Exchange City

Lilah

Went today for what I THOUGHT would be my final fill (up to 780 cc's as of today) but my PS said she thought I looked very good at this size and ordered another 60 cc's more!  I can't complain as she knows I want the best chance at symmetry between my healthy (to be reduced and lifted) breast and my implant.  I basically told her bigger is better (even though I AM looking forward to ultimately being smaller than my old DD self) and/or that in any case getting the symmetry is what I want most.  Ah well.  I go back in two weeks for another 60 cc's and then I will probably be rated as a "flotation device" until my exchange comes in May

I wish I could comment on all this talk of yoga and exercise but I confess I have turned into a gigantic slug (gained back 8 of the pounds I lost on chemo, sadly) and my head is only now beginning to wrap itself around the notion of putting exercise back into my life.  Of course the big advantage of this is the absolutely flaccid condition of my pecs, which makes them extremely cooperative about being stretched like a rubber band.

Welcome Lynbob!  (I see your name here at the bottom of the posts and wanted to say hi   Hello and welcome, too, to the others who recently joined and my apologies for not being able to scroll back and welcome you each personally.

Lilah

Lap3

Ok, I'm requesting some help,which I wish I would have done several weeks ago, before my exchange surgery.  I know what type of implant my PS put in.  I also finally found the TE information from my first surgery in Aug.09.  In order to get input on what would have been a good implant size, do I need to PM someone or just put the info out there?

I am really bummed about my implant results post-exchange.  I had the surgery about 11 days ago.  The pain-level has been very low and I have no drains, which is great!  BUT,  I feel like I am much smaller than I thought I would be.  I told my PC the generic "I want to be a C" and left the rest up to him (bad idea!)  I was a DDD before surgery, now it seems as if I am barely a B.  My sister says "oh, poor you" as she has always been a AA.  She thinks I'm being very vain "hey you don't have cancer anymore, quit complaining."  But alot of my tops don't even begin to fit anymore.. . .I don't know, I am very grateful to be cancer-free and I did not have to do chemo.  The Tamoxifen has been A-ok, no noticieable side effects, but do I really have to be ok with having  what looks somewhat like a guys chest with big pecs????  I feel better just getting that off my "chest".  Thanks!

whippetmom

Lap:  "Implants smaller than expanders"....well....there is an old thread by that name which says it all.  You have every reason to want something bigger and better.  That is why we say DO NOT TELL YOUR PS YOU WANT TO BE A CERTAIN BRA SIZE...they have no clue about what makes a certain bra size after breast reconstruction - any more than WE do....YIKES!  Not unless you take them a bra and say "I WANT TO FILL THIS BRA WHEN I AM DONE."  I think Dani did that and she got what she wanted....

So....post your TE and implant information and let's see what happened and what we need to do to get you where you want to be. 

Deborah

OH:  And height, weight, ribcage - measure circumference under the bra line

Anonymous

Lap3 - First of all, welcome!  Secondly, I'm sorry your sister made you feel that way - it was completely inappropriate - unless she has also been through all this bc garbage.    True, you don't have cancer anymore, but you have absolutely every right (when medically feasible, of course) to a womanly body with which you are happy!!  (and this comes from a former AAA girl....)   Lots of us have had revisions, so maybe you can just get in line..... (glad the tamox is treating you well - it took my body a good while to befriend it, and I still have issues).  Hang in there....you'll get plenty of support here.

Hannahbearsmom

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the well wishes. My surgery was first thing this am and I was home before lunch. Right now I am not having too much pain--just general soreness--haven't gotten up the nerve to take look under my surgical bra yet, but I can tell that they are YIPPEE SQUISHY!!

Kittycat--so glad that your sister got good news!

Welcome to the newbies--there are really terrific and very knowledgable women on this thread!!

TCK

ajones120961

Lap, I'm going through the same thing and my PS didn't seem interested in a revision. So Val kindly asked some of her friend's for a new PS for me in the Dallas area and I'm just waiting for the doctor's to talk and go over things... Oh by the way I'm in Texas that's why Val was able to help and she's great! Please don't hesitate to ask for help!

Kristinka

Thank you, Deborah!  I've ordered all of the bras you listed, and I went to Macy's and bought another softer Warner's Elements of Bliss (Two-Ply Wire-Free) to last me until the others arrive.  Let's see if I can get through the night with this one.  I tried sleeping braless for two whole hours last night, and that sure didn't work.  My how our lives change with this experience.

Congrats, TCK!  Make sure to take it easy!

