Exchange City

Shoregirl

Dafne, while disappointing to have to endure another delay, I agree with Scrafgal that it is such a blessing you were warned and spared the chance of a bacterial infection.

TaRenee, congrats on setting a date!!

Eastcoast, I am interested in the info re insurance coverage for Nordstom bra as well. There may be another thread we could find the info.

I had my one week post op yesterday, drains removed. What a relief! I am def still sore from the fg but my energy is great and I am healing well.

MinusTwo

This "Bra's 101" thread is not particularly active but has lots of good information about bra choices. Somewhere in this thread is the billing code for insurance that your doc needs to list on the prescription. I'm not good at computer searches, but someone that is could likely find it here. I know I have an old script somewhere and will try to track it down.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

lynae23

Thank you all for your input. I definitely need to check Nordstrom's out and they have one in the Woodlands Mall close to my home. I did find a pretty good 18 hour Playtex bra that snaps in front that I like as well. I had to try on 10 of them to find one that fit ha. Apparently I am a B cup or maybe a bit smaller then the C I wanted as well haha...we will see what Nordstrom says when I go get fitted. I used to be a D cup. My PS just does not seem to listen to me and my gut tells me to get another opinion. I still have this hard almost lump like area on the side of my breast where I think something is not quite right and it bothers me. He said it is fine and still "settling". It is not the appearance at all that concerns me - I understand that will continue to change. It is how it feels in that area that bothers me. Again, he just said "oh it is fine, just give it time". My other side feels fine and pretty normal...so I do not think all is fine. I changed my health benefits for 2018 where I can go to any PS so I may just do that in January. He told me again that I need to schedule my nipple recon for Dec 28th...I do feel that is too soon? Thoughts? He said the areola tattoo comes later. I may postpone that as well if I change PS. My PS does good work BUT I need someone who will "listen" and seem to be interested in how I am feeling and what I want. Right?

Dafne, I am soooo sorry to hear about your delay. Wow that is so scary about the bacteria possibly causing all of those problems. As scrafgal said it may be a blessing you did not go in there for your surgery. Hugs & prayers for you

Scrafgal-I am so happy for you. Man you sound like you are doing great...you and I are on the same time line pretty much but I definitely still feel something in my breast - especially the side with the issue ha. My other one feels pretty good, just tight but no biggy. If my left one would just do the same I would be okay. All of my swelling and bruising is gone from my fat grafting in my hips..they definitely look a bit better as well. I am just taking it one day at a time. I am still getting out and enjoying life to the fullest. We had a wonderful time in Canada playing in the snow with my 9 year old son. We leave this weekend for a quick trip for my husband to graduate with his doctorate in GA and then driving to Orlando to go to Universal Studios to see it all decorated for Christmas. My son loves Harry Potter and my husband and I feel like big kids too when we go. It will be fun

Happy Holidays ladies...hugs to you all

Scrafgal

Lynae,

I am not trying to alarm you, at all, when I say that I think that you should get a second opinion on your concerns. I just think that we all have enough to worry about, in general, so if we can alleviate some of that stress with a second opinion, why not?  I love my entire medical team, but I ask A LOT of questions--always have!  I told them, upfront, that while I trust them, it is my tendency to do my own research and to be sure that all aspects of my care have been considered.  I literally told one that while I feel that I am getting the very best care available, I feel that no one cares more about my life than me.  No one thinks about my health and body more than me.  So, for that reason, I will continue to ask questions, remind them of the specifics of my case and in general, remain proactive and engaged in my own care.  Each of my doctors responded well to this declaration.  So, in the end, getting a second opinion does not signal lack of trust in your doctor.  Any great doctor will simply see this as a sign that you are an engaged patient.

Sorry if that sounded preachy. I just think that, at times, the greatness of our medical teams can intimidate us from seeking second opinions. Things get overlooked and mistakes happen, even at the best institutions.  Again, not trying to scare you.  I just want to encourage you to get the second opinion.  If everything really is fine, the it would not be a waste of time.  It would make you feel SO MUCH better, right?

