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  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Member Posts: 454
    edited March 2011

    re my post:Posted this on Exchange city as well...I had mx 6/10 and exchange 8/10 with no problems. Now 7 months later, I wake up with a hot, red gummy and a fever. I've got a call into the PS. Anyone ever heard of problems this far down the road?? What could it be?    

    Well, I can only say being hyper-vigilant has it's downside.  PS ordered mri of both foobs with and without contrast.  I showed up last night at the hospital to have it done and it took 3 hours!!!  I had an IV for the 'contrast', blood test for hbp, and lying face down on a table with my foobs hanging in these 'cones' did a number on my back.  It spasmed so bad, I couldn't breathe, and I kept squeezing the 'help' ball and they kept yelling, DON'T MOVE...2 MORE MINUTES...over and over.  Of course the bulging foob feels better today.  No results yet, but will post info as a fyi.

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  • smurfiep
    smurfiep Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2011

    @xtine - Thanks for your insight. yes, I too was concerned that my instructions seemed to be so less restrictive than those of other women on this board. I went through my treatment at Stanford/PAMF so it's likely that we share the same PS group. Top notch surgeons and wonderful staff! I'm wondering, did you get an ID card for your gummies? I keep forgetting to ask and don't have an appt schedule for now.

    @Lilah, thanks for your insight as well. From the above thread, you are clearly one of the more knowledgeable gummy girls here :-) Appreciate your input.

     ~Maria

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  • Twiceasnice
    Twiceasnice Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2011

    Ladies:

     I want to post an update about my exchange surgery with the Allergan 410. I posted a lot of inquiries to this board last fall/winter when I was making my decision, and Lilah and others were very helpful.

    I had my exchange on Feb. 8, 2011, in Washington DC on the left breast only, with a lift and slight reduction in the right.  The care I received at G'town was really great. I ended up staying about 5 days after surgery and then flew back home. 

    I've just started wearing underwire bras at the doctors' suggestion, as things start to settle down.  I used to love le Mystere bras pre-cancer, but I put one on and it made the whole left side of my breast black and blue --too constructed and molded.  

    And I think the breast is finally getting to the point where I can see what the outcome will be.  I'm pleased (at first I was kind of worried b/c the left looked larger than the right).  The only thing I notice is that the left is wider than the right breast at the bottom, but otherwise, the volume and pretty equal. I've been told  repeatedly by other women with unilateral mastectomy's never to expect perfection, but I think it looks pretty darn good. So thanks ladies, for all of your information and help in my decision process. 

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Gemini -- so glad you had good results!  Are you the woman who was trying to decide between gummy surgery in DC and rounds in St. Louis (or thereabouts)?  If so, bravo for making your choice (I feel as if it's the choices that are the real battles -- the surgeries seem so much easier by comparison).  Glad to hear that you are pleased.  As a fellow uni I know what the process is, specifically.  So glad you are pleased with the symmetry.  BTW, I like the Wacoal bras (though I'm sure it depends on the person).  I just started wearing underwires in January and I love having them on again (wire free was a drag but my PS insisted I wait so that the wires would not interfere with healing -- funny how all doctors recommend differently). 

    Ruth -- thanks for the update.  What a drag going through such a LONG mri screening... ugh!  I hate those.  But worth doing to see what is happening.  And I am guessing you're feeling better because of the antiobiotics.

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  • HantaYo
    HantaYo Member Posts: 280
    edited March 2011

    Namaste!

    Just been to the PS.  Its going to be twin gummies in June.  I am excited already but it is still a long wait. The TEs I have are Allergan 133MX 14 600 expanded to 800 since early Feb.  He is going to bring into the OR room 6 different sizes:  Allergan 410 FX-615, 690, 775 and MX 550, 520, 685. 

    For those of you who already have your gummies I would like to know three things.

