Exchange City

TaRenee

Hi ladies!

I saw my PS today and I think we are leaning toward a spring exchange. I want to be able to enjoy the summer this year so taking easy on spring break may be my answer. I have to call with my date requests tomorrow and we will see when I can get scheduled.

PS said that TE looks great. We talked about how “lopsided” they look now as opposed to how they will look when he finishes. Honestly, they aren’t lopsided. The TEs are set a little differently and thus look different. He assured me that it will be good. And I’m released from seeing him weekly until we get the exchange scheduled. I’ll go in a month before and we will talk form and shape and implant types. I’m kind of excited. Now, if I can just get released from PT I can stop spending so much on gas to drive an hour each way to doctor appointments once or twice a week!

Imkopy2

TaRenee, I get it I am also a summer baby love it and the one thing I did last summer was I REFUSED to let BC ruin another summer. No surgeries, no revisions nothing but me enjoying life. I felt like I deserved to live it up. Because of my diagnosis I had to have an oophorectomy (ER+) since I also had fibroids I asked to have the full deal. My docs were totally on board and agreed that I should enjoy life without restrictions. I had my surgery in Sepetember after the school year started...and you know what I had a great summer and my students survived. Regardless of what district you work in I want you to keep this in mind. At that start if every school year you have 12 weeks of FMLA time. (Fiscal year starts July 1) What this means is administration cannot mess with you about absences especially in regards to your evaluation or your job it’s a law you’re protected under. As far as getting paid that is dependent on the amount of absences you have accrued. Some unions have sick bank for teachers who need the additional days and are out of them

Not sure of your situation but my advice to you is this, you most certainly deserve to enjoy life without restrictions so kick off the flip flops, put your feet in the sand, splash in the water and have a ball. Don’t spend one minute of your summer laid up because of surgery due to BC. The exchange is easy for sure but it is still surgery and you won’t be allowed to go in the water, and possibly may have to stay out of the sun. So be sure to ask your PS.

Hugs to you in whatever you decide

Shoregirl

Hello ladies! I survived lol. I was not nervous at all for this revision, even though it was pretty extensivie. I remember being a nervous wreck for the 1st exchange of the TEs to implants. Had to pop a Valium before getting to the hospital. But no Valium today. I was laughing and joking and thoroughly enjoying the comraderie I had with my team until they put me under. My new ps is female, only abuot 31 years old and so awesome!! She did downsize me (Yay!!!) from 470 to 440cc, switched from Inspira SCX 470 (extra full projection) to Sientra smooth round High Projection (not extra high) I felt the inspiras were too projected, too narrow, too firm and heavy. They had already started sagging!! They almost looked like 2 oranges sitting on my chest. The new ones are wider, like my old real breasts and just a bit less projected but not like hamburger buns. She did just a litte fg, all over the implant and the upper edge. This gave me such a more beautiful look, nice and soft. A gradual slope instead of jutting out from my chest abruptly, looking like a Barbie dol. They are not so firm like the Inspiras, I am sure the fg helped that. They are wider than my originals Inspiras. I think the projection is just 5cm less, but so much more natural looking without that drastic step off I had w/Inspiras. When she sat me up in the OR to get opinions from those in the room they loved the 440s. Two of the ladies said they wanted them on themselves! I think I am really going to love them, once I have the unveiling.

I only have minor pain, kind of feels like sunburn where fat was harvested as well as where it was placed. Also feels like the soreness your muscles get when you have worked out too hard. I beleive the milder pain is due to the special 3 day numbing medicine she injected into the surgical site called Exparal. I highly recommend it to those with upcoming surgeries. It really makes the pain much more tolerble, and I am taking way less pain meds that I did with the 1st 2 surgeries that did not have the Exparal. The right side is a bit more sore than the left because when my ps opened me up, she found alloderm well incorporated and a good amt of it over the Left implant. But the R side had a tiny piece of alloderm, almost none at all. She was very surprised at that. So she added a full covering over the front of new implants and wrapped it underneath the implant at the IMF. She also pointed out to me that the Right IMF was 2 cms higher than the left, so she fixed that too.

