Exchange City

Janett2014

Anniekay80,

IMHO the projects you mention are doable. It sounds like you're being very sensible. I HATE painting (and would not attempt wallpapering), but I would have been able to do it at 5 weeks post exchange. That's assuming taking it slowly and not pushing too hard, like you said.

SpecialK

lori - I did not have Oncotype done because I am Her2+, but I did have Mammaprint done. It also showed high risk for recurrence, but nothing else of great significance. I had BRCA testing done as well due to being adopted and having no access to family history. I am considering doing Color Genomics since the genetic testing I had done was limited.

bikefam

AnnieKay, My PS released me to do ANYTHING at 5 weeks. However, during the 4 months of TE, he wouldn't let me do anything, even lifting my arms, so I was very much out of shape physically couldn't do everything. He told me if I had pain, I was overdoing it.

Anniekay80

Thank you all for the input. I admit I am not just out of shape....I'm a slug! I hate daily housekeeping but love painting, wallpapering, refinishing furniture and simple DIY remodeling. Our house is old and since I live in Flint, no money invested into our home is actually an investment. People can't even give away a house in Flint right now with the whole water situation. So to save money and because I have always been a do it yourself type person, I want to finish some of the half finished projects around this house myself. I love looking at the finished product and knowing I did it myself.

Anyway after being stuck in this house for about 5 months now, all the unfinished projects are really bugging me. I know I can work at my own pace.....really slow with lots of breaks......and I think making my home look better will help me feel better.

Thanks again. Cyber hugs.....

LoriWNY

SpecialK--I am also HER+ (as well as ER+/PR+) and had 1 positive node out of the 14 taken. I told my oncologist that I did not want endure chemo and even though I was pre-menopausal, he ordered the Oncotype for me trying to convince me that if my score was high, I should consent to chemo. Well, my Oncotype was a 6 so I agreed to Herceptin only for 1 year, started taking Tamoxifen, and had a total hysterectomy, after which, I switched to Femara (Letrozole). I also had BRCA 1 & 2 testing which was negative. My oncologist said the chemo decision was mine to make but told me that I was not following the standard recommendation by declining chemo, however, he was/is supportive of my decisions, does bloodwork every 6 months, and sends me for breast MRI's annually.

SpecialK

lori - very interesting that your Oncotype was that low, I'm surprised but happy for you! Glad you could find a cooperative MO who listened and worked out a plan that you were comfortable with. Also, glad that you are getting good surveillance

Molly50

I can't imagine my PS not letting me do anything while I have my TE. I have had this thing since early September. I will have the new TE on the remaining side for about 8 weeks until exchange surgery. I know I will have restrictions for that period of time. My PS even sent me to PT for my ROM.

ClarkBlue

ALL - my apologies ahead of time... I do not want to read through 1279 pages!! Lol

Am scheduled to have final implants inserted on 8/23 to replace tissue expanders following a BMX in April. I did very well after my BMX and was back to work the 3rd week. Am wondering how this procedure is in comparison? What are the major differences? Will I have drains? Will the pain be as bad? Do they typically use the same incision points?

Surgery is on a Tuesday... I'm thinking I will able to work the following Monday? My job is very inactive so don't go thinking I'm special or anything hahaha... I'd just like to give them a heads up.

Thank you for your input!!

-Keely

fipjoemom

ClarkBlue,

My exchange surgery was so much easier than my BMX. It was done as outpatient surgery, I did not have drains, and my PS used the same incisions. I did use pain medication the first couple of days but was able to wean off of them much sooner. Since I am retired, I cannot comment much on going back to work but I was did get back to my walking routine in just a couple of weeks.

ClarkBlue

Fipjoemom thank you!!!!!!

Angtee15

ClarkBlue I am wondering the same thing too about work time off after the exchange. I took off five weeks for the BMX,but I am thinking I could work part-time from home for a week or so after the exchange and be ok. My job has zero physical aspects. Just be able to sit at a computer.

Mominator

ClarkBlue and Angtee, my experience is very similar to Fipjoemom.

Exchange was easier than the BMX and was done as outpatient. My surgeon uses drains for anatomical implants to minimize fluid buildup and possible rotation, although many other PS's don't. The pain was much less, although there was still some pain as I needed extensive pocket work. I also had an infection at 10 days post-surgery. He used the same incisions.