Welcome AJ and Lap - best wishes as you figure out your revision options

Kristen

CoolBreeze

Hi all,

I've not posted here in a while but I'm getting to the end of chemo, don't need rads (yay!) and am almost at the end of my fills.  So, I am asking for Whippetmom's advice.  I bolded the questions she asked that I know the answers to.

I've been very proactive and knowledgable about cancer treatment but have sort of left the implant situation up to my doctor.  He has not been very encouraging about what my results will be either, so it's time for me to get on board and get some knoweldge. I have told him I don't expect perfection but I certainly do expect to look relatively normal.

I don't know what kind of TE I have.  I will ask, but my next appt for a fill (maybe my last) is April 1.  I do know that they are 350 cc expanders and he has Mentor signs all over his office, so that's my guess.

I weigh 102 and am 5'3".  My ribcage under my breasts is 28 inches with expander.  I had full C cup breasts before, and had a unilateral mastectomy right side.  He is planning to overfill the expander by 20%.  He said the skin was very thin over the expander.

The cancer was located at 6 and 7 o'clock and I lost a small portion of my inframmary fold.  I am 51 years old and had nice, perky, young looking breasts until this.  After my right mastectomy, they drained quite a few cysts in my left breast, and that and chemopause left me a bit saggy and smaller.

He is going to lift and implant my left side too.  He continually warns me they won't look the same and I realize that a real breast and a recontruction aren't going to be identical nude, but I do want to have them look the same in clothes and in low cut shirts.   He says he can achieve symmatry in a bra, which makes me wonder what he means.  Do I have to haul a strap up and use padding, or what?

Anyway, any advice I can get would be appreciated.  My brain seems to have turned off at this part of the process.

Edit:  i will add that I have either had 3 or 4 80 cc fills.  I have terrible chemo-brain now and have lost any ability to remember numbers or dates.  I don't even know when my chemo ends - only know it's at the end of the March sometime. 

Mykidsmom

Ok Deborah - You guilted me into it! I had to send an email photo to a group where I am presenting in May, so I thought I would use this one.

For those that are asking, I have found that my pec muscles are getting better all the time, and my limitations are getting less!

Hugs to all our surgery sisters. And best wishes! - Jean

wbuggie

Hi Deen,

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts.  I have had another setback but HOPEFULLY a minor one.  I developed a sertoma on the top of my new implant.  I left surgery with no wrap nor a bra so was completely unprotected.  Called my PS's office to ask why and realized he was clueless and he tought the OR did it and the OR claims he was up to him!!  WTF??!!!  I was on his way to his office to get a bra but it was too late as I was already filling up with blood.  He was asking what I could have done to cause this??!!!  Like I had some secret desire to go through the crap more and longer??!!! I am still so pissed I can't see straight but for now.... I am trying to cool my jets and let myself heal.  I am planning to have a show down with him when this is done.  He was playing a heavy blame game with me.   I have lost total faith in him and will begin the search to find someone who will do the revision on my left.  Way too much step down and he only wants to do fat injections.  I feel it shifted towards my armpit and fell due to lack of support a bra would have offered for the first 3 months.   I was wrapped each time (except for this last) for the first 2 weeks and then nothing.  Any thoughts/opinion would be MUCH appreciated and helpful.  I go to see my PS again tomorrow to follow up on the bleeding issue.  Seems to be resolved with the addition surgery to repair the muscle tear.

Sorry for venting again about this but I am obviously still fuming.

Wbuggie

Lilah

Wbuggie -- ugh what a jerk your PS sounds like!  I would definitely not trust him again.  Maybe if you can say what city you are in the women in this thread can give you suggestions for other PS's to interview?

Jean -- love the pic!  We can see YOU   You are adorable.

Coolbreeze -- hello! I remember you... sounds like you are hanging in there!  I think when your PS says you'll look good in a bra he means: you will look good clothed.  Which is what you say you want.  Most PS's say that, I think.  They can't guarantee that you'll look perfectly symmetrical when naked but they know they can achieve a good look with clothes on.  Especially as a uni (which I also am) it's just hard for them to guarantee.  That said, I know they do strive for the best.  My PS told me the same: I will look good clothed.  I also feel I'll look fine unclothed (I think I already do even though I've got one TE and one natural (way too floppy) breast.

Hannah -- yay for your YIPPEE SQUISHIES!  (Kimberly that is the best phrase ever)

Lilah

bobcat

Jean - great photo!  We can see your beautiful face.

Mykidsmom

Wbuggie - Vent away - you deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks ladies!

CoolBreeze

Hi Lilah, thanks for remembering me. 