I do have 2 drains, but completely waterproof dressings so I can shower whenever I want. (Yay again!!!) Right drain producing more than twice the amt as the left, but she thinks it is because she did more work on that side with adding the alloderm. The hospital is great, much better than the one where I had BMX and exchange. My new ps ordered not only the anti nause patch, but also had me pick up 1 dose of Emend (simlar to Zofan) to take on the way to the hospital. Also wrote a prescription for Zofran to combat nausea at home if I need it. I was a little nauseous when I came to, but they hooked my up with Phenergan in the IV. Oh, also she said I don't have to sleep on my back, side is ok too! I think I will sleep on my back propped way up with pillows though, at least as long as I can stand it. I really don't want these girls to start sagging!! The dear ps called me around 8PM to see how I was doing. They had made an appt with me to see ps tomorrow morning but when we spoke on the phone she said if there is no sign of infection or any other problem, I can just do a phone consult with her tomorrow as we live just over an hour from her office. I thought that was very nice of her. As far as future fg, I will definetly do it if needed. She said I could do it in 6 weeks if I am in a hurry, but 3 months would be best so all the swelling has gone down. I will assess in 3 months, I am in no rush. As an added bonus to getting another round of fg I can get my love handles/muffin top reduced I am going to hit the sack, its been a very long day!! I apologize this post was so long, I am just really excited and happy with my surgeon.I will be writing a glowing review for her.

Take care all you brave warriors!!

Blessings, Shoregirl (Heather)

Sitti

Shoregirl,

Thanks for the update, it sounds like you are doing amazing. It also sounds like you hit the PS lottery. She sounds like a wonderful, communicative doctor. Even though I had a great PS (very kind, great bedside manner), I think having a female PS would have been even better. Glad to hear you are so pleased thus far, hope you continue to heal quickly.

Sitti

Shoregirl,

Thanks for the update, it sounds like you are doing amazing. It also sounds like you hit the PS lottery. She sounds like a wonderful, communicative doctor. Even though I had a great PS (very kind, great bedside manner), I think having a female PS would have been even better. Glad to hear you are so pleased thus far, hope you continue to heal quickly.

Scrafgal

Shoregirl,

I am glad things worked out so well!!!  Thanks for the update!

lrwells50

Glad you’re doing well, Shoregirl. I’d like to second what you said about Exparel. I had it with my BMX and my exchange, and I’m a fan. Anyone about to undergo any surgical part of this unwanted merry-go-round should ask their surgeon about it

TrmTab

Thank you for the update Shoregirl, so happy you had a successful exchange. See my PS tomorrow for my 12 week follow up. I have TCX 800 and it is already starting to sag some... thought it was just me, so "happy" to hear you say the same. For me the sag isn't as troublesome as I still have my natural right side and it does have a sag ;-) so this makes me more even. I can basically look okay in a bra and so plan to wait until 6-9 months to decide about additional surgery.

Take care these next few days and then you will be good to go! TT

Shoregirl

Sitti, Scrafgal, Irwells, and TT.....thank you for your prayers!! I do feel so blessed to have found this ps. She is 2-3 yrs younger than my daughter! And gorgeous, could be a model. But she is also very humble and sweet. Boy, I wrote a BOOK last night on this thread, all medicated up lol!! But seriously, today I do feel a bit more sore at the lipo sites but all in all a lot less pain than I was expecting. Ps said I can do another round of fg later. She said I could have it done in her office. Has anyone here had fg in an office setting instead of OR?

One benefit I absolutely love with this fg....my boobs are nice and warm now because she covered the implants w/fat. No more icy, clammy implants. Mine are pre-pec. I don't know if sub pec has the same issue of implants feeling cold. So I do recommend asking if your ps will put fat over the surface of your implants if the cold bothers you.