I think your work plans are good. All my best wishes, Madelyn

Jr114

clarkblue- my exchange was MUCH easier than bmx. I had no drains but I wasn't able to lift anything over 5lbs for 6 weeks. However I have a desk job and returned to works 2 weeks after surgery but with restrictions. I have a great support group at work so anything I couldn't lift they were happy to help. The transition to implants was great SOOO much better than expanders. I am about 10 weeks out and it gets better each week. I didn't really understand until going through the exchange but they are getting softer as time goes on. I am adjusting to the new normal and feeling more like myself.

robinblessed54

Hello new ladies! I had a great experience with my exchange. I didn't have drains even though I have anatomicals. I was told there might be a chance I would have to and didn't know until I woke up. I didn't have a lot of fluid with my BMX so that is probably why he didn't need to use them. I had two weeks off, but could have gone back in a week. I also have a desk job in a school and as one of you ladies mentioned, I too have a wonderful support team in my office and like when I had my BMX, going back at 3 weeks, they all pitched in and helped me with heavy lifting, doors, reaching etc.. I have had my implants 15 months now and they truly are a part of me. Don't be surprised if you hear a "squishy" sound. That is very normal, but very weird! I had the tattoos done locally but I also purchased the Pink Perfect silicone nipples that are really awesome! I love them and the way they give you even more realistic visuals. It is over 100 degrees here today! But with little to no humidity, it is more tolerable.

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there,

Robin

grandma3X

I have 275 cc expanders and was wondering about implant size - are the implants typically the same volume as the expander? I told my PS that I would like to be a larger B or small C when finished. I know that cup size is really relative, but I also read elsewhere that you want about 400 cc implants for a C cup. Will I need to overfill to 400 ccs or can the PS put 400 cc implants into a pocket created with expanders filled to 275 ccs? Sorry for all the questions. I asked my PS yesterday but she went off on a tangent about skin coverage and really didn't answer my questions!

WenchLori

I had asked my PS the same question, his answer was "let's see what we have to work with". Whippetmom on Implants 101 can answer that question for you. She's a wealth of information. From what I've learned the implant will look smaller than the TE. When the time comes for me (still waiting for DBMX) I'm going to request an implant 100cc bigger than what the TE is. I don't know if that helped at all? 🤔

SpecialK

grandmax3 - to allow for implants that are 400ccs you would definitely have to overfill, but 400ccs on one person may look totally different on someone else. This is definitely not a one size fits all when it comes to cup size. Also, differing styles of implant may look larger or smaller. I would recommend you go to the implants 101 thread and give whippetmom your info and wishes and she can advise.

raleighgirl

grandma3x,

My expanders were filled to 280cc and I was exchanged to an Inspira 300cc. I am a 32C. It all depends on rib cage, etc. I am 5'5 and 105lbs and I am the same bra size I was before mastectomy. There are somany factors for the PS to consider when choosing the right implant size.

Mominator

Grandma3x: I already wrote a long post for you on TEs: Primer thread answering similar questions, and also suggesting visiting Whippetmom's Breast Implant Sizing thread. Whippetmom also has links to the manufacturers' sites.

I expect that you have 275 cc TEs, because your PS probably considered that a good size based on your size, build, and skin. Implants are definitely not a one size fits all, but have so many variables.

This is the time to talk with your PS. What would you like to look like, and what does PS think will look good and is possible with your circumstances?

My TEs were filled to 420 at time of BMx, and I told PS I was happy with that volume, but wanted more shape and more projection. PS felt that was a good size for me, although I could go larger. I decided not to go larger since I have been losing weight and I want my implants to match my goal weight.

PS gave one more full of 60 cc to make sure the pocket was large enough, and removed more tissue at time of exchange (fat and ??). After all that, a left implant of 450 and a right of 495 gave the equivalent volume of my original 420 TEs. (There was 50 gm more of tissue removed from right breast, although I don't know how much total tissue was removed from both breasts at exchange.) See, more variables that we can't predict.

I know you do your research and have excellent communication with your doctor. I expect you will be very pleased with your results.

Best wishes,

Madelyn

grandma3X

Thank you everyone for your help! My left TE is about half an inch above the incision so that the skin between my TE and incision line is not getting stretched. I think the PS will bring my stretched skin down to the incision, removing the extra, non-stretched skin. She was a little concerned about having enough skin to do this, but if I do an extra fill on that side, will that stretch the skin out enough to make up for the loss? Has anyone else had this problem?

Whippetmom did give me her advice, suggesting 430cc implant in ultr high profile or at least 375ccs in high profile rounds. That prompted my question about how much I might have to fill these little 275 cc expanders to make room for the implants. My rib cage is pretty narrow (29.5 inches).

