Exchange City

Anniekay80

Okay this might be a stupid question, but I don't see my PS until next week. Before BMX I got my underarms waxed every 3 weeks. I'm 7 weeks post op now, can I go back to having them waxed or will that possibly cause lymphedema at least on the side they took 4 lymph nodes. Too risky or should I invest in an electric razor? I don't date try my old razors because I cut myself all the time and that was before surgery and the weird shaping the TEs have left me with in the underarm area.

Anybody wax?

Leslienva

I don't know about waxing but I've used a razor for years and never had a problem. (I had 10 nodes removed in 2000). Has anyone used that No No hair removing product? That might be safer than a razor if you cut yourself a lot.

Anniekay80

My sister has a No No and swears by it. But it is pricey. The years of waxing ended up reducing the amount that regrew which is why I want to get back to it. I was told to prevent lymphedema I couldn't let them take my blood pressure or blood samples from my left arm, avoid cuts and insect bites (how do you do that?), and not to cut cubicles on that side just push them back. So if a cut ups my chances of lymphedema (which by all reports is horrible and to be avoided at all costs) then I have to stay away from my regular razor.

If I can't wax I'll probably go the electric razor route. The No No has so so reviews and my sister who loves it had laser treatments years ago........her hair didn't start growing back for over 7 years. So I wonder if the No No works for her because she had those laser treatments. Anyway anything that costs that much better have some gurantee. Besides it burns the hair off and can cause some irritation, so why not wax?

Obviously I won't do anything until I talk to my PS but he tends to be really conservative so I'm betting he will say no to waxing.

Leslienva

I would think with only four lymph nodes out, you're at a pretty low risk for lymphedema. I've had insect bites, cuts, etc. over the years but luckily nothing ever came of them. I even had a third degree burn on my finger. In retrospect, I think I would've had electrolysis on my underarms BEFORE the lymph nodes were removed. That would've eliminated the shaving problem.

Anniekay80

Thanks for your input. Since my PS is sooooo conservative I figure he will say no Just like he already said no to razors. He said pluck. Obviously as a man he has no clue how difficult that would be to do by myself. My hair stylist does waxing from my eyebrows, lip, chin and underarms all for $10. She barely charges me anything because I'm a loyal customer who followed her to 3 different salons because she does such a great job. I never have any irritation when she does the waxing and it doesn't hurt at all. So I've decided I'm probably going to go ahead and wax no matter what the PS says. This is the same PS who wouldn't let me exercise....not even slow walk...for more than 6 weeks just because.

Besides these 10 or so hairs are now 2 inches long and sorry just gross..... They have to go.

DeeRatz

Anniekay-I use an electric razor on mine. I did have laser hair removal many years ago and have only a few hairs that grow back. I use a Braun silk Epil. It rips the hair out (epilator) vs shaving the hair off. I have to do this about once a month. I use it on my legs as well as I got sick of going to get them waxed all the time. I have not had any problems.

cheddiecat

Anniekay80: I've been where you are with those 2-inch underarm hairs! Cracked me up! My PS told me to use an electric razor for life. Not thrilled about it, but not worth the risk, even though my BS said that since I had so few nodes removed the risk of lymphedema is low. But I've met women suffering with it at support group and would prefer to avoid it if possible. I learned the hard way to follow doctor's orders early on, right after MX, when I thought I was feeling well enough to go walking and ended up with swelling that lasted several weeks and made it necessary for my drains to stay in longer than expected.

Had appointments last week with both BS and PS and they don't want to see me for a year!!! Yay!! Now that I'm "finished" with BC, would like to move on and get back to normal life. Unfortunately, I gained 11 lbs. in the process thru private pity party eating and lack of exercise due to having surgery every few months. Seemed like as soon as I was healed enough to exercise it was time for next phase of reconstruction. Totally worth it, though. Started walking a few miles a day several weeks ago and resumed Zumba classes this month. But I'm so flabby. When I asked my PS about using weights, was told to avoid anything that activated the pectoral muscles because it would accelerate the natural effects of gravity, moving the implants down and out. OMG!! Reminded me of those dreaded TE's in my armpits. Thought that tidbit was worth sharing. Sticking with arms and shoulders!