Sitti, I had a male ps at first, and he, like yours had great bedside manner. But I detected a bit of arrogance and he was kind of dismissive toward me. When I told him my implant had turned over backwards he glossed over it, said it just looks different because swelling was going down. Wanted me to "watch it" for 6 weeks. Then he said he would only put fat along the upper and medial edges of the implants. I tell you, having the fat placed over the entire pre pec implant makes such a difference! Way more natural looking and as I said nice and warm. If you and your ps are not on the same page, don't hesitate to look for another more forward thinking ps. At the end of the day, it's our bodies The ps work for us and if they can't/won't do a procedure you want because they don't know how they shouldn't have a problem with you looking for one who does it.

TT and Lynae, how did it go at the dr today?

Shoregirl

Imkopy2

Heather I’m so happy to hear you’re doing well. We shall chat soon, I’m still torn about what to do

lynae23

Shoregirl I am so happy for you! That is wonderful news!! So glad you are doing well and your PS sounds amazing!! I wish i had a woman and sometimes think about switching!!

So I saw my PS & he looked at my breast and felt the area on the side of the breast under the armpit and said it looked and felt fine and that they are still settling and it takes months and not to worry they look great....so I told him my right one feels fine and i do not notice any movement at all inside but my left I feel alot of movement with the implant and it hurts a bit on the side of my breast under the arm and feels hard & he replied that is normal.

Sooo my question to you ladies is ...is it normal? Did you all feel movement in your chest from implants especially when bending down or trying to lay towards your side or even just walking and raising an arm some? Maybe my right one has already settled in which is why I feel nothing & he is right but sometimes he dismisses my concerns. He wants me to come back Dec 28 to do my nipples.

I also need ideas on a good support bra with zipper in front...he did say I need more support to push them to the middle more. I have tried kohls, walmart & target front zipper sports bras and all horrible foe me. I am prob a 38-40 C cup.

Let me know your thoughts ladies....I am so glad I have yall & we all are going through this together!!

Again so happy for you Shoregir!!! :-)

MinuteAtATime

Shoregirl, so glad it went well! Your PS sounds great!

Lynae, I don't have the sensations you describe. But I always have a bra on, except when showering-not sure if that matters.

Here are the zip-front bras I bought which are pretty comfy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XBYFG3D/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

However, my PS said exactly what yours said--I need to get more of a "Push-up" type bra that pushes them towards the middle. He said not an underwire, but something that pushes them towards the middle, so that the pocket (in the middle area of chest) doesn't close up before healing. He suggested going to Nordstrom for a bra fitting. I wish I hadn't already used up my insurance referral for a bra/Nordstrom fitting, but the one I bought earlier through that was a post-surgical camisole which I no longer need. So, back to Nordstrom I go, this weekend!

Also, he told me that after 6 weeks I can start doing things like yoga and pushups!! He said I should start slowly and build up. I was glad to hear this, but it's also inconsistent with what the nurses in the group told me which is no weight > 15 lbs until 3 months! I wish they woudl just give a consistent message; it's hard to know what to do. I think I will be cautious and go slowly, although I need to start taking the garbage bins out to the curb b/c my husband travels so much.

Happy almost Friday everyone.

MinusTwo

Lynae - standard wisdom is that healing is 3-6 months. You are just 30 days out. It's so hard to be patient, but I would walk away from the mirror. I'd also wait at least another month or two before nipples.

Since you're in Houston, the Nordstroms at the Galleria has bra fitters who are trained especially for breast cancer patients. They will set up an appointment for you ahead of time. I had a very good experience there. I just had to remember not to buy a bunch of bras since my shape was still changing.

robinblessed54

lynae, yes, Minustwo is right. You need to wait. You already experienced the outcome of doing too much. Listen to your body. Both Minus and I have the 410 anatomical implants so what we experience is slightly different but the instructions to limit what you lift is the same. I wore a bra 24/7 for almost a year because it felt better with support.