    1. What is the best thing about the gummies  for you (other than the absence of the TEs)?

    2. What is the worst thing about the gummies for you.

    3.  What were you completely unprepared for (or surprised about) in regard to the gummie experience?

    Thanks for all your help?

    Karla

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  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Member Posts: 454
    edited March 2011

    Lilah - the antibiotics have worked...the actual MRI report says 'skin thickening along the ant/inf aspect of breast with minimal punctate area, possibly representing a small benign cutaneous lesion.'  The PS has not called me back with his layman's explanation, but my PCP that gave me the copy said it was an infection and not to worry.  Waiting to see what he has to say....I told his nurse I didn't want to come in and pay $45 to hear its ok and I'll be better soon, plus its a long drive.  I said if it was something we needed to discuss I would come in.  He probably took issue which is why he didnt' call today.  

    Brain scan tomorrow night !!!  Woo hoo !  Getting to the bottom of ears ringing, dizzy spells, severe headaches and blood pressure surges. PCP said not symptoms of mets to brain, so I'm not worried.  Just want to FEEL BETTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!   I told her I felt like a hypocondriac, but she said it would take awhile to get back to 'normal' and the symptoms do indeed need checking out.  So, what I have learned is, the aches and pains I've been having are not likely mets as we all (myself included) worry about.  But we do have to pay attention when things are not right, frequent as they may temporarily be.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Ruth -- here's hoping that whatever it is giving you these symptoms it is nothing and easily treatable.  So glad the antibiotics are working and that it seems to be just an infection there as well.  Is the discomfort you were feeling also going away?  Am wondering if that all was connected to the infection.

    Karla -- I think the gummy, especially at first, was firmer than I expected even though I knew it would be firm; I was really glad when it softened up after a few months (which was, most likely, the pectoral relaxing and not the gummy at all).  Best thing, for me, about the gummy is the teardrop shape (which matches well to my remaining natural breast -- I am a uni), and also that I have no ripples (which may or may not be due to the gummy... but why not give it to the gummy :)  I think it has taken some time to get used to/adjusted to the numbness... which of course I had with the TEs (since the MX) but which I was more aware of at first and which now is either going away (so maybe there was some extra numbness right after exchange) or just becoming the new normal.

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  • xtine
    xtine Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Maria - I am also at PAMF so the same group. I had my exchange at PAMF surgery center and they sent me home with the ID card. I had the mx at Stanford and never managed to get my card for the TE. Stanford seems a bit harder to deal with..



    I thought we might be in the same spot. They do seem very good!

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Hi Lilah!

    If you don't mind me asking, who is your PS in MSK in NY?  My PS is a bit intimidating and he's always in rush to get out when I have an office visit.  How many years of experience does she have?   Do you know if I can switch PS or do I have to stick w/ the current doctor until all the procedures/surgeries are done?  My doc is Dr. Cordeiro.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited April 2011

    I've heard they don't let you switch at MSKCC but I've never tried so I don't know.  You could ask!   I think Cordeiro is the head honcho there.  I kind of doubt you can switch to another MSK surgeon at this point... so I think you should absolutely press him to give you what you want!

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  • Jerusha
    Jerusha Member Posts: 406
    edited March 2011

    Hi wasin, I tried to switch PS at MSKCC and was unable to do so. I called the 2nd one's office, introduced myself by name to the secretary and before I'd gotten out another 2 words she said, "OH, you are Dr. So+so's patient". END OF STORY. She must have been sitting at her computer and as I said hello, she typed in my name. Perhaps they get a lot of dissatisfied customers! (Based on my experience, Im not surprised...). They will not even allow a phone conversation to let the doctor decide for themselves. She gave me her whole song and dance about how all the docs are the same; same background, same training, same skills. SInce I AM a doctor and know what bs this is, my only response was," spare me..."

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Hi Jerusha,

    Actually, I've been emailing back/forth w/ Whippetmom(Deborah) about my situation.

