My own infection cleared up, thank God. I finished 2 weeks of antibiotics last week and got the all clear from PS last Thursday.

I had my exchange August 18, and only this past week have noticed I don't feel any discomfort while side sleeping. For a while I thought I would always feel these implants, but time has helped in my case.

I also noticed I am way more comfortable now that I can wear underwire bras. I got the go ahead to go for a professional bra fitting 4 weeks post op. I went to Nordstroms and had a great experience. Bought beautiful bras, some to lift and separate, sone push up, and they have made the world of difference in how I feel about my results. Scars are mostly concealed, wonky cleavage is adjusted, just overall I feel much happier. I ended up a 36DD.

I also find people staring at my chest, but sometimes it's strangers who don't know what I've been through. They do look really good in clothes if I do say so myself. LOL.

Blessings to all. Please believe that time does help. We just have to be patient.

Scottiemom11

mysunshine. . .the only limitations I was given were no lifting anything for 6 weeks and then start with 2 lb weights. I'm allowed to work my way up slowly. I used to do 30 - 40 lbs on arm weight machines. I'm sure I will reach a limit and don't expect to ever do pushups or pullups again, but they weren't much fun anyway. I was warned that I would also have trouble swimming but based on the comments on the exercise boards I plan to conquer that this winter.

I also wear my FitbitHR on my node arm and a ring. The only thing I've noticed is that either arm will go numb if I try to side sleep. That is frustrating so I still use my total body pillow to sleep.

Audrey, so glad to hear that your infection cleared up.

Kgirard. . .it does sound like you have small implants for your frame. I'm 5'6.5" and am small chested. I was barely a B before and have B-C projection with Mentor smooth round high profile 300 cc implants. I did discuss with PS before that I wanted the highest projection I could get with my limited fills. I had to stop fills at 250 cc because of nerve pain.

Scottie

trailrose

Mysunshine48- I had sentinel lymph nodes removed from both sides as a precaution because I have a variant in the MSH2 gene. My BS wasn't concerned with lymphodema. He told me that because I'm physically fit that the risk is extremely low for me. So far I've been okay. I have had blood draws,BP checks, and IV catheter placed on my right side. At first my left side had more numbness and discomfort in the elbow area but as time has passed it's MUCH better! I wear rings,have had bug bites and fell on my right arm which caused scrapes and cuts because I tripped while trail running. Believe me I still worried about lymphodema but so far so good. If I get a cut or bug bite I take extra care to keep it clean and apply polysporin which I would of done anyways before all of this.

SummerAngel

Mysunshine, check out the exercise threads on the Lymphedema topic. Preventing women from lifting is outdated advice. I've been working my way back up in my weight lifting since my BMX (with time off for the exchange surgery), and I'm currently doing "girl" push ups. They feel weird but I'm getting used to it. I used to do tons of push ups and I fully intend to get back to it - gradually and safely. No signs of Lymphedema.

SummerAngel

Kgirard411, I would say your implants are not sufficient for your frame. I'm also 5' 6", 138 pounds, and 31 1/2 rib cage with wide hips. My PS knew I didn't want "flat" implants so he gave me Allergan 45 ultra high profile implants, 500ccs. I was an average B cup pre-surgery so these feel a bit big in comparison, but they fit my frame VERY well and I love the projection.

BBwithBC45

Got some good news. PS is not worried about hematoma, the swelling that I have should resolve by itself. No additional surgery scheduled.

Scottiemom11

Great news BB. . .hope you recover quickly.

Had to see my regular doctor today for infection (ds shared his sinus infection with dh and I). She went through my whole history to get up to date because I see her rarely now. She was concerned about my continued nerve pain from the muscle spasms so put me on a muscle relaxer that I can just take at night, particularly after PT. Keeping fingers crossed that this will help me sleep better and relieve the pain. Meanwhile I'm off to the gym. If I don't exercise I really tighten up and lose ROM.

