Exchange City
Comments
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yall are great!! i got to get back in to meet with ps again, i had no clue there were so many types of implants. im so glad to know im not crazy hurtin myself opeing jars and tops!!!
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MereMere, you are NOT crazy. Take it from us.
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ok im trying to post pics on the pic forum... what am i doing wrong?
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sandra4611- I love that!!! thx for the smile!
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nevermind i got it!
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MereMere - Your pictures are probably too big. As you didn't mention what OS you have, I'm guessing here. If you're running Windows 7 here's the link to download their Image Resizer (free). Its a great program - I use it all the time. http://microsoft-powertoys-image-resizer.en.softonic.com/
If you still run XP then go here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/xp-downloads#2TC=powertoys and find the Image Resizer (second column, second one down) and run the download.
If you're on a Mac, then Google it, because I know they have a way to do it too, I just don't know what it is...
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Hi, I just posted a few more photos.
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Shorfi, then take the meds till your PS says otherwise or you don't need it. Some have easier times than others, unfortunately, sounds like yours was a bit more detailed than most. You may take longer to heal, don't beat yourself up for needing to do what you need to do. Rest, and TAKE IT EASY, your body is healing.
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Today is My implants FIRST BIRTHDAY of their installation into my body.....was go glad to get rid of these TE which were trouble and painful:
do I love em'....not really....I am kind of use to them....my real breast were above the muscle...these foobs are UNDER the muscle....I don't hate them, because I was without anything (NO TE) for a month after my BMX and this is a better alternative. I had nipples created 12-31 and I hate them...I am considering having nips removed....since one completely flattened and the other didn't, so I wear a half a scar away strip over it......it is also 2 CM lower than my nub on the other side....PS said he can fix it....and do another revision (my 3rd revision)
not sure I will do this.Wearing a bra has been a challenge....so I wear a stretchy one with an inserts so the dents don't show....there is no "cone" to fit in the bra cups.....when I bend over....I see a flat-top where the cone should be and fit into.....this is just so weird...with no bra, I have an OKAY profile....front view, I see the flaws and dents, thin wrinkly skin...a small strip of areola on one side and none on the other in a frontal view.
I guess when I went into reconstruction....I didn't know what I know now.
Hugs,
Di
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Jumping in here after being out of town.
Di! Happy anniversary! Sending hugs! With my recent deconstruction and issues my 14 1/2 year old son made this observation..... " Mom, it seems like this reconstruction crap is far worse than any of the cancer stuff was!". I think he hit the nail on the head! Emotionally this has been the hardest hit I have taken. Not to mention I was practically done and now I am looking at 4 or more surgeries just to get back to where I was.
I had another PS consult today with Dr. Namnoum in Atlanta. He presents around the world and just got back from Brazil. He is getting me links to his stuff to post or I will be working with his assistant to get them a profile and she will start posting on BCO directly.
I am trying to wrap my head around what all we talked about then will post details from my appointment!
Hope everyone is doing well!
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4444....so you are back from raising hell in Vegas? Hope you had fun....so you went with ONE FOOB...infection done? (Your son is right!)
I am home from our 11 Sea of Cortez Mexico cruise and Southern, CA.....going back to San Francisco in May for another cruise.
Hugs,
Di
Oh ladies, don't judge what you look like right after surgery, you will change.....I was so pleased after my revision in July....but about 3-4 weeks later....swelling went down and "I deflated" in looks and emotionally
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AZ, I had the "rubbed with sandpaper" feeling after my BMX and revision. Funny, after my exchange I didn't experience it. My PS said it was nerve pain and I was on Neurontin for two months. It's totally gone now, so hang in there!
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Sandra I love that picture!
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So did everyone know the exact size of their implants beforehand. I have the exchange in two weeks and my PS said he has to put balloons in after my TE's are removed (or something like balloons) to determine the actual final size of my implants but it seems that others already know what size for sure they are getting beforehand. It may be because of my tight radiated skin that he has to do mine differently??
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hjpz - Balloons? I've never heard of that!
Maybe your PS is
bringing different sized implants into the OR? Have you discussed your expectations
with him/her?
Bigger, littler, than you were before? -
I think they are called "sizers"....implants once put into someone are considered hazardous waste....too pricey to use REAL implants
(I ask for my TE when they were removed...also called hazardous waste....all I got was the pic I posted!)
Di
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Di2012 - Thanks! That makes sense...
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I did not know what size my implants would be. I asked beforehand, and he said that he would decide that, based on what looked best and got me closest to the size of my TE's. I had 550 in my TE's. My implants ended up being 650. I 'think' that some people know because their PS gives them exactly the size of their TE, or tends to 'overfill' by a certain amount, which means that they know exactly what they are getting. All PS's do it differently.
Shorfi...I took narcs for 3 days. And, I had lipo. The lipo is wicked! I am almost 3 weeks out, and although I am healing nicely, I still feel like that lipo area is raw....like I had a fresh injury and if I touch it, it's like the skin isn't there...just raw flesh! He wants me to start very gently massaging it (it's very hard....he said it would be) to get that scar tissue to break up. I haven't been really able to do that, yet...mainly because it hurts. But, also, it kind of creeps me out....I don't know why I am so weird about my 'new body'...but, I am struggling with it. I finally forced myself to put some lotion on the foobs today (PS wants me to), and it just creeps me out. So strange feeling, and so weird to touch something you can't really feel. I'll get used to it, but it's just weird right now!
