All About Gummies

Lilah

Sweetie -- thanks for asking   I am doing great!  Been very busy with RL in a good way ... so that is nice (the new normal).  The swelling in my reduction breast continues to go down... my PS said she thinks they are about a half cup different in size still but that there is still more swelling to go down (so the real breast should match up well when all is said and done); it will take time... but I am good with that!  And the gummy side feels great... in fact I confess I have taken to my old habits and don't wear a bra unless I'm going out (most days)... and feel very comfortable!  (Though my new bras are also very comfy).  All in all I am healing well.  I don't think gummies do much dropping and fluffing... or anyway nothing dramatic; the shape is there the moment you wake up from surgery and the changes are small... to do primarily with post-surgical swelling that goes away and, perhaps, a small amount of settling in.  I do think that the main difference size-wise, in spite of the fact that I went from 850cc's of TE to 685 cc's of gummy, is shape.  I like the gummy shape better (the TE seemed to just be bigger on top -- too big).  The projection is the same. 

sweetie2040

Lilah-I'm glad your doing great! I love your positive attitude. Your such an inspiration to me! You are very patient, I wish I was! I get impatient and then I sort of calm down because I have to wait. It's ok though sometimes the waiting really helps me clarify things and gives me time to think. It sounds like you have a great plastic surgeon who really knows her stuff. It's tough to match a uni and the fact that things are "lining" up nicely is a great sign. I feel you about not wanting to wear a bra especially when you feel like you don't need one because things are perky. I don't know if it's bad to not wear one or not. In the beginning after the MX I hated the bra because everything was so sore and tight, but I have been wearing a sports bra now faithfully, especially since they are moved to far to the sides! I decided to not think so hard about the gummy at this point but just wait for my next appointment. Now that I am close to the size I will be I want to see what he says in terms of implant size and shape. From what I have seen from the pics of girls who have the gummies they all looked really good. I guess I just get nervous because I want my result to come out just as well.

Lilah

Sweetie -- I am sure you will have a great result!  I expect too that your implants will end up closer together (even though your PS says he can't) because, well, it just seems like that's what happens with all the widely placed TEs.  I hope I'm not being blindly optimistic but that is me

sweetie2040

Lliah- thanks! I'll take all the positive vibes you can send my way. I am hoping for an awesome result too!

Sharon2010

Hi All, I'm new here, and just finished reading all 14 pages of posts in this topic.  I am so glad I found this, because now I don't feel so alone.  I wish I read all your posts before my exchange.  I am having a love hate relationship with my Allergan 410s, with most of the time leaning more towards hate.  I had a bilat mastectomy on 2/1.  Two weeks later, hours after my drains were removed I developed a severe infection.  I am told this is very rare, as drains are closed systems and stuff goes out, not in.  Well staph got in, my right TE and alloderm had to come out, and I spent 3 days in the ICU.  I had the TE replaced 5 weeks later, and had my final exchange with gummies on 5/17.  After 3 weeks I was positive that I was going to have them removed because I hated them so much.  They were so firm they felt like rocks.  I am happy to say they have relaxed considerably and if this is as soft as they get, I will be satisfied with that.  What I’m finding more difficult is the dents, bumps and ripples.  My PS said he’ll do fat grafting, and I’m hoping that will take care of it.  The thing I’m most upset about is the way they settled.  One is slightly higher and points straight, and the other seems to have settled lower and slightly off to the side.  It gives the illusion of being larger.  If these were traditional silicone, I could put on a bra to correct it, but the gummies don’t move in a bra.  I feel like they are bottom heavy, with the “point” where a nipple would be (if I had any), is lower.  To me it makes it look droopy even if it’s not.  I wish that they would look higher.  I feel like with all I had to deal with, the least I could come out of this with is a pair of perky boobs that don’t look like they’ve nursed two babies.  What I do love about them is that they do look more natural than the TEs.  If I’m not wearing my contact lenses, they look great.  I don’t want more surgery because of my experience with the infection, but I also don’t want to be unhappy about my appearance and have a constant reminder of what I went through.   All of your posts have helped me feel not alone.  Thank you

Lilah

Hi Sharon -- so sorry you're unhappy with your results so far, but glad they are improved.  I have noticed lately that I am able to push my gummy together with my remaining breast and could not do that a few months ago.... so I think there are improvements.

My PS told me she does not use alloderm because of the increased risk of infection, for what it's worth.  What does your PS say about improving your results?  Is it worth talking to another?