Scottie

mysunshine48

Yes, great news BB!

LRGinger

Ladies, I don't post much, reading your posts has gotten me through this experience. I have a question. . .

I am 3 weeks out from EX today, and I am having some new pain under my left arm and across the left breast. I had to do some traveling last week and tried to minimize lifting, but I think I may have strained things a bit by carrying my laptop on that side. Should I be worried enough to call the PS?

robinblessed54

Yes, call PS! Always be over cautious.

Robin

Scottiemom11

LRGinger. . .could be muscle spasms. Did your PS give you a muscle relaxer? If not or if it's not helping then definitely call.

Hope it resolves quickly.

Scottie

Englishmummy

Hello Ladies! Hope everyone is having a lovely week -our weather here is amazing, like summer so that helps with healing and feeling happy.....back to the Dr's tomorrow so we'll see what he says....It's been pretty uneventful so far, fingers crossed it stays that way. I did develop a rather lovely looking rash which was an allergy to the Bentadine scrub but other than that, I like my new additions.

I just have a question and I know I have read about it somewhere on here but of course now I can't find it - my new boobs get sort of chilly. Well, they are much cooler than the rest of my body which I understand, is there anyway to keep them warmer?  I have a camisole/tank over the bra and then my clothes and I don't really notice it, but at night they are cold. Does this change of is it something I have to get used to? Any advice on keeping them warm?!!  

katcar0001

Hi Scottiemom! I am following in your footsteps. I saw my surgeon today, and he suggested the high profile rounds! He's bringing sizes 275, 300 and 310 to the OR, so, we'll see what I come out with in Nov. He finally confessed he does not like the way the anatomicals look--he prefers a fuller upper pole. Whippetmom also suggested rounds for me. I am feeling much better about the decision. Thanks for being so open about your results. Have a great day!

Rebecca54

Hello my exchange friends. Just had my 1 week post op today. Had an interesting discussion with the PA about why no lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks (this is already making me crazy and I thought it was to protect the pect muscles) She said it's mostly because they worry about the incisions splitting open. Has anyone else heard this from your ps?

Also she told me that the bralet that someone from here loved and I got because they are so super comfy is not enough support and compression. That we are trying to "train" the skin around the implant. I think I am going to look for that Stella McCarthy post mastectomy bra someone on here was saying they would send to us for free.

I'd love to hear about the warm question too! Although sometimes (hotflashes) it's nice to have cool foobs!

katcar0001

Scottiemom, Just read that you are still having nerve pain! That sucks. I was hoping after the exchange and some time healing that it would get better. I hope the muscle relaxants help as well as working out.

mysunshine48

Mine are cold too. I guess that is because the implants do not have enough warm tissue around them to actually get to our body temperature.

katcar, A word of caution.....the implant sizes you mentioned are pretty small. Remember, you have no Breast tissue and the muscle is over the implant. I have heard of women who got that size and were not happy. Just sayin...

Interesting, my plastic surgeon said no need to massage, but I had a check up today with Breast surgeon and he said to massage. He showed me how.....said it would keep them soft. Kneed fingers from nipple up, then down.

Bobkat303

Just checking in.  One week after exchange and think things are starting to feel better.  Just tonight first time not so tight.   Full shower this morning felt so good.    Everyone hang in there it gets better.  

trailrose

My implants are cold too. I'm a little nervous about winter time here in the mountains but I'll just have to layer my clothes. I agree that maybe when I have hot flashes they help!

Scottiemom11

katcar. . .Thanks for the healing thoughts. I am pushing through. I see PS again next Monday for a recheck and will discuss the nerve pain with her. I am very slowly getting my ROM back from PT and exercise though. As for the smooth rounds, I have to agree. Mine are placed closed together upfront and center. I have both upper pole and cleavage, so I'm happy with the size. I'm bigger than I was before and now I'm permanently perky. What more can a girl ask for under the circumstances.