PNY

I am still having my pain under my implant (rib cage area) but am being careful not to overextend my arm and it is much more manageable. Question for those of you that have had their exchange. I am certainly more comfortable than when the TEs were in, but I do at times still feel that tightness across my chest and have discomfort when bending down etc. Is that due to the implants not falling into place yet, or is this the way its always going to feel.

Thanks, Phyllis

Anniekay80

Thanks for all the input. My reasoning says to me what is the difference between plucking out the hair, using an epilator or waxing? My hair stylist tests the heat of the wax on her inner wrist and it has never been too hot. Using an electric razor has never worked in the past for me though I'm sure they are much improved in the last 40 years since the last time I used one. LOL.

Guess I need to talk to the Dr then make my decision. I haven't had any swelling even close to getting lymphedema but I know I don't want to get it. Maybe I'll end up with electric razor for now then go back to waxing long after the exchange surgery. I hate going against Dr's orders, but I have when my B.S. gave me conflicting advice and I liked her answer better. It's a pain when your Dr's don't agree, but grateful so far it's only been about little stuff.

Guess I have more thinking to do....

Leslienva

PNY, I had my exchange in November and I still get tightness. I try to do the stretching exercises the PT told me to do and they help.

PNY

Leslienva: Thank You!! at least now I know that is normal. I figured on the soreness but did not anticipate the tightness. Does that mean your implants have not fallen into place yet or they have and the tightness just lingers.

I was back to swimming and exercise after my chemo ended before my exchange. Now I am waiting for my pot op to hear what I can do since i have extreme pain on one side by by rib under the implant when i stretch my arms up or out. (so I am not stretching)

Thanks Phyllis

Scottiemom11

cheddiecat. . .I was only banned from weights for 6 weeks after EX. I'm still working slowly, only up to 5lbs so far at 7 months out but my PT is encouraging the use of weeks. Nothing over the head yet but I'm getting ROM back.

Scottie

DeeRatz

Ok I am finally up to 15lb weights. I will have my exchange this week. I am not looking forward to having to decrease my weights again. Short term pain for long term gain.

Suzanne50

I was told no weight lifting for 4 weeks. I work out with small weights but still hate to give it up. It's temporary I know but 4 weeks is enough! Hope I don't have to wait 6 weeks. My arms will go to mush. LOL

Scottiemom11

Dee. . .I was up to 10-15 lb weights, including over my head, between BMx and EX. PS banned me from weights for 6 weeks after. My pecs are still so tight from EX that I'm only up to 5lbs since. I am making progress though. Little by little. I am determined to get there.

Best wishes,

Scottie

DeeRatz

Scottie and Suzanne- I was finally starting to get my Mojo back post Chemo. I felt like a lumpy, flabby, weak mess PFC. Things have slowly been getting better. Now I will have to stop again for 6 weeks. I did a Buns and Booties class yesterday at the gym. I am so sore today I am having trouble sitting down. I just kinda drop onto the toilet! So I have ended with a bang. Short term pain, for long term gain. I keep telling myself that.

3 more days....So excited to have it over with. I am not looking forward to the pain or recovery. I am not anticipating the exchange to be very painful. I didn't have much pain with my BMX. It just felt sore, kinda like when I did a chest workout at the gym. I am wondering if I will have issues with lifting my arms like I did post BMX? I don't plan on doing lots of reaching but am just wondering.

robinblessed54

Dee, so happy to hear you will soon be on the squishy side! But can't say it enough, do not raise your arms above your elbows!! Just because you can doesn't mean you should! Please be careful and follow your PS orders. You've waited a long time and you are close to me finish line!

Let us know how it goes. Robin

marketingmama

Hi ladies! I haven't been the boards for a while but wanted to drop in because I'm going for my exchange (again) tomorrow. Long story short: after my first exchange in September, I developed an infection and had to have one of my implants removed. Waited for new expander to be placed then went through fills again and tomorrow we're back I'll be getting my implants. Turns out both sides need to be done as the implant I currently have has migrated laterally and PS needs to secure the entire pocket (internal bra) and put in ADM. He'll do the same on the other side. Also changing implants from Mentor rounds to Inspira rounds. Inspiras are relatively new but my PS said I should have less issues with rippling (which I do now) and he thinks they'll all around be better for me. I think this procedure might be more difficult than my first exchange because of all the pocket work so I'm taking two weeks off work. But come March, I best be healed because I have a lot of business travel -- which I just can't put off any more. Not sure if others are going through this, but the work thing is really rough. This is my 5th surgery in 6 months and I think folks at work (my boss especially) are getting tired of it. Of course it's not exactly fun times for me but I worry about the perception issues and what is unsaid. That's why I'm going to try and jump on the horse in March -- I worry that if I don't, it will somehow reflect poorly on me.