    I had exchange surgery almost 6 wks ago.  Before breast cancer I had uneven breasts, slightly fuller and lower on left than right.  And after exchange surgery, my left implant looks pretty good even though it's just 290g.  My right one though looks a little flat or deflated.  So I had an appt. w/ Dr. Cordeiro today to talk to him(w/ alot of anxiety) about if he is willing and if he can replace the right one at least to slightly bigger implant size.  He basically said there's nothing he can do because my chest wall is so thin and small.  And during tissue expansion he was only able to expand me to 310cc maximum on each side, otherwise he said my skin will break.

    I have an Allergan 410FF 290cc and asked if he can switch it to FX and slightly bigger implant on right.  He told me that FX wouldn't work for me because it would be more narrow on width and sit lower in projection so I would have a flat top basically.  And before he came in the room, his assistant came in and she said he may be able to inject fat from my body.  Then when he came in he said that fat injection has high risk of infection and that he wouldn't recommend it unless I have a major problem that it's worth taking the high risk of infection.  

    I chose him in the beginning after checking his background because he's the top guy in plastic surgery at SK, but now I heard that there's Dr. Pusic who is awesome.  He's so intimidating and he hardly smiles.  I wish I can change my doctor but I heard that I can't..

    I feel like I'm stuck..  So who is your doctor at SK now?  Do you still have the same PS?

    This is so frustrating because I have my nipple reconstruction scheduled w/ him in early May, but not sure what to do.  And even if I get 2nd opions from other docs, that won't do anything because I can't change my PS.  

     Hannah

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Hannah -- you could always get a second opinion at one of the other excellent NY area hospitals.  Have you asked Whippetmom for names?  She might have a suggestion for someone who is in NY but NOT at MSK.  I think you absolutely SHOULD get a second opinion.

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Hi Lilah,

    Yes, I've asked her and she gave me few names.  I'm just wondering if I'm suppose to get all the reconstruction procedures done by this doctor at Sloan K.  Surgery wise- my PS is great at what he does, but he has a sour personality..  I think I may get a 2nd opinion..

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    You can get a second opinion without having to tell the first doctor, Hannah (especially since we are talking about going to see someone who is NOT at MSK). 

    See what another doctor says.  It's just information.  When you make the appointment you can say you are getting a second opinion (that is a completely reasonable thing to do). 

    I hear you about the PS being great at what he does.  That is a good thing!  Sadly, not all surgeons have great bedside manners.

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Lilah,

    I tried to make an appointment for 2nd opinion consultation with one of the plastic surgeons whippetmom referred me but they turned me down.  They don't take consultation unless I wait 6-8 months for my skin to heal although I told them that it would be just for consultation.

    If I can't get a consultation with a plastic surgeon, then who am I suppose to see?

    I feel so frustrated..

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Try another PS, for one thing, Hannah.  They all have different rules.

    And wait if waiting is in order.  Waiting can only add to your healing.

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Yeah,.. I'm going to call another PS tomorrow.  Whippetmom thinks I shouldn't go back to MSK!!

    We'll see after I talk to the doc.. I thought I was almost half way done, but I feel like I'm taking few steps back.. ugh.. 

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    I forgot to mention that that PS has round gummies! (clinical trial)

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited March 2011

    Wow!  I didn't realize they made round ones... although I personally love the teardrop shape.  I think it's the shape that made me want these more than anything else.  Well, don't give up hope, be strong, and stay focused on getting good results!

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Thank you, Lilah!

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  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Member Posts: 454
    edited April 2011

    Tell me what you think...my ps did absolutely perfect surgery, but he put in 650's instead of like 500's.  I told him BBBBBBBBBB, and what do I get?  full C/D.  I was only filled to 450cc.  ouch.  Anyway, I hate 'rewarding' him for not honoring my wishes, but that is my only complaint.  (I'm overweight by 30 lbs and that's a LOT for my frame, so size wise, he's on the mark, but that's not what I asked for.)  They are so big and heavy, and after 6 months, I'm still not loving them.  I want a smaller gummy, so would you go back to him or not?