Scottie

katcar0001

Scottiemom - It's a small gift after all the hell we've been through. I hope my results are as good as yours. Shoot, I forgot to verify the "smooth" bit. I'll have to email my surgeon.

I don't know how your nerve pain manifests--if it's deep within or closer to the surface, if that makes any sense. I have used Capsaicin cream on nerve pain in the past. It works specifically for that type of pain because it numbs the nerve signaling. I find it works best if I use it every day when my lower back acts up.

katcar0001

Got a duplicate post for some reason.

katcar0001

mysunshine48 - I do appreciate your input, and while those sizes sound small, I am tiny on top. My rib cage circumference is 28.5, and I have narrow, delicate shoulders. When we put on the tester sizes in his office, they looked great on me. We'll just have to see, but I think larger implants would look silly on me. Besides, my skin would not stretch anymore---it was too thin, so 295cc was the max he could put in.

Scottiemom11

Katcar. . .I have both Sombra cold and heat creams. The heat works on my lower back, but I have to use the cold on my upper nerve pain. It works except tor the deep pain then I have to gently massage which is admittedly difficult while at work.

I just keep reminding myself that I'm blessed. Will have to check out the cream you mentioned.

Scottie

hummingbirdlover

While we're talking about how cold these implants are. I noticed something really weird the other day. I was putting lotion on and the scars are still tender and I have some nerve pain so I wasn't thinking about loss of sensation but my breast felt really cold to my fingers and my hands were very warm so I just cupped both of my hands over both of my breasts and they felt frigid to my hands...the weird thing is that I couldn't feel ANY of the warmth of my hands on my chest. I mean none! It felt like my hands were on someone else's body, I had no sensation of the warmth from my hands, whatsoever, it was just weird.

Maybe that means I won't feel tattoos? I certainly felt the poke of the syringe for the fills. It's not that they're numb, there's just no heat sensors or something which is scary...don't bend over a hot stove

TNBCat37

hi katcar0001, just like you, I prefer a smaller breast. I'm 5'4", 130 lb, with cribcage size 32.5". I have 300 cc in my right breast, and 275 cc in the left breast. I want to be a B cup.

My plastic surgeon is not used to someone requesting a small breast, he said all other women normally would try to fill up to 550 cc. I'm one of the exceptions he ever met. But I was a 36D before double mastectomy, and have always wished for a smaller breast. All the chic clothes nowadays are designed for small breast women. I had hard time shopping for clothes. And I agree with you that big boobs look silly on my body. What is frustrating is that my surgeon is trying to ignore my request and still build me a fuller breast. He never tells me what size of implants he will put in. He says it depends what look good on me at surgery time. The breast doesn't look good if the implant is too smaller than the pre-mastectomy breast size. It has something to do with nipple position. ( I had nipple sparing mastectomy) Apparently they will lift patient up from the operating table to try on different size of implants while patients are still sleeping, which sounds so funny. I'm so frustrated that he didn't hear me screaming for a small breast.

mysunshine48

Yes, they do sit you up on the operating table. Weird! But, they do!

Also weird about feeling your breasts and not really feeling the touch. Hummingbird, Imhave the same experience when putting on lotion.

robinblessed54

TNBC,

My PS said at first appt he never hears"I wish I was smaller!" But I insisted I wanted to stay about the same size. I was a 36B before and he lustened to me and gave me what I wanted! I was filled to 420cc and he put in Allergan 410 annatomicals filled to 475cc. They are perfect for me. 5' 5" 145 lbs. i am 7 months out.

Robin

katcar0001

TNBCat37 - First of all, you are too young for this damn disease :-(. I am sorry. Second, maybe you can get something in writing from your surgeon that he will put in no larger than xxxcc. Also, I think it helps to show photos of similarly built women with the breast size you like so he can get a visual. I hope you end up with the size you want.

katcar0001

Mykidsmom - My exchange surgery date is 11/09. Thank you!