Have fun in GA and FL!  I can't wait for my vacation in New Mexico during the week of Christmas and through New Year's Day!  I return on Jan 1 and then start teaching the very next day....I want every last minute of vacation!

lynae23

Thanks Scrafgal- I agree 100%. Has your PS scheduled your nipple recon yet or are you having it soon? Just curious what all the other PS out there are saying as far as the timeline for doing that.

I know you are ready for your vacation coming up! I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute of it!!! I will say for me after being diagnosed, I definitely take more time to really stop and enjoy myself when on vacation more so than ever! Life is so precious and we have to enjoy every moment Have a WONDERFUL time!!!

Scrafgal

Lynae,

My PS has recommended that we wait a few months, until the implant settles, before making any additional moves.  If I need a revision of any sort, he sees that as the next step. Mostly, this is because I had a unilateral mastectomy.  So, getting things aligned is more challenging.  The nipple needs to be done last, after all shifting is presumed over, or else the nipples won't be aligned. My next appointment with my PS is in mid-March.  At that point, we'll know whether I need a revision and, if so, will schedule that for May or June.  With a bilateral MX, it might not matter as much.  However, I would think that it might still be better to have the implants settled first.  I've often heard that 6 months is about the average time to wait.

Scrafgal

Oh...and I decided that I am going to have the nipple tattoo done vs. nipple reconstruction....

robinblessed54

Scrafgal, I went with the nipple tattoos and love them! I didn’t want to have more cutting that might turn into scars and they fail and flatten most of the time. Besides, this way I don’t have to worry about hiding them! I went to Cory Miller of LA Ink fame. His shop is only 45 mins from home. I paid $600, and worth every penny! It makes such a difference in how you view yourself. Icing on the cake! PM me anytime for pictures.

Robin

Scrafgal

Robin, thanks for that!  I feel that it is the simplest solution for me.  My PSs physician assistant said that even with successful reconstructions, over time, the nipples "fail". I asked what that meant.  She said that they turn inward or otherwise change shape, requiring a redo. That sounded like more than I wanted to deal with, when I actually have seen pictures of some pretty good looking tattoos!  When I discussed this issue with my PS, he was fully supportive of that choice and told me that, when the time came, he would refer me to someone who does great work at MDA (where I am being treated).  I can't wait to get to that point.  I agree that it is icing on the cake!

T-Sue

Hi everyone, I wanted to check in with my fellow recent TE sisters. Back in April my BMX was "nipple sparing" so the incisions are under my breasts. Even so, my nipples are not what they used to be. One is permanently at attention and the other is completely flat. I don't care about that, but I wanted you to know that even those of us who kept nipples aren't perfect.

TrmTab

Today is 3 months post exchange...settling in to new normal.  I am not perfect but okay in a bra/clothes...as a UMX, my implant L and natural R are not even close naked, so I save everyone at the gym from the shock and now change in a stall...never used to do that.

I will wait until 6+ months to decide about revisions...and finding a new PS if I do.

Really happy that at this point I don't have a planned "next surgery". While not necessarily happy with the TCX style the cohesive level does provide some comfort on rupture...while still possible, I have seen one cut in two and just sit there.

Happy Friday! TT

Sitti

Second what T-Sue said. I also had nipple sparing BMX, one nipple is facing forward, but the cancer side, which nipple was checked for cancer cells, must have formed scar tissue or some thing, and adhered to edge of TE and faces some what down. So the two are not aligned and are also 2 different colors. Due to thin skin on the cancer side, won't be any revisions. While I'd rather have them match, over all it's okay, just echoing the fact that they don't always turn out perfect.

EastcoastTS

3rd in line for the different nipples. I had a post-op infection that affected my left nipple and it's flatter and a little different color than the right. They also point out a little, which they originally did not, but guessing that is the new shape. I was AA cup before, probably B now. They moved out to the edge a little.

