All About Gummies

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    I PM'd you Heebie-Jeebie :)

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  • jillyG
    jillyG Member Posts: 401
    edited September 2010

    I think I might be booby-greedy.  For the past 2 years I have been saying to people 'oh, I don't want them any bigger, I just want them up where they belong!'.  I was never big at all which probably helped me discover my lump myself at 1cm when I was 33 because I wasn't getting mammo's at that age and not checking regularly for lumps, so at that time small was certainly a good thing.  Anyway, after 2 kids and some weight loss, I just really hoped that after my mastectomies I would end up with perky breasts, small and perky.  BUT, now that I am expanding I am getting very booby greedy lol.  Anyone else?  I don't know what happened, but I keep thinking I want bigger and bigger :)

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    JillyG-I feel the same way! Same thing happened to me, I had decent sized breasts before kids but afterward I lost a cup size and was small and saggy. After I was DX I just figured I'd be happy being nice and perky but now I'm wondering if I should go bigger while I have the chance. I am not sure how big you can actually go though because it has to do with the skin flaps and what will fit your frame. I am going to see my Dr this week and see what the max is. As it is I am only expanded to 400 and he didn't want to expand anymore so I don't know  what's really possible. BTW I think you should get whatever size you want. We darned well earned it! 

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    JillyG-I feel the same way! Same thing happened to me, I had decent sized breasts before kids but afterward I lost a cup size and was small and saggy. After I was DX I just figured I'd be happy being nice and perky but now I'm wondering if I should go bigger while I have the chance. I am not sure how big you can actually go though because it has to do with the skin flaps and what will fit your frame. I am going to see my Dr this week and see what the max is. As it is I am only expanded to 400 and he didn't want to expand anymore so I don't know  what's really possible. BTW I think you should get whatever size you want. We darned well earned it! 

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    Hey Ladies,

    I found this tread about gummies where women posted about their gummies,thought you might enjoy it if you thinking of gummies or already have them..

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/731574

    Sweetie
    Diagnosis: 2/25/2010, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, ER+/PR-, HER2-

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  • Kitwe
    Kitwe Member Posts: 64
    edited September 2010

    Are Mentor CPGs considered gummies.  That is what I am scheduled to get.  Am I on the wrong site?  I googled Mentors and found some pretty good pics.  Does exchange surgery hurt?  You guys have been so wonderful.

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited September 2010

    kit:  The exchange surgery takes about an hour or so.  You will be there probably 4 hours or so with pre-op paperwork and post-op until you wake up.  Some women go shopping or out to eat afterwards!  You can't drive since you've been under anesthesia, but the next day wasn't too bad.

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    Kitwe- I think the Mentor gummies are CPG323's or something..if they anatomical shaped they are gummies. Only two companies make them, Allergen and Mentor.  If they are round they are not the "gummies" but are still more cohesive than the old silicone was. The difference is the gummies are form stable and have  a definate shape.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    Kitwe -- I don't really know if they are "true gummies" or not but who cares?  You can be here :)  I think Sweetie is right that if they are anatomical in shape they are more like the true gummies made by Allergan.  My understanding, though, is that Mentor's version of the cohesive gel is softer -- so that is a good thing!  You get the benefit of the cohesive gel AND something a bit softer than the Allergan 410.  That said, the 410s are not bad... but there are some women who have found them to be too firm for their taste and have switched out to regular silicone.

    Sweetie -- thanks for resurrecting that other thread!  I filled out the questionaire :)

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  • Kitwe
    Kitwe Member Posts: 64
    edited September 2010


    Thanx Lilah, bcincolorado and sweetie for your replies. 

    I see my PS on Friday.  We are going to decide if I'm finished with my fills -> ready for exchange.  I think I'm filled with 300cc.  I'm getting Mentor CPG.  I will be part of the Continued Access Study (I think).  I'm hoping for soft, natural looking full "C"s.

     I am usually a very "up" person..all smiles.  Lately I've been so down.  Thank you for being here!

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    Kitwe-That's great, your almost there! I'm sorry your feeling down, we all have those days where we feel that way and things just hit us. After all we have been though so much haven't we and sometimes we don't realize how strong we have had to be. Today is a new day and I'm hoping the sun is shining and you are smiling. Sending hugs your way. We're here for you.

    Lilah-love that pic girl. Your such a cutie!