Oh well--- enough griping. I hope everyone is doing well and feeling good. I am excited but nervous to see my new "girls" and so hope they look and feel relatively attractive. After all this, being disappointed with my final outcome would be kind of awful. Hope that doesn't sound too vain.

Best to all!

PNY

Just got back from my post op appointment with my PS. She says everything looks good. Still need to wear a binder or SPANKS for my belly from the liposuction. Nothing to strenuous allowed. I can return to work but she feels it should be a slow process or the healing process will take longer and I will be very worn out. (I am sure my boss is gonna love to hear that) Other than that all is good and I go back in 6 weeks.

Marketingmama: GOOD LUCK hope all goes smoothly this time around

Robinblessed54. PS said i can stretch my arm BUT i can only do so VERY VERY SLOWLY

DeeRatz - GOOD LUCK!!!!

Phyllis

Mominator

Shout out to DeeRatz: woo-hoo! It's finally here. You're getting the rocks out. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a super smooth recovery.

Love, Mominator

Tina1969

Good luck tomorrow DeeRatz! Only 12 more sleeps for me. I'm really getting excited.

fipjoemom

Good luck tomorrow Dee and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Tina, I too have 12 more sleeps. My surgery is also on 2/22

Newgirls

marketing mama,

I hope you will let us know how your new Inspiras are! I gave heard that the fill volume in those implants is higher so less rippling. Trailrose had her implants exchanged for those and at last report was happy and had less rippling.i have a little rippling with my mentors but not enough to need a fix. I can live with it but secretly I still want perfect.

lorihoop

I'm not ready for exchange yet, but I do have a question. My right side will be te and implant only, and the left side is going to be a flap procedure with an implant since the left side failed with te alone.

How many other women have had this scenario, and do you notice changes in the breast that had the flap and implant when you lose or gain weight? I am trying to keep a steady weight since the BC anyway just because the onco told me to, but I worry about being misshapen every time I go up or down a few times.

Leslienva

PNY, did she say anything about the tightness? My surgeon's nurse said that if mine still feels tight after another few weeks, I might want to go to PT again.

PNY

Leslienva, she said its normal to feel some tightness. I had been going for myofacial release (by the PT) after BMX and I asked if I could/should go back. She said its a good idea but wants me to wait another 6 weeks before I start that up again.

trailrose

Hi Ladies! I'm still happy with my Inspira rounds. It's been 3 1/2 months since the revision surgery. I went sailing this past week in the Bahamas and my goodness getting up onto a sailboat (4 foot climb) from a dinghy really taxed my pecs as I pulled myself upwards! Of course my husband heard me say that I thought maybe my implants shifted, or I tore something or I would get lymphedema. None of that happened thank goodness. I will start using some light weights to strengthen my arms. Best of luck to all that have upcoming surgeries!

DeeRatz

Just checking in. My exchange surgery went well. She put in 520gm inspira textured rounds, high profile. She did a bunch of pocket work. They are no longer in my armpits and I don't have a huge gap in my cleavage area. They also don't start at my collarbone. I can't believe how much softer they feel. I was so used to the rocks in my chest this will be a nice change. I am in a bit of pain but nothing like I was after BMX.

Sooooooo glad that it is all over. Now to behave and let everything heal

PNY

DeeRatz: So happy to hear you are feeling good, good enough to post the day of your surgery:)

Hope your recovery continues to go well.

Phyllis

mjh1

marketingmama - I hope boobies 2.0 will b the charm for u and u can finally get off this merry-go-round to boobyville. Warm hugs!!!

Deeratz - welcome to the squishy side. Just take it easy now n let the new girls settle in.