Take it easy and let your body heal.

Blessings, Robin

TrmTab

Just left PS office for my 12 week post op...officially released from any further follow up appointments from the Sept exchange surgery...yeah!!!

The nurse assistant was weird when I was brought back to the room..."so you asked to be seen by the doctor?" given my problems at exchange I am really glad not to have to go back there...I was like, no the doctor asked me to come in for a post op follow up!

I still have a spot the size of a quarter of lingering "bruise" really old dehydrated bruise that my body is taking its own sweet time to reabsorb! Very faint dark spot but given I am a very fair Irish decent person, you can see it. PS said even if it does leave a permanent "stain" it is where I would be placing a nipple, so it would be covered up...not that he would be performing that procedure, but I have kept my own council on that!

I look okay in a bra, 38D which works for my 5'8" 190 lb frame, although without a bra, the implant and my native R breast are in opposite corners of the ring!

Happy December! TT

XXXGGGYYY

Hello - I'm new here. I'm researching whether to have a textured tear drop shape implant (which would match my native breast better), or a smooth round one. My PS told me of the very tiny risks associated with textured implants, but the statistics seem to be so tiny that I'm inclined not to worry. Am I being naïve?

Shoregirl

Thank you ladies! I am feeling so much better w/this post-op recovery than I did for my exchange in April. I get a sharp twinge of pain in my side where ps took fat if I move wrong. Question.....of those that had lipo to the flanks or abdomen, did your belly swell like its bloated? Mine is so bloated I can't suck it in. I now have a pot belly lol. I don't know if its from the lipo or the anesthesia, but I didn't have a bloated belly after my other surgeries so I am thinking it is from lipo.

Lynae, I definitely had issues with my implant sliding toward the middle when laying on my side. They never moved toward my armpit, just toward center and of course, flipping over backwards. When I bent over, I could feel them hanging off my chest. If you feel like your ps is dismissing your concerns and they are valid, maybe you could get a 2nd opinion? As for bras, I was going to suggest Nordstom as well. But I would wait till your swelling is gone.

Minute, I would be inclined to heed the nurses advice, they are more about healing where the surgeon is all about well, surgery. And listen to your body. Maybe start w/physical therapy that is geared toward breast reconstruction.

TT, congrats on being released!! Woo hoo!!! Have you tried Arnica for the bruise? Also bromelain/quecertain supplements are good for healing bruises. Or just do like I do and eat pineapple a couple times a day every day!

robinblessed54

XGY x3, I have the textured teardrop Allergan 410 gummies. I wouldn’t worry, they are very safe. And if you follow your PS post op care, they will adhere to your pocket and not rotate. They are more static than the smooth rounds, but I am very happy with mine. PM me anytime

Robin

VegGal

The current stats are that about 1 in 4000 will develop ALCL. Seeing as I have an autoimmune disease that only 300 people in the US have, I did not like those statistics. I had my 410's and the capsules removed and replaced with smooth rounds. You of course will likely be fine, and only you can decide if you want to take that tiny chance.

MinusTwo

XXX - I also have Allergan 410 anatomical, textured implants. I got them in 2011 when they were only available on a research trial basis before full FDA approval. I've been very happy with them. My PS is the head of plastic surgery at a major medical center & one of the early experts. He does not feel I will have a problem.

I've seen quite a bit of conversation on BCO about washing the cavity with Betadyne before implanting and supposedly that further lessens the chance of infection. You don't indicate where you are located or if you are at a major medical center. Anatomical implants require a surgeon with lots of experience since the pocket has to be precise. Maybe your doc meets those criteria.

XXXGGGYYY

Thank you Robinbless and MinusTwo for your info.

MinusTwo: yes, I’m at one of the finest facilities in the world.