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  • Mantra
    Mantra Member Posts: 968
    edited September 2010

    I just found out my exchange surgery is scheduled for October 15. T/E were done April 16. Now one would think I'd be jumping for joy. NOT!! I am happy with my TE. They don't hurt at all. Look great in clothes. I'm worried that the Allergan gummies will look saggy compared to the TE. I wasn't saggy before my MX . . . probably because I was too small breasted :).  I feel I will wake up and hate my implants because I'm so used to the look of the round TE. I guess I will just tell her I was the least saggy looking of the Allergan gummies!

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    My gummy is NOT saggy Mantra and sits exactly like my TE but is softer and a better shape.  Don't worry you will love your new girls!  I wish mine DID sag lol to make a better match with my remaining breast (which has slightly more natural droop).  Ah well.  Tell your doctor how you feel so he understands what you like about your TEs.

    Kitwe -- if you can, search for posts on this site by Musiclovermom.  She has those Mentor CPG's and LOVES them to death. 

    Sweetie -- aw thanks and you are a sweetie! :)

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    Manta-I know how you feel about the TE. I got so used to them now. At first them seemed so full. I wasn't very full before, very small breasted. Then I got used them and liked them. For the first time in a long time (since having kids and breasts sagging) I was able to fill out my shirts again. They are not too big but nice and full. I have surgery coming up in Oct and I worry about the same things.  I think Lilah is right though, the gummies do not look saggy. I saw several pics and all the girls looked great. I saw one woman in person and she looked very natural and full. Just curious do you have a choice between the rounds and gummies? If your not sure you will like the gummies why are you choosing them?

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  • Mantra
    Mantra Member Posts: 968
    edited September 2010

    It was discussed from day one that she would use the gummy (Allergen). At the time it seemed like a very natural way to go. However, wearing the round tissue expander has caused to me pause. I do know I wouldn't want the round as my final implants however, I am dreading having saggy breasts. As my natural breasts were always perky, I just have a feeling the gummies will not be as perky as my natural breasts. I had a BMX so I really  have nothing to compare to although I did take some photos. I also worry because the gummies don't give and if they are saggy, I can't prop them up in a bra. I'm just very unexcited about this next step. I always thought the exchange would be the best part of the journey. But unless something changes to get me excited about this next step, I'd be very happy to skip the next step. My friends and family are all excited "for me" and I'm of the attitude . . . don't every mention it to me because I'm dreading it.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    Aw Mantra you really should share what you're feeling/worrying about with your PS.  

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  • Sharon2010
    Sharon2010 Member Posts: 49
    edited September 2010
    Hi All, I'm sorry I haven't been on in a couple of weeks.  It's been crazy around here.  Between school starting, having 23 people in my house for the Jewish New Year, and a kiddie catastrophe, I've been nuts.  My 2 year old daughter broke her leg last week and is in a full leg cast up to the top of her thigh!  
    I've been reviewing some of the posts, and I wish I had been on to respond earlier.
    JillyG- Being booby-greedy is not a bad thing.  Go with what you are going to be happiest with, and if that's large, then get ready to buy all new shirts to show them off!  One warning...Gummies are heavier than traditional silicone or saline, which is what the expander is now.  I went larger, and I'm now dealing with some back pain issue and feel like they are too heavy.  Make sure your doctor can distribute the weight so it's not too bottom heavy.  I believe that's where my problem is.
    Kitwe- Mentor CPGs are gummies, and are the only other clinical trial other than Allergan.  I've heard good things  about them (in terms of softness), but I believe the Allergan 410s are more widely used.  I'm not positive though.  I've had many "blue" days too.  I try to imagine myself 1 year out.  I imagine myself celebrating a year cancer free.  I can also picture my scars fading and my foobs settled more and feeling better.  It makes me feel a little better, and reminds me that I'm cancer free and have so many years to come of happy and healthy living.
    Mantra- Because the 410's are anatomically shaped, they are bottom heavy, which (to me) give a slightly saggy appearance.  They are NOT actually saggy, and do have fullness throughout the implant.  I personally do not like the bottom heavyness and am having a revision to try to redistribute the weight to the center, which will make them perkier.  The revision will also bring them in more.  I think with the heaviness at the bottom, AND the widness at the bottom, is why I feel they look saggy.  Maybe your PS can do that during your exchange.  Have you been onto the picture forum?  I have several pictures of me on there from different angles, so you can see what I mean.  I think that if you communicate to your PS what you DON'T want, as well as what you DO want, with specific examples, then you will like what you get.  There are things I do like about the gummies that I probably couldn't get with traditional silicone.  They don't look like big fake Baywatch boobs, and most people are shocked that they are fake.  They are much more realistic looking.
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  • Mantra
    Mantra Member Posts: 968
    edited September 2010

