Access to the Picture Forum - READ 1st POST

Marcy, the first post referred to is the first post on the very first page of this thread.  Just keep posting so the gals who administer the picture forum can get to know you.

I'm glad you're here.  You'll find all sorts of supportive and knowledgable women here, with wisdom and advice to share.

It's only the head that was deleted... the very FIRST post, Marcy, which is immediately below that -- is the one to read (I am posting this for others as well).

Just keep posting and sharing.   Write a PM to me or to Nowheregirl after you've been here for a bit.

HollyBoo - Your friend's poem sounds very heartfelt, thoughtful, and true.  You can add him/her to your "plus" column in addition to your good prognoses.

Your PS actually used the word "mutilated" (my jaw just dropped)?  I know it's difficult to consider when you're in the midst of things, but would you consider getting another opinion?  Sounds like you've got a ways to go and it might be a smoother ride with a PS with a bit more compassion.   

Best wishes!

Vegangal - I am so, so sorry dear one. Great big hugs to you.



I'd encourage you to visit whippetmom's thread: Breast Implant Sizing 101. I think she could help guide you and give you wisdom on next steps.



Absolutely cannot believe your surgeon told you that. No words...



Here is the link to the thread.



http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/746448?page=285#idx_8539

Vegangal -- I second Dawn's advice re: Whippetmom's Breast Implant Sizing 101.  Also: numbness after surgery of any kind in the area where cutting happened is normal.  In this case, the removal of tissue means the removal of nerve endings.  I had my surgeries in 2009 and am still numb... though the area of numbness is smaller. You do get used to it.  I'm sorry you are still in pain.  There is a syndrom called Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome... and there is a thread here on BCO about that which you should also check out in case your situtation applies.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/136/topic/747016?page=34#post_3650620

Dear Nowhere girl,

I am about to have my exchange next week on 8/14.

My surgery was in early May and like many others on this site, the exchange surgery can't be coming fast enough.

My ps is recommending Sientra Cohesive Gel implants.

I would love to have access to the pictures/case study photographs to inform my discussion with him.

I have always been comfortable with my breasts - a small B - and am concerned about going too big.  He is recommending 400cc and I'd love to better understand the difference between the moderate and high projection, classic base vs round base.

Many thanks,

Rebecca

Hollyboo,

I am almost 57. I was not big busted when I had my bmx, but I can assure you they don't look like tennis balls. I chose to stay the same size, large B/small C. Although fairly youthful looking (as were the originals), there is some relaxed appearance, though I don't have to wear a bra if I don't want to. Plastic surgeons can do amazing things. In addition to implants there are several different types of flap recons which use some of your own body tissue. Check out the other recon threads for more info and good luck to you.

Ladies - thank you so much for your comments. I had ever heard of "PMPS" . . . and I've seen on a few other threads reference to PTSD. I'd never thought of that. I saw my onco yesterday . . . total waste of time. Ug. She won't even talk to me about my implants . . . "oh, that's for your PS to answer" . . . blah blah blah . . . but my blood work was all good . . . I'll check out those other threads.

Rebecca - the only thing that I can share with you is that I understood that there 2 possible shapes . . . teardrop and round. I got the teardrop because it was the only shape my PS would do. So, truth be told - I didn't have a choice. Not sure that this helps much, but my PS basically said that the teardrop was more "natural" . . . not there is anything "natural" about them . . . but that's my very limited 2 cents. Not sure if helps . . . 

Regarding access to the Picture Forum - I was very fortunate that I had a long wait after I got my BC dx. (I got sick and my BMX was postponed for three months.)

During that time, I joined BCO, and was able to read so many helpful posts here. I also tried - with my little bit of knowledge at the time - to be welcoming and encouraging to those women who were struggling. In other words, I didn't just seek answers, I tried to at least give a word of encouragement in return. (I requested, and received permission to join the Picture Forum before my BMX and recon.)

This is partially why nowheregirl and Lilah say there is no exact number of posts you must have on BCO before being accepted into the Picture Forum. All they ask is that you DO post, and HOW you post gives them an idea if you will be the kind of member who will actively participate and help others on the Picture Forum.