I think that, without the lipo, I probably would have taken less meds. That part was the kicker for me!
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Mnnbeck...
I had lipo, but is still have all these rolls of fat on both sides of my back. PS said he would take care of it, but it still looks like it remains. Haven't needed any narcs for pain, but it am so sore. Took Advil and had some relief. My underarm area on the right is sore. When I wake up I find that I am sleeping on my stomach or side. I didn't get any instructions on how to sleep.
4sewwhat...I agree so much with your son. This reconstruction crap is worse than the cancer.
Di...great advice about not judging how we look now, but so very hard to do. Tell me, these rolls of fat or mudflaps on both sides of my back, will they eventually deflate?
I have my first follow up with PS next Tuesday.
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HPJZ, my surgeon gave me the TE dimensions and details of about 4 different implants he could use with different projections and heights. I found it a bit daunting and was going to go back and say, I am happy with whatever you chose. I suppose I should be more pro-active but I am already over it all and HATING the TE's! Also feel guilty about asking for whippetmoms advice as feel she has enough on her plate.
Will wait and see
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MNMBECK - try using bio oil! it is amazing and smells good. It is loaded with vitamins and helps with stretch marks!! It's kinda high but well worth it!!
I developed stretch marks shortly after surgery cause my ps put too much in day of. My skin is good and I don't have to to rads so she was saving me some pain and appts. The bio oil has really helped with them and my incisions are lookin good too. We go back tomorrow to talk about implant options but now I think maybe I should just her do her job. She is OCD and a perfectionist so I know i'm in good hands i just dont want to look fake.... I know how you feel PREV!!
SHORFI - if you need the meds TAKE THEM!! only you know your body and you are goin thru enough to have to deal with pain.
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mnmbeck - I second the recommendation for Bio Oil! (You can find it at Walmart, Target, etc.) I used it as soon as I could starting with my BMX. Makes massage easy and does wonders for scarring, etc. Try it - you'll like it!
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I thought Scar Away silicon strips were good to use on the scars. So which is better then, the bio oil or the silicon sheets?
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I had a complete meltdown this morning. It came out of nowhere. This cancer has taken so much from me and dealing with it a second time was almost too much to bear. I'm thankful that my MO said I have an excellent prognosis. I had imagined that the exchange surgery would be the miracle that would take away all this pain. But I've learned from you ladies that it takes time. I was expecting to see the mudflaps gone and all I see in swelling. I feel my breasts look good.
It feels like I have an underwire bra on...I wish I could pull it down...lol. Does that sound normal? I'm less swollen today, but this underarm pain hurts. Thinking about it, when I got in the car the other night with my husband, I think I flopped down too hard in the seat and seemed liked I jarred so something. It has been hurting ever since Monday, but the pain is less. I try to keep a pillow under that arm which makes me more comfortable. That is the side I had the cancer on.
So if anyone could tell me if it is normal to feel somewhat uncomfortable? Thanks for allowing me to vent. My husbands listens and tries to understand how I feel, but I feel some of you ladies really know. Thanks again. -
Shorfi, you have to realize you only had surgery one week ago today. You need to take it easy and do nothing for 2 weeks. That's what my ps told me. I'm really sorry that you are having a hard time adjusting, but just think, a week ago was your surgery and by next week you'll see more of an improvement and less pain day by day. Don't be so hard on yourself. I too feel like I have an underwire bra on too. You will get used to certain feelings and most of them will go away. A few ladies on here are a couple of weeks ahead of us in the exchange, they are doing so much better. We have to give it time. I'm dealing with issues too, but I try to keep my mind occupied with other things. Since I can't do much, I just watch movies on my laptop. So yes, it is normal not to feel comfortable. Hell, I'm jealous when I read that you wake up on your stomach and side. I'm still on my back. Wish I could hug your pain and bad feelings away. Thinking of you and sending good thoughts.
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Thank you HappySpring.
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I tried bio oil....and broke out in a rash on my chest and on my incision between my foobs (lump removed 12-31) along with fat grafting on a big divot....before that I used bio oil only when I was washing my scar away strips and waiting for them to dry.
for Bio Oil it has mineral oil in it....at petroleum product! please Read this entire article...the last few paragraphs really scared me.http://chemistryblog-valerycnc.blogspot.com/2009/0...
for Scar Away
if I want a massage oil or to oil my legs/arms I use organic virgin coconut oil.....the kind that you cook with....use it for my hair at times, and also give a little bit to my dogs in their food each day for their coat
My PS even said silicone is healing....and he gave me this foam sheets with silicone on the back, to use for protecting my new nips post installation, he even cut several out for me in a circle shape and then he cut holes in the so I would know how to take care of them post surgery.
I have a full big bottle of Bio Oil 4.2 oz ....never opened which I ordered online for 19.99....anyone want it?....just pay pre- pay postage....PM me
Di
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There's a good scar thread on BCO. Not particularly active but some good info.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/756050?page=1
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Shorfi,
My mudflaps were removed as a separate revision (along with more scar removal and some pocket work)
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