Claire82

She isnt far from yours Lilah

Lilah

True!  Cute pic Claire

Sharon2010

He said he can take care of the ripples and such with fat grafting and get a great result.  He can also even out the one that doesn't look as large with fat grafting too, except I don't want them to look larger.  I think I went to big, and that it might be the cause of some back pain.  He said that if the one keeps moving further to the side, then he'll have to go back in to correct it.  I trust him and his judgement.  My friends and husband think they look great, and have to really stare at them to see what I'm talking about, but to me it's obvious.  I'm sure if I had the traditional silicone I'd probably have gripes about them too, but at least they move in a bra.  I'm glad you're getting some movement now with yours.  Maybe in a few more months mine will move too.

I don't think the alloderm was the cause of my infection, since it happened within hours of my drain removal.  It went right up the drain hole and attacked the expander.  He removed the alloderm because he wanted all foreign bodies out of there.  I was in a full blown Toxic Shock Syndrome by that time. To add insult to injury, they sent an OB resident in to do a pelvic to make sure I didn't forget to remove a tampon.

Claire82

BC

4 months Before Cancer

I'm really missing my hair

but looking forward to one gummie

Sharon2010

I'm glad yours are moving now, maybe mine will too in time.  I love and trust my PS, and he thinks he can get a great result with fat grafting.  He can even use it to even out the symmetry.  I just don't want them to look larger.  I think I went a bit too big, and am having some back pain.  I've known several people who have had great results with him.  My husband is an oncologist at the same hospital, and had seen many of his reconstructions and thought he was good.  I think my lack of symmetry came from the fact that one TE was removed, so wasn't equal to the one that still had the alloderm helping shape the crease.

I don't think it was the alloderm that caused the infection, because it happened a few hours after my drain was removed.  It went right up the drain hole and attacked the expander, sending me into a full blown Toxic Shock Syndrome.  To add insult to injury, they sent an OB resident in to give me a pelvic, to make sure I didn't forget to remove a tampon. 

Sharon2010

sorry for the double post.  I got an error message so had to retype.

Claire82

OMG ss Sharon - how embarrassing

How big are your gummies?

Lilah

Yeah I'm sorry too Sharon.  Glad you are happy with your PS.  I hope he can fix everything for you!  What size/model of 410 do you have?  (What Claire asked in other words

I've read that symmetry is not always guaranteed even when you remove both breasts... it has a lot to do with your body's natural symmetry, since they use the pectoral muscle.  I guess if I start to think about imperfections I just focus on the fact that I'm cancer free now and hopefully all I've done will keep me that way.  I also know it takes time... and since your PS is planning a revision I say focus on that and what IS working for now... like the fact that your gummies feel softer than at first!

Claire -- hang in there -- the hair grows back.  Sadly it seems to grow very slowly.  I've come to rather like my short hair now... at least I've got some!  It's over 2 inches long now.

sweetie2040

Sharon2010-so sorry to hear you are having some problems, but hang in there. I know there is a lot of things that can be done and the women here will give you great advice! I don't have gummies yet but have access to them for my exchange. What size did you end up getting? I remember my PS told me if you really,really are unhappy with gummies that they can be changed out for rounds, but not so much the other way around. I'd wait on that though and try the other fixes first because a great majority of the women on here with gummies are happy with them for the most part and rounds have their issues too.

Claire82-so you are getting a gummy?! Did you choose the PS from CT or NY?

Sharon2010

I didn't realize there was a 5 post/day maximum, so between my accidental error posts and the real ones, I couldn't post more yesterday.  

Yesterday I was having what I now refer to as a "really bad boob day."  Some days are fine and I barely think about it, some days I think they look good or REALLY good, and other days it overwhelms me, and the flaws are glaring.  I think it’s less the appearance, but more the whole cancer experience, and I just take it out on my boobs since they were the enemy.  This is a whole new dimension to my personality.  I was never like this before.  I am so thankful that I'm healthy now.  I was told that if it was caught a few months later, I would have definitely needed chemo.  As it was, out of a 6cm tumor, there was only a 1mm micro invasion, so I didn’t need chemo.  For that, I feel truly blessed.  I look at some of my husband’s patients who are so worse off than me, and feel guilty for dwelling on something that is superficial.

My gummies were 600.  I never got one of those cards that were talked about here. I'll call my doctor tomorrow about it though, so I know about the hight, projection, etc.  They don't look disproportionate to my body, but are so much heavier than before.  I also recently lost the 10 pounds I gained after my diagnosis, so they now look bigger, and the weight feels heavier since there is less counter balance with weight.  I wish I had taken into consideration that I would lose the weight again.  If I did swap them out, I’d go smaller, but I’d possibly still consider gummies again.  Only if I could get a better projection with more fullness on top.  The firmness I am getting used to.  I have a feeling that if I had the regular ones, I’d find fault in them too.  I guess nothing is perfect.  At least with the regular ones, imperfections can be molded away with a bra.