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited April 2011

    I'd go back to him and see what he says AND go for a second opinion. 

    I will say though that the bra size is irrelevant with implants... everyone sizes out bigger than they really are (relative to other C/D's for example). 

    The reason you have to wear a larger size most of the time has to do with the width of implants vs. natural tissue.

    That said, if they feel big and heavy that is a different issue.  Have you expressed to your current PS in the past 6 months that you are not happy with the size?  If I were you I'd emphasize that they feel heavy and you are uncomfortable (rather than an aesthetic thing) as that would probably fly better with insurance, too.

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  • tnbcRuth
    tnbcRuth Member Posts: 454
    edited April 2011

    I complained about the size from my first post-op on.  He's like, yes, I can fix that.  I never had the guts to confront him in a hostile way...what was done was done.  Its just that I've always had big boobs, and I was really looking forward to not having them always in the way.  Not only are they always in the way, they're continuing to heal and I have soreness here and there, numbness here and there, etc, etc, so they're still a source of annoyance.  I've had one medically necessary reduction, so I can probably get another.  Also, if they look in my chart, it should read SHE WANTS a B CUP!!!  Trying to tough it out because the thought of another surgery makes me want to scream. I still have a super tight feeling around my chest and deep breaths are an effort.  Also, I've heard the gummies are firmer than saline, etc, so these are not thesoft drop and fluff ones.  I look great in clothes, but you wouldn't believe how big these are...I have a pic posted on the forum right after I got my drains out.  I'm probably being ungrateful....

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  • ericavw
    ericavw Member Posts: 157
    edited April 2011

    Aw, Ruth! You're not being ungrateful at ALL. It's not what you asked for. I totally understand feeling let down, and not comfortable. You have to live in your body, so you should at least be comfortable in it. I'd definitley go back to him, and say something and be pushy about it. But then again, I have a big ol' mouth. Haha. But really... ask. You'll never get what you want by not asking. Xo.

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited April 2011

    Aw Ruth I'm so sorry you're so unhappy.  I hope you can get the smaller size you want and you absolutely should demand them.  Keep us posted.

    Also: I looked for your photos but could not find them.  If you can find them, can you bump them?

    And I agree with Erica -- you are not being ungrateful.  You are unhappy.  You didn't get what you wanted.  You deserve to have that!

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2011

    Lilah, I'm having such a tough time finding a plastic/reconstructive surgeon in NY/NJ area.

    I called 2 doctors today(referred by some ladies in discussion threads) but found that they don't take my insurance.  So I called the last resort doctor in Great Neck, NY because I was told that they do single contract with insurance.  I'm waiting for a call back to talk to someone about this..

    And I was surprised that even a PS in my local reputable hospital do not work with insurance.

    How am I suppose to find a PS who will accept my insurance?  It seems so impossible to find one...

    I may have to just settle for out of network..

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2011

    Can someone tell me how I can have access to the picture forum?

    Do I need to PM someone?

    Thanks!

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  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 4,898
    edited April 2011

    LOL Wasin -- that would be me :)  I will PM you about the Picture Forum.

    As for your difficulty finding doctors -- have you called any at NYU or Cornell?  They take insurance there.  Search this site for "NYU" and "Cornell" and I bet you will find people talking about doctors they like there (as a start).  Other than that I have no idea what else to suggest -- sorry.

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  • HantaYo
    HantaYo Member Posts: 280
    edited April 2011

    Namaste!

    Found out today that I get my gummies on June 20th at 0700.  My fills were complete in Feb and I have had quite a time with discomfort at night and first several hours of the morning.  It seems like a long time to spend communing with these rocks on my chest. They do give back to me by looking good in clothes so it is not all bad.   I do like to try to live in the moment and enjoy what is right in front of me but I can't help looking ahead to a more comfortable chest.

    Karla

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