This has all been quite a shock to me, but I’m getting through it well

2FUN

re zip up bras, I got a nice cotton one at JC penny, and also at curediva.com

Dafne

Girls, please keep me in your prayers. Monday morning I'll go for my pre-operation tests and Friday is exchange date.

Also, thank you all for thoughts and prayers and words of encouragement. I thought a lot about postponing the surgery for later next year, but to be honest the thought just adds to anxiety and frustration. Also, and I don't remember if I mentioned it in any of my previous posts, my ps had a rough time himself earlier on September, as he got diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery, thankfully no chemo or radiation. Last time we talked he told me his family is now pressuring him to retire. He is not old enough to retire, but certainly he can afford it (financially speaking), and he said he's not ready yet but he is giving it some serious thought. I would hate to see him go and have to deal with a new surgeon I won't even know. It might be sound silly to let that possibility freak me out, I know any other surgeon can perform my exchange surgery and all, but it's just too much emotionally and psychologically. I can't stand losing another thing that makes me feel somehow comfortable and safe if you know what I mean.

There are no real developments on the apartment issue yet, but the real estate agent will come next week to take photos of it so she can upload them. We also talked about the possibility of renewing our contract for just one year, but under the mutual understanding that whenever he finds a buyer we'll have to go in a month's notice. I didn't get a positive yes, but he didn't sound negative either. In any case, Christmas time is not that great for selling properties, so I guess I'm winning some time here.

Some bc sisters here asked me in pm why I'm not getting any financial support and benefits.

There is some sort of financial aid for cancer patients and survivors here in Greece, but not everybody gets it. Someone has to make the application (and pay for it), gather all the medical papers and reports and biopsies and all and go through a medical board where you get evaluated. During evaluation time they check your papers and all and they also examine you physically. I have applied for the test and went through the evaluation session. I lost count of how many times I've raised my blouse and show my tits back when I had them, and after the surgeries, but it was the first time I felt so humiliated while I was in front of the medical board. Them sitting behind a long desk, me sitting in a chair in the middle of the room, a guy doc next to me showing and pointing and touching. I can't even describe the feeling and putting into words. They saw the scars and all, they agreed with the diagnosis of mild lymphedema and frozen shoulder syndrome on my right side, and sent me home to wait for the results. A couple of months later I got a paper stating my application was rejected. For them I was "cured", since I had the mastectomy. A friend doctor of mine who takes part in those boards regularly, told me it was a long shot and they might have accept it in the case i had NOT performed the mastectomy, but was in pre-surgery chemo.

Lyphedema and frozen shoulder, the fact that I can't raise or rotate my arm, that I can't get dressed, wash hair, perform everyday activities, lift weights, the fact that I can't type easily anymore, and surely not as fast as before and I'm unable to keep up with the demands and deadlines of my previous work as a translator did not add up for much. Not the fact that my husband is now working part time due to severe economical crisis in Greece. I told them all that, although they answered me that it was irrelevant with my medical case. Yes, I know those info were irrelevant, but I just had to let them know. Well, either way, this did not work.

Some bc sisters on a facebook group I'm a long time member, advised me to start a crowdfunding page with the hope to raise some money towards the new apartment cost and the moving process. I didn't even know what a crowdfunding thing was. Either way, with their help I found quite a few relevant sites and I spend a couple of nights reading on it, so I could understand how this thing works.

At the end I set up a personal campaign, explaining how things are, and sending the url to any close friend I have and some facebook friends I know way back, in short anyone I thought I could trust with it.

I don't hope for much with this campaign, and it's not like I m a socialite having a bunch of followers on facebook and social media, but I had to give it a shot, I don't have anything to lose.

That's all for now, girls, please keep me in your prayers. All the best to all of you. I'll update with how my exchange surgery went when I can.

Hugs!

Shoregirl

Daphne, you are in my prayers! You are right, Christmas around the corner is probably going to give you some time w/the apartment issue. And I definitely understand not wanting to find a new ps at this point. The medical board sounds terrible!! The silver lining in this is that its exchange surgery and not the mastectomy. You should bounce back and recover much quicker. God bless you, give you perfect peace, a solution to the dilemma and quick healing.