I think I’m going to hold off on nipple reconstruction for a while, just in case I need to get them replaced if the one keeps moving.  I started to research prosthetic nipples, so I could “test drive” what I think I might want, and also be able to occasionally look in the mirror and feel complete.  I found them in the most unlikely place...Sears online.  They have an entire mastectomy store, with forms, bras and nipples.  

Claire82

Sweetie

I think I'm going with the one from Sloan. She has 10 years experience with gummies. The only problem I see is the 3 hour commute. I'm going to meet with the PS from CT just to see what he says. I really like the NYC's photos. Her boobs are close to perfect. And she showed me her uni's too. I'll make my decision within the week.

Lilah

Sharon -- that post limit is only in the beginning -- I can't remember when but at a certain point the cap of 5/day goes away.  I think it's there to prevent someone from joining, spamming and leaving.

I am sure you're right about the feelings you're having... these are NOT the breasts you lost; they are a good replacement, better certainly than I ever imagined prior to being diagnosed, but they are not perfect.  And yeah gummy or silicone there are issues with both.

Claire -- another choice that probably is hard to make!  Good luck with the surgery, no matter which PS you choose

Sharon2010

Good to know about the post limit going away.  The more I explore these discussion topics, the more I see that I fit into many different categories.  I realize I need to think more before I post, especially on "bad boob days."  I don't want to give someone anxiety about making a choice based on my experience.  I also realize I still have a lot of anxiety about my infection and when I read about someone else's yesterday, it nearly sent me into a panic attack thinking that they could go through what I went through.  My friend just had to have both hers removed yesterday which had me on pins and needles until I knew she was ok.  I'm a social worker, and I've counseled people through major life changes, yet I'm having trouble taking my own advice.

Lilah

Sharon -- don't they say the doctor makes the worst patient?  And as for the anxiety -- nah, you should share if you need to -- we can calm you down.  Everyone has their moments.  I think most of us feel the WORST right after exchange... so much hope goes into the exchange... and often bad feelings are put aside as we wait for the final results.  The truth is the final results are not instant but gradual.... even with gummies (which don't drop and fluff like regular silicone) there are changes over time (usually for the better).

sweetie2040

Sharon2010- Lilah is right, you should share if it helps and never feel bad about that. Lilah has always calmed me down when I obsess or panic!

What you shared is helping me  too. I am not even at the exchange stage but it helps me to know what to expect. As you know there are no right or wrong emotions, it's just things we feel that day. Some days we are super optimistic and happy and then all the sudden it can be like we are hitting the bottom! It's all part of this journey I guess, but well get there together. 

Claire82-Sloan is awesome. I know it's a trek but it is worth it when you feel confident with the Dr. and 10 years is  good track record with gummies.  I considered it too when I was looking for someone who did NSM. Keep us posted on how it goes and we wish you well. 

Kitwe

Hi guys

I feel so lucky to have found this site.  There is just so much i don't know.  I had my first fill last week.  I was a "B" until i turned 50 then i became a "D".  After the fill the nurse made a comment about me being a "B".  I THINK I only have 300cc TEs in.  Is  that a normal size? I don't even know what to ask.  I would like to be a "C".  Is 300cc enough?  My doc has been waiting for his supply of gummies to come in. Should I wait for them?  I guess right after the DMX I didn't care but now I do.  I just want to be natural looking and soft.

Thanx

bcincolorado

I can tell everyone that after two physical therapy appointments my implant is much softer and in a more natural place on my chest.  I still have a way to go but I already feel better about it than I did before therapy.

JayneE

Sharon, I hope you will get to like your 410's I had mine for 2 years and did not like them at all, they were so uncomfortable for me. I felt so much pressure, they were hard like baseballs.  I had them removed June 24th.  I am so happy I did this.  It was such a hard decision and it took so long to make but when I finally made it I know it was the best for me. Good luck to you

Jayne

Sharon2010

Lilah & Sweetie- Thank you.  You made me feel much better when I read your posts.  You are so supportive, and it makes me feel not as crazy for still having these anxiety issues.  

 If I had known about all the potential issues with gummies, I’m not so sure I would have changed my mind about them anyway.  They idea of not needing future surgeries is a powerful persuader, and I may have still gone with them.  I have also heard so much about the lack of skin and tissue making the traditional ones look obvious, and I really wanted a more natural look.  As I said before, I’m sure I’d have a whole other set of issues if I got them.

