Exchange City

So, after waiting forever to get my exchange it is scheduled for June 29th.  I have had tissue expanders in since 10-30-08.  I never dreamed I would have them in this long.  Cruel and unusual punishment!!!  I had radiation and that caused some problems. I had a lat flap done in Oct 10 and that went well.  Now I am just anxiously waiting for the implants.  It will be so nice to get rid of the boulders or tortoise shells on my chest.  I can't wait.  I am hoping it all goes well and I will notice a huge difference.  He told me he would keep me in overnight and he would try not to have to give me drains.  I sure hope I don't have to have those.  I don't like them!  He said two weeks off of work, does that sound right?  Anyway, just had to share my excitement.  I am kind of  a lurker but have posted a few times.  Thanks

shortgirl:  Wow!  You must have the patience of a saint (not that you had much choice).  So happy that you'll be getting rid of those expanders soon.  Keep us posted, OK?

congrats SueBee and Beacher on your exchanges.  Must be a great feeling to have this behind you.

Shortgirl- I can not imagine have TEs as long as you have, you must be thrilled to be almost done.  Must ask, how tall are you?  I am short too.

I have been mostly lurking too, I see my PS on friday and we are going to measure and evaluate for my exchange surgery.  I will be picking a date for surgery too, can't wait to get on this list.

YEAH SUEBEEEEEEEEE AND BEAcHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tinkerbell -- the bra thread is called Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate... you can find it directly by typing that title into the Keyword box under "search" (see top right of this screen and click on the word "search").

I don't know the name of any Fat Grafting threads and I imagine if you search that term you will get a slew of topics.  If you haven't tried yet, DO search the phrase "fat grafting" using the search function... and maybe that will help point you in the direction of threads devoted to that topic.  Other than that, wait here for more replies; I do think there are one or two ladies here who also post on some fat grafting threads.

Rennasus- I had the micro fat grafting and it was done under general anesthesia.  My surgery was 4 hours long but I also had my implants swapped out.  I think the micro fat refers more to the way the fat is reapplied.  With the technique that my PS uses there first has to be space created by either using the BRAVA system or in my case taking out my implants and putting in smaller ones.  Then the fat is injected into that space drop by drop.  It doesn't really matter where the fat is taken.  My PS left it up to me where I wanted it removed.  If you want more info check out the thread- "Has anyone had micro fat grafting?"

Sue- CONGRATULATIONS!!!

shortgirl- You have to win the award for the longest TE's!  Hope you're going to have a bonfire with those when you finally get them out!   

Sue- rest well today! So glad for you.

Beacher- hope you're feeling well!

Kelly

Christine 47

I am 5'3 on my good days!  I think I lost an inch some where because I used to tell people I was 5'4!

I will keep you guys posted on how my exchange surgery goes.  I have blood work on the 23rd and see my Oncologist on the 27th, of course I am freaked that there will be something wrong and I won't be able to have my exchange surgery after waiting so long.  I will be saying lots of prayers for sure.  Thanks 

Carrol - We'll have up and down days but we will all get there!!!  I took a peek today and Im really happy - thanks to the expectations set in these forums.  My DH wants to take a photo today so maybe Ill get it out there later.

Shortgirl - good luck - youre almost there!

mejoy - thanks - I feel great right now but had a terrible nights sleep.  Technically im allowed to shower today but I think Ill wait another day for safety.  I know I have dermabond but Im taking no chances.  Rest is a good thing!!!

Suebee's rack rocks! (Did I just say that?!)

Did you all stop your tamoxifen for exchange??

Shannon- Different PS's seem to have different guidelines.  Some seem to base it on how slowly you did your fills (the slower the fills the shorter the wait after), some on if they over expand or not and some on how big you're trying to go.  I wish they'd all get on the same page.  I do think, though, the longer the wait the better the result.  It gives your skin more time to adjust.  Maybe you can talk to your PS, though, and see if you can get a few weeks whittled off for good behavior? 

I know mine said 4 to 6 weeks and I was surprised when I read about women who had their exchange a week or two after their last fill. That was at the beginning of all of this.  Now nothing surprises me anymore!

I asked my PS how long until exchange after last fill and he said a few weeks, he said he don't want to wait too long. Guess it does depend on the docs preference and the situation.

Suebee.... sounds like you are doing well and happy about that new rack!  Congrats!  Hope you are feeling better and better every day.  Beacher.... now is it going girl?

I got the call late this afternoon for my exchange surgery tomorrow.... have to be there at 6am for 730am surgery.  So, I am off to bed to try to catch some zzzzz's.  I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to do that after I get back home tomorrow.  Since this is my second go-around, I feel somewhat prepared for big event and just hope all goes as easy as the first.  Fingers and toes are all crossed!