Nothing terrible just not exactly "perfect". But not sure they were perfect before.

jallyson

I also had bi-lateral nipple sparing mastectomy.  Got an infection post-op in non-cancer side which compromised my reconstruction and ultimately affected the position of that nipple  (turned to the side).  Six  months post exchange I did have that nipple surgically moved back to the center (via skin graph) and although they are pretty much symmetrical now, the nipple itself is inverted and, of course, I have a scar from the site where the nipple was moved from.  I am 9 months post that surgery and although that scar has faded, hoping it will continue to improve.  Have any of you ladies seen improvement with your surgery scars with any specific product?  

grandma3X

Jallyson - I used silicon scar strips. They worked great. Each strip can be used for about a week - just wash and reapplying every day.

jallyson

Thanks grandma3X.

robinblessed54

jalluson, I tried the silicon strips as well, but I have a keloid scar on one side of my nipple tattoo. I doesn't work as well on keloids bit did make a difference on a regular scar. I am still trying to fade the keloid with Bio Oil. That is another reason i didn't do a nipple reconstruction, if you tend to keloid, you don't want to have that happen on a nipple. Good luck using the silicon strips, they have worked well for most women.

Robin

EastcoastTS

My derm. (not PS) recommended BioCorneum. (I think spelling close.) She said all derms in her practice use for scars. Seems to be good. I also have Bio Oil -- and used that after BMX.

jallyson

Thanks Robinblessed and Eastcoast

TaRenee

I got my pre-op letter from my PS today. I need to get some front closure bras before surgery. Which kind do you find most comfortable? I don’t know about the zip up ones. I had one a long time ago and it wasn’t very comfortable.

2FUN

I got some zip up front ones from.jc penny. Pretty nice, and they always have coupons

TrmTab

Immediate post-op I used Care-fix front closure bras available on Amazon. A couple of weeks post-op I started using my Coobie bras by stepping into them vs pulling them overhead. I could never find a zip front that worked for me...TT

Shoregirl

I was pleasantly surprised when I actually woke from surgery in the cutest white satin front close bra - hook and eye closure my ps had ordered. The shoulder straps are velcro, thinking about changing that somehow as the bra is very comfy yet pretty with soft shirring in the "cups" and I would love to wear it past recovery phase. I couldn't find a single zip front bra that I could tolerate. They bind me too much, squeeze the girls together.

robinblessed54

Shoregirl, I found front hook and eye closure bras at Wal Mart made by Fruit of the Loom. Very comfy! I know what you mean about the zipper ones squeezing you!! They are about $10 for 2.

Remember to follow your PS instructions carefully. Don’t overdo even though you feel fine. “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should “.

Robin

Shoregirl

Good to know Robin!! I will check them out. I was at Kohl's Christmas shopping and got a few Bralettes, one by Jockey, and two 2 packs by Bali. They were pricier than I am used to spending but I got 30% off for opening a Kohl's charge so I got them. I step into them like a Coobie, but these have thin bra straps that are adjustable which I like.

I am doing pretty well as far as my revision recovery, had an infection scare so was put on 2 antibiotics pronto and it cleared up. But unfortunately I have developed frozen shoulders so that definitely keeps me from overdoing even if I wanted to!! Boo! Going to the ortho doc this Thursday.

TaRenee

how do you figure out size for the bras? I looked some yesterday while I was out, I know I will need them, but have no idea what to get. I found a zip up one but I think it would have been too small. I was wearing too much to even think about trying it on (layers are great, but I didn’t want to take them all off just to try on a bra!)

MinusTwo

TaRenee - the best thing to do is make an appointment at Nordstroms with a certified fitter who specializes in breast cancer. Turns out most of us weren't wearing the correct size even before cancer. There's an old thread called "Bras 101" that is not really active but has a ton of good information & recommends.

MinusTwo

Here's the link to the bra thread.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

Shoregirl

TaRenee, I would suggest to start with a stretchy type bra such as Genie or Coobie as they cover a broad range in each size (S-M-L-XL) They are good because you can just step into them and pull up, no need to put over your head with tender incisions. Also no obnoxious seams, lining, or padding that can irritate tender tissues. I wouldn't invest in expensive bras until your swelling from surgery has subsided and you (or your bra fitter) can be sure of the final size.

TaRenee

I’ll have to look into bra fitters near here. I know we don’t have Nordstrom’s. I worked at JCPenney YEARS ago and was a certified fitter, but not knowing what implants will be like makes it kind of hard to figure out. Small seems too small and medium seems too big. Leave it to me to be between sizes