 Kit- You need to weigh all the pros and cons.  There are certainly many on each side of the argument.  I think you will get a more natural look with gummies, and that may give a softer appearance.  As for feel, they are not soft and don’t move at all, at least initially.  I will ask my PS to prescribe PT for me to try to soften them up, thanks for the suggestion, bcincolorado.

 Jayne- I’m hoping I’ll grow to like them better too.  Even if I don’t, I plan to wait a while before making any decisions, like you did.  I don’t think my kids could take me having another surgery any time soon.  This has been really hard on them.  Especially my 5 year old.  When I was in the thick of it, he drew a picture of a superhero fighting a big black blob.  When I asked him to tell me about the picture, he told me the blob was cancer.  I need to put some distance between anything major, if I have a choice.

Mantra

Lilah - your statement above really hit home. Last week I was thinking about the exchange surgery and how I'm feeling quite anxious about it. It may be delayed and I honestly couldn't care less. Why? It finally hit me. The other surgeries were all about getting rid of the cancer. It was not only the main focus, it was the ONLY focus. Having TE done at the same time was secondary . . . nice to have but in reality they were the last thing I worried about. This time the surgery in my mind is "cosmetic." When you have cosmetic surgery, you are completely focused on the outcome . . . hoping for as close to perfection as possible. It's like the exchange is going to be the grande finale. I'm mentally trying to set my standards lower in order to avoid disappointment. I'm also concerned that for the first time in a year, I may actually wake up regretting my decision to have a BMX. I keep feeling that as long as I have my TE, I have an emotional safety net.  I can still pin my hopes on this future exchange and mentally and emotionally make it whatever I need it to be. But after the exchange, the reality will set in. Not sure I'm ready for this next step.

Lilah

Aw Mantra -- I know how you feel.  But you can't keep the TEs forever   And, in a way, it is inevitable.  You have to mourn the loss of your breast (or breasts) before you can move forward.  I was very depressed after exchange and really felt the loss only then.  But that was three months ago and quite honestly I am so happy now... not because my implant looks perfect (it doesn't) but it looks good enough and I feel good and I am cancer free.  Can't change the fact that I had cancer but I can look forward to (I hope) a nice long life.

sweetie2040

Kitwe-talk to your Dr about how big you can expand too. I know my TE are only 400 and they are filled to that now and seem really big. Your DR would have placed TE that fit your frame. Implants can be bigger or smaller than TE. Just clarify this with him to put your mind at ease. Also with the gummies the pocket has to be more specific so if this is what he has in mind for you that is most likely how he chose the TE size as well.

JayneE-when you changed out to rounds were you able to keep the same size? What type of difference did you notice between the gummies and rounds? You are one of the few that can advise us because you've actually had both! I'm still debating over this because I totally like the idea of the gummies but the firmness and the way they don't move concerns me, at the same time I like how safe they are and how natural they look.

BCincolorado-that is so great about the PT helping! I'm so glad your feeling and looking better!

Manta-what a beautiful post!  You expressed exactly how I'm feeling right now! I have grown attached to my TE and kinda feel like they are my breasts and I know soon I will have to let these go just like I had to let go of my natural breasts. It is scary to realize there is no perfection and again we must compromise. It is so true what you wrote about the first surgery and just being so grateful to get the cancer out! Now it's about wanting to feel like ourself again without cancer looming over us. My breasts are on my mind 24/7. First is was because of cancer and making the decision about what type of surgery to have to get rid of it, now it is about the exchange and trying to figure out what will be right for me. I am just grateful we have each other to support us through this and I think Lilah is right in time we will more forward from all of this and just get on with our life and be happy.

jillyG

Sweetie, I didn't know implants could be bigger than the expanders.  Good to know.  I assumed if my expanders were 500 cc that the implants HAD to be smaller than that. 

Lilah

My TEs were 600 cc capacity but were filled to 850 cc's because my PS likes to expand the cavity about 150 cc's over the final implant size; my final implant is 685 cc's (the largest I could get in the Medium Height, Extra Projection style (MX).

BC -- how did you know which PT to see?  Did your PS send you to one who specifically deals with implants?  I'm having trouble determining whether I need a specialist withIN the field... and not sure what to ask.  What did the PT do to help release the skin around your implant?  PM me if these are too personal to discuss here but I'd so appreciate some advice.  I need PT for range of motion in my right shoulder (I've got pretty good range but not as good as I had prior to surgery) and I'm thinking while I'm there it can't hurt to loosen the whole area anyway.  Thanks!