Please note that the Picture Forum is NOT just a "Photo Gallery."

It is photojournalism in its most raw form. We are telling not only our stories, but also showing - often for the first time - the breasts we had and lost and regained - or not.

Most of us would feel very violated if we thought our personal photos were up there just for anyone to come by and gawk. That's why all the precautions taken by nowheregirl and Lilah are so very much appreciated. 

Sometimes the stories and pictures are heartbreaking, and then the most wonderful unexpected outcomes appear months and years later. 

Because we have taken the time to live these stories along with the poster, we are invested in each woman's struggle to find health and acceptance along the way.

It's great when older members come back and post; and it's heartening to see more new members come join us.

What's sad is when someone joins, posts once or twice to ask a personal question, then 1) never posts any pictures at all, and 2) never acknowedges those who have bravely posted.

Yes, it's difficult to post. It can take time before you are comfortable doing so. But it can also be very liberating, and often helps you see just how far you've come in the months since your first surgery.

I hope I haven't offended anyone wishing to gain acceptance into the Picture Forum. I just wanted to offer a few more words of clarification.

(And yes - for complete instructions, just go to Page 1 of this thread, and even though it says "Post Deleted", just read the very first post underneath that for nowheregirl's guidelines.)

Ditto for Tina's post and Tritto for Blessings'. (I completely made that up since Tina had already agreed with/dittoed her.)

I have not been here long, but am so glad that I found this place because I had no one else in my family left who had breast cancer. My mom is 87 now and my best friend, my little sister died from asthma a few months after her last chemo from having breast cancer. Her hair was just growing in, it was 2 inches long and so soft and curly (which she would have hated!!). So coming here has allowed me to see first hand , someome who can understand. I had to have cornea transplants a few years ago, and when I went with my mom or dh to eye doc, they always wanted to see them, which was ok. But now that I had a mx with no recon, I dont want anyone to see me..ever. the only one I am comfortable seeing me is my bc. I even have trouble letting my onc feel me up. Thats what it feels like hes doing. I just seem to not gel with him. My dh has never seen me, ever. I wont let him see this horrible ugly flat scar covering my chest and it has been 4 years. I finally have a ps here in town. I feel some light at the end of my tunnel. I have to do lat flap and have more scars, but maybe then I will be able to look at me and feel ok. So all of your posts, help so much and answer so many questions that some of us need to ask to someone who really, really knows and i am thankful and have a lot of respect for you ladies.

Roseark53 - I think your sister would be happy for you that you can have what she didn't.  Don't feel guilty.  I think she is smiling down upon you.  Guilt be gone.  I know, easier said than done but try not to think like that.  I think she would want you to have this and be happy.  xoxo

Blessings thank you for saying that so beautifully.

Rosesark -- I am so sorry for your loss.  I agree with Dawn that your sister would want you to have the best.  Guilt be gone indeed!

4-Leggers - I sent you a Private Message....

I would like access to the picture forum.  I was diagnosed in June with DCIS grade 3 in the left breast.  The radiologist told me the mass was about 11cm total and that I would need a mastectomy.  I then had my MRI and an asymetry was found on the right.  On biopsy the mass was thought to be benign, but suspicious.  I sought 2 opinions and one wanted no surgery on the right while the second expressed enough concern that she thought at least a lumpectomy on the right was the way to go.,  I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy.,  I did not want to worry about it again.  

I had a tissue sparing bilateral mastectomy on August 12.  Getting to the surgery was an awful roller coaster ride.  My surgery was bumped back 3 times.  They could not get enough OR time for me and this is the hospital I work in.  I am a registered nurse and could not have my surgery in my own hospital unless I wanted to wait until September.  I elected to go to JH in Baltimore and am glad I did not wait.  

My surgery went well, but I had severe allergic reactions to the first two antibiotics they tried on me, so I stayed an extra day.  I have my first postop visit tomorrow.  I feel pretty good and was surpirsed that I did not have more pain post op.  

I am surprised at how awful the breasts look now.  I have a lot of swelling on the right and areas where it feels hard.  Is this normal?  Path results in the moring.  I probably won't sellp tonight.