Raleighgirl - it's good to hear that you are happy with your exchange to 300cc implants. May I ask what the projection is on the implants (medium, high, ultra high)?

raleighgirl

grandma3x,

I ended up with medium profile. I told him I wanted high profile but he thought medium would look better on my frame. I was really worried about that but they turned out really nice. Projection looks good

Paulinek

I am 7 days out from my exchange surgery and feeling very emotional. I don't think the doctors really prepare you for what it's going to be like with an implant reconstruction. I have asymmetry and when I bend and move you can see the implants wrinkling/rippling. They also don't feel anything like natural breasts, and I have very flat, boxy cleavage. I guess this is the best possible outcome, but I was hoping after this surgery I could sort of move on. Now I have a daily reminder. I know I sound ungrateful, and I don't mean to be. I just hate everything that this disease has taken from me.

bikefam

Paulinek, I feel what you are feeling. I had a uni and I expected to be much more even. I know they can't be exact, but I was also disappointed. From reading about others, I understand that with a bilateral, they can obtain much more evenness. I think everyone will tell you to "step away from the mirror" and give it some time. Things will settle and shift. You are probably still swollen as well. And there are little touch ups the PS can do later down the road. After 6 or so months, I am actually used to mine, even though they are not even, and they are much better than not having anything. So, patience is the key, and sharing on this site is a good way to "get things off one's chest", if I can use that phrase. If you are on the picture forum, you could share some pictures and us ladies who have been there can comment. Chin up!

Paulinek

thank you bikefam. I love the support from this site, and the permission to vent emotions.

Where can I find the picture forum

kingster

Paulinek, it's been over a year since my exchange, and I can say that things have looked better with time. Lots and lots of time. I am still numb mostly in the center about 50% of my chest. Plan on getting tattoos in November. Much less pain as time goes on. Most of my strength is back with lots of exercise. I look great with the right bra, clothes, swimsuits. I am also a little asymmetrical, but much has improved. Also, time has helped me get used to these implants. Revisions are common with reconstruction, but wait a good while before considering that. It's ok to allow yourself time to grieve your loss. And you're right, doctors don't prepare you for how this will feel...but unless you have actually had this done, I don't think even they could understand. So blessed to have other ladies like you to share.

bikefam

You have to request access to the picture forum. It is a privately run site. I have found it VERY helpful. Go to the topic on this site called: "Before Requesting Access for Picture Forum" and there will be instructions. It can take a little while before you are granted access, as the moderators want to make sure you are a real bc survivor and not just a voyeur. Posting on bc.org will help you get access.

robinblessed54

Hello Paula,

I have had my implants about 15 months now. I didn't even get unwrapped until 7 days post ex. I have the gummy bears which require a tight dressing for a week. Then sports bra 24/7 for at least six weeks. But I wore a bra for many months. It just felt better having them close and contained. I still wear one most of the time, but a lightweight one. Lately I have been more daring and going braless because we can do that! Especially as hot as it has been here in SoCal! You have to give it time. Like Kingster said, lots of time You are swollen and it takes time to let them settle and get comfy. I would say that it took close to a year before I started to feel like they were mine and belonged. I don't even notice them being different or there. It is the "new normal". You will see the PS often enough to reassure yourself everything is healing as it should. What type of implant did you get?

Hang in there!

Robin

Paulinek

Robin I have mentor memory shape implants. Unfortunately as the swelling goes down the indents and wrinkling increase. I am seeing by my PS again Thursday and I can only hope that there is some other option to get a better result. It looks and feels like I have two half filled bags of water under my ski

bikefam

Question for all you ladies with implants. I feel like my implant slides around under my skin. When I lay down on my back, my foob is about an inch higher than when I am upright. When I sit up, I think I can feel it moving. I did some measuring and think that about 1/2 inch is due to skin stretching when I'm upright and the other 1/2 inch is due to the implant sliding under the skin. This is my second implant in 7 months-the first one ruptured 5 months after being placed and this new one is now 2 months old. I don't remember my first one feeling like this. Maybe I am just more aware of my foob-looking for signs of rupture again. Or is this normal?

kingster

Paulinek, if you are symmetrical, maybe all you need is some fat grafting. My fat graft did improve my right side ripples, although I still have a few.

Bikefam, mine move around, but I prefer it that way. I can adjust myself better in a bra. I have smooth rounds high profile. Mentor memory gels.