I the PS's worry that we believe we'll end up looking like we did before surgery..  I know better (although I've seen some fantastic reconstructions out there..)  I kind of had it in the back of my head that with fake boobies I might not even need a bra.    I don't want to use a bra to create symmetry - I want his surgical skills to do that.    But I do understand that I won't have real breasts - I just want them to look that way in clothes.  And, be able to sleep on my stomach without being uncomfortable!!!.  

Lap3

Thanks for all the input and support!  I am 5'4", 180 lbs., 36in under bra line.  I had Allergan Style 133V series Tissue Expanders (which my PS said were expanded to 590ccs) and I currently have Allergan Natrelle Silicone implants style 15, 457 ccs.  My PS repaired one "dog ear" during the exchange but now one has shown up on the other side.  I'm quessing b/c the expander filled the area in, but with the implants I seem to have a lot (in my opinion) of loose skin.

 And ajones, my PS said to me the morning of my surgery,  after I told him that I didn't want to be too small for my size,  "oh, now remember what we talked about. . .."  and some other PS BS!

But, I currently have one that is larger than the other so I don't even look "normal" in regular clothes.  Funny. . .my TE's were the same way. . .one noticieably larger than the other, but my PS said not to worry, very  normal. . .

Anyway, any input on what I might have gotten would be greatly appreciated.

You all are great!

I 

juliempw

I saw my PS today and didn't ask a darn question that I planned to.  I can't believe I didn't write a list!!!  He's ready to schedule me for nipples but can you believe I forgot to ask how he does them.  So as I was leaving, his nurse drew a picture of something I have not seen yet--a line along the top with three "pedals" along the bottom.  Anyone know what that is?  I can't believe how freaked out I am about getting great nipples now.  I thought I was over the worry of how I'm going to turn out with the implant decisions!   

Lynbob, Congrats on the exchange date but bummer on the seromas!

Lilah, Bummer on not having the last fill!

Lap3, You are NOT vain, I'm only a few weeks further than you and ugh what an emotional roller coast this has been.  Do I like em, do I hate em?  It's a lot to adjust to the new you and they're not the new you yet so you adjust and they adjust and you adjust some more.  In the end yes it's great to be cancer free but it's ok to want to feel good too!  Hang in there, most of us find they are MUCH better after the intial few weeks of shock wear off. 

TCK, Welcome home, glad you're doing well!!

Wbuggie, OMG, That's a bad day!  Vent away.

Jean, it's good to see you more clearly and more regularly too! 

Julie 

wbuggie

YAHOOOO Kittykat!!! I have held you and your sister in my prayers.  That is such WONDERFUL news and thank you for sharing!!

Wbuggie

Lilah

Personally I think they make the TEs EXTRA awful so that by the time you get the exchange you are just glad to have an end of constant hurting and discomfort

Coolbreeze -- yeah I think it's odd he said "in a bra" -- my PS said "in clothes" -- for what it's worth though a lot of the women here think it's a good thing to wear a bra to keep the implant (and any other work done) firm.  I think the uni is a special case.  You end up with one breast that is an implant that will never change and one breast that is natural that WILL change over time... sagging etc.  So symmetry is a bigger challenge at the most basic level.   I have heard that implants also can sag but I believe there always will be a difference between them and what it comes down to is how well your PS is able to match them.  From what I can tell it depends a lot on your physiology (how you age, how you are made really).  But I agree: so many of the ladies here have gotten absolutely gorgeous results... so one can tend to get excited.  Me, my eyes are wide open and I know there are challenges that are specific to me (very large breasts, a big dent under my arm where the breast tissue was removed, etc).  I am taking it one day at a time with the knowledge (gathered mainly here) that there are options down the line for improving the work as it goes (should it need improvement).

Lilah

Nedeza

Coolbreeze~

Well hello!!!  Long time "no see"!  You have been in my thoughts & it is good to hear from you!  Us "uni's" have to stick together!  LOL!    I think the PS's have to continue telling us that we won't be able to achieve perfect symmetry because they know it will always be an issue with us.  They keep reminding us all the time...especially with the projection.  It's true we probably can make it all work with the right clothing of course..or that right bra I should say!  Unclothed...that's a different story but unless we decide to convert & live in a nudist camp I don't think we have much to worry...LOL!!!   I had my healthy side augmented & have been waiting to have a lift on it soon since that breast dropped a bit since the exchange.  I still need a nip reconstr. on the MX side.  With clothing my "girls" look might fine!!!  It's funny when I run into people who knew of my Mx/exchange surgeries...now they stare at my chest trying to figure out which one is which & comment how good they look which is comforting.  I do wear an additional formed bra cup insert (the ones you find inside swimsuits or bandeau bras) inside my MX side bra.  I feel more comfortable with myself...especially when I look down at my "girls".  The projection appears more even to my satisfaction...in reality I don't think anyone notices my uneven projection except me!