Hugs, Shoregirl

Scrafgal

Ladies! There's nothing like work to make the days fly by! I've been trying to follow three different threads here, and it was getting out of control:)

So, after my fantastic Thanksgiving, I started working and it is going well so far. I am feeling more energy each day, and I am finally sleeping well more consistently. I think that it just takes time, from all the chemo. I am a few days past 3 months from my last dose. I am working out consistently, although my PS still won't let me do Pilates. I am doing cardio on my Elliptical and walking. That is probably helping with sleep, mood and everything else.

XXXGGGYYY...Welcome! I have smooth implants so I can't be of any help regarding textured implants, but it sounds like the right ladies have responded to your question.

Dafne, the road has been rough but I am glad that you finally have a surgery date this Friday! One day at a time! I think that you are correct in thinking that the holiday will buy you more time. It is the season for miracles!

Lynae, I am glad that you PS thinks that all is well. I have not had the same sensations that you are describing, but I am sure that everyone is different. My PS told me to start massaging my implant to hasten the softening and dropping. I think that the massages are working. Meanwhile, I second MinusTwo's sentiments about getting fitted at Nordstrom. I got fitted and NEVER would have known my true size without a measurement. Believe it or not it was quite crowded in the fitting room so I guess that I am happy that it seemed that all of the women there were different sizes--no need to compete for my size in any single style:) When I need to wear a zip up sport bra, I have some champions that I bought at Target. For now, they seem to do the job.

Shoregirl, I had fat grafting from my thighs, so no bloating but major bruising. The bruising seems all but gone now! I am 4.5 weeks from surgery and I can honestly say that this is the first time since my MX/TE surgery in early February that I am not constantly aware of something in my chest. I am no longer getting any evening swelling that I had just after the surgery. So, things are good right now.

I hope that everyone continues to move along well!

Dafne

Well, guess who's having her surgery postponed once again.

Yep, that would be me.

Yesterday went for my pre-operative tests and when I met ps he told me confidentially that last 3 weeks exchange surgery patients come off with high fever that's been lasting for days, making them keep the ladies for at least 10 days each. They had a board meeting and discussed about it, they think it's some kind of bacteria in the operating room environment and he is not willing to let me go with the surgery at this point. I don't know how they will deal with the bacteria thing, I guess they will shut down the operating room for a couple of days and disinfect it somehow, but he wants to be sure. He left the choice to me, saying if it's urgent for you to go and do it now I will do it, but I don't want you to risk it for no reason.

I decided not to.

So we ll see what happens after new year. Maybe it's for the best. Don't know anymore.

Scrafgal

Dafne,

So sorry to hear about this!!!  Although it is awful to think about the women who've been hospitalized, I think that it is a blessing that they found out about the potential for the bacteria prior to your surgery. Understanding how much you really wanted to move forward, given your circumstances, I still would have made the same decision that you made, if I were in your shoes. Take a deep breath and try to feel relieved that your doctor might have spared you from more misery later.

Try to have a blessed holiday season and look forward to the new year and health surgery!

EastcoastTS

Hey, guys:

Quick question. What are the post-mastectomy bras insurance covers called for the PS to write a prescription? Mine did not know what to write and I can't recall what it's called. I'm about set to go (three months post Exchange) in next month or so. Heading to Nordstrom based on lovely advice here!

THANKS. And happy holidays everyone!

TaRenee

We set the date! March 29. That is the Thursday before Good Friday and that gives me Spring Break week to recover. I’m nervous but excited to get this done. I am hoping to be able to enjoy my break and hope the surgery goes well and recovery isn’t too bad. I meet with my PS in Feb to talk about implants, so I am soaking in everything you all are talking about. I have tons of questions for him.

Scrafgal

Glad to hear It, TaRenee!