    Sharon2010, I'm not completely familiar with that site but do have log in privileges. I think the photos I saw were of you . . . but they didn't look saggy at all so now I'm not sure! The thread was entitled Pics added Sept 09 . . . is that the right thread? You had pictures in the first few pages, correct? . ..  7 weeks, 9 weeks, nipples etc? I honestly didn't see anything that resembled sagginess which is making me wonder if I looked at someone else's photos. I'd be thrilled if mine turn out to look like those photos. That's exactly what I looked like before my DMX.  

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    Mantra mine is not saggy at all... and though it was quite firm right after implantation I have to say that four months later it's definitely softer (I'm a uni).  I do some massage now and I think that helps.  The LOOK of the gummy is rarely an issue with.   I have heard women say it is too firm but it looks very good -- has a very perky (if teardrop) shape.

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  • Sharon2010
    Sharon2010 Member Posts: 49
    edited September 2010
    Mantra, that was not me.  My thread is titled "Recon. with Allergan 410,Gummy Bear,Implants" and the first posting date is August 19, 2010.  Most people who saw them don't think they are saggy, but in my mind, the heaviness and wideness makes them look like that to me.  I really think if you tell your PS what it is you feel makes some look saggy, that she can correct for that issue during your exchange.  Mine have softened up considerably.  I really had a problem with the firmness initially, but now I'm totally fine with it.  They are still firm, but have enough "mushiness" to feel more like a real breast.
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  • Sharon2010
    Sharon2010 Member Posts: 49
    edited September 2010
    Mantra, that was not me.  My thread is titled "Recon. with Allergan 410,Gummy Bear,Implants" and the first posting date is August 19, 2010.  Most people who saw them don't think they are saggy, but in my mind, the heaviness and wideness makes them look like that to me.  I really think if you tell your PS what it is you feel makes some look saggy, that she can correct for that issue during your exchange.  Mine have softened up considerably.  I really had a problem with the firmness initially, but now I'm totally fine with it.  They are still firm, but have enough "mushiness" to feel more like a real breast.
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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    Mantra I commented on Sharon's thread yesterday so it's probably on page 1 or 2.

    Sharon -- I JUST saw those fab pictures you posted after you trip!  You look gorgeous! :)

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  • Sharon2010
    Sharon2010 Member Posts: 49
    edited September 2010

    Thanks Lilah.  I really do think they look best in a bathing suit.  Now if I could only live on permanent vacation and wear a bathing suit all day...  

    I realized my last post hit twice, so I just deleted the second.  I also don't know why part of my posts show up faded and in italics.  

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    You're probably hitting the style markers right above where you write, Sharon (for why sometimes things show up in italics).  And I know that sometimes when I hit "submit" it takes a while and if I'm not paying attention I will hit it again and end up posting twice (which is how THAT happens :)

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited September 2010

    Well ladies, I had a pleasant surprise in the mail today.  Since I have Allergan 410's and am in the study, I got a $100 check in the mail!  I know my PS said that I should receive compensation if I complete the study but I guess they sent some of it out already or maybe do it throughout the study.  Nice surprise.  Will pay for some meds!

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    Very nice!  I've heard that some are getting paid.  As far as I know, though, I will not be receiving anything.  Sigh.  Enjoy :)

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  • sweetie2040
    sweetie2040 Member Posts: 817
    edited September 2010

    bcincolorado-I have a friend who has had gummies for two years and they do pay you for the study and send the checks over the 10 year period. I think she said it was a total of $1000 over 10 years. If you need any MRI they will cover that too. I think if you google it you can find the information about because I saw it online before.

    Lilah-you should check into that, your missing out.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    Sweetie -- I'll ask my PS about it. But there is nothing in the paperwork I signed about me being paid.  That sucks!

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited September 2010

    Lilah:  I don't think it was in my paperwork, but I I remember my PS said somethng about compensation.  I wasn't sure how much I don't think, if I did, I don't remember.....cancer brain.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited September 2010

    LOL -- well BCinCO -- we shall see if I ever get anything :)

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