Kristenka~

Patience, patience, patience!   Before you realize it your new "girls" will feel like a part of you & not so foreign.  It took me 2 mos.   Now it's been nearly 4 mos. & I can't tell much of a difference from my orig. ones.  Take care!

Since I have been lurking a lot these days....welcome to all the newbies.!!  My thoughts & prayers to all!!!

NAE

wbuggie

Hi ladies,

I am in the Tampa Bay area of FL and hoping for a suggestion for a PS in the Tampa/St. Pete area.  

Thanks so much

BarbR

My Goodness! You are some prolific women! I can't keep up with all of the postings. I took a 36 hour break and I am so far behind.

I had my exchange last Wednesday and it has been a roller coaster of emotions and sensations since. You guys are helping me through it and I thank you all for your support.

Deborah, I am over my hysteria about the size issue. I think it was because I had TE's for 11 months and had gotten used to the "half tennis balls sticking out of my chest" look. A more natural look seemed weird, especially with percacet brain. My husband loves my new look and the fact that he can hug me and not bounce off my chest 

Speaking of pain killers, I do much better if I take them. I think all the scar tissue removal, especially under my arms, made this a longer recovery than most. I went back to the office today and had to come home early because I started to get  weak and wobbly. My husband talked me into taking a painkiller and I feel so much better. 

Kristenka and Deborah: Thanks for the bra tips. I really needed help with that. I have been wearing cami's for a year! 

Only 5 days since my surgery. It feels so much longer because am am learning so much! 

Luna5

YAY for great news for Kittycat and Family!!!!!

Luna5

WBuggie..so sorry for yet another setback...I can certainly relate to setbacks but no one should have to put up with what you did...you  have a right to be mad....This stuff is too important to put up with un-thorough flippant, "blame it on someone else" doctors.  It is disappointing enough having setbacks ( I should know) but to have them be because of careless neglect is the worst because then you get stuck dealing with unnecessary anger over the rediculousness of it.  And more of that is the last thing any of us need.  Maybe someone knows of a PS that can bring you through this in a professional way.

musiclovermom

Hannahbearsmom - So glad you are doing well!

Yippee Squishy! Focus on the feel - not what they look like right now!

pinkribbongirl - Haven't heard from you yet? Hope all is well!

Hi Ladies! WOW this thread has moved along in less than 24 hours... I feel out of the loop since I have not checked in on it 25 times today...

Val - since I got the ok to wear a real bra, I am constantly looking at the new girls...

I also can not wrap my head around the fact that these gels are the same volume as my TEs - my implants look and feel so much smaller. I may have to go to the store and try on the bra I tried when I had the TEs just to see what the difference is really.

Night everyone!

Kimberly

Anonymous

Wonderful news, Kittycat!!!

Estepp

There's our Jean! Our sister Thread starter!!!! So pretty!

Welcome new gals!

All surgeries this week.... LOVE LOVE LOVE!

TXBadboob

Jean, love the new pic!

Kittycat, I'm so happy for you and your sis!  Great news!

wbuggie, I'm so sorry you're having problems with your PS, but I think it's great you've made the decision to see another.  How dare he blame this on you!!!  Here's to happy healing for you!

Coolbreeze, welcome back!  You deserve the best!  No settling here!  Wow, you are so tiny!  After all you have been through, this is going to be the fun part!  Good luck!

Sending healing vibes to all of the surgeries this week,

Deen

pinkribbongirl

Hello everyone!!!  the exchange surgery went very good yesterday.  I am having just very mild pain.  Not really pain, just a little uncomfortable at the bottoms where they did all of the pocket work.  I'm all bandaged up, and have to keep it all on until I go back to see PS on Thursday afternoon.  I've been trying to peek under all of the wrapping...but can't really see much:).  I can tell that the right sides not out there under my armpit anymore...thank goodness! 

Hannsbearsmom, glad to hear that your surgery went well and your feeling good!

Thank you to all of you wonderful ladies for all of the support and knowledge through out all of this!!!!

pinkribbongirl

Kristinka

good news, pinkribbongirl.  I think I got you confused with KristenPink, sorry!  (too many pinks and kristens for me).  happy healing to you!

Kristen

Kristinka

Has anyone had freaky foob dreams?  I had one last night where one foob fell from the muscle and started twirling around while the other puffed up hugely with air that wheezed out when I pressed on it.  Perhaps a sign that I'm dealing with loss of control/self images issues???  So relieved that they were in place this morning!