Access to the Picture Forum - READ 1st POST

Hello I recently had a bilateral mascetomy and am in the process of fills. I currently am at the size I would like to be but wondering how implants looked as opposed to tissue expanders. I am 130 lbs, 5' 4" and was a 34b but would like to go to a full C for everything I went through. I have a 350 cc in my chest and am now at 375 cc which usually they go over in fills to allow for more space. My PS said that he will do extra fills to allow for larger implants if that were the case and also to stretch the skin too but other times he said he didn't need to do that so am wondering what others experienced.

Also, yesterday I had my fill that put me over by 25 cc and have been in extreme pain mostly on the left side which Is more round and where I had a lymph node removed, Is this common for those who have been overfilled or is there something I should be concerned about?

As with regular implants, do these settle and go down in size or since this is in between the muscles will the implant placed be true to size after the exchange too? If I tell my PS that I want the size I am now and get that same size will it get smaller over time as implants do for those who get breast augmentation then?  Were most of you happy going from a B to a C or low D and did you feel happy a C or whatever letter you choose to go to or did you think maybe you should have gone bigger? 

Sorry for the questions. The pain caused by yesterday's fill is leaving me with numerous questions and I want to be a bigger size than I was but I also know TE look different than implants so want to pick the right size based on how it will look after the exchange happens. Seeing pics of other reconstructions would help me visualize what to expect based on how my Te looks now. Thank you!

Thank you for developing this resource!  I am having my swap out and implant/lift on healthy side next week.  I am a little anxious about the symmetry and who to expect afterwards.  I would love to see pictures to be better prepared and learn more about the process.  Many thanks  

By first post we mean: GO to page 1 of this thread (not just the top of this page).

Thanks, AZ, for helpfully reminding people!

Holly,

Please go to the first page of this thread and read the very first post from nowheregirl (not the deleted thread starter). It will explain how to request access to the picture forum, which is not part of BCO, but run, voluntarily, by two dedicated BCO members. Good luck to you.

Sharon,

Go to the Breast Reconstruction Forum, and browse through the thread titles that pertain to your concerns. Do check the date of the last posting to make sure the thread is still active though you're sure to find lots of active threads on all aspects of recon. 

Sharon444, in addition to what exbrnxgrl posted, my favorite about all things implants:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

Whippetmom is very knowledgable and eager to guide us

pkb3937,

Please go to the first page of this thread. Read the first post for information on how to gain access to the picture forum (header has been deleted, so first post has the info). The picture forum is not part of bco and is completely separate. However, it is run by volunteers who are bc members (thank you ladies!)

OK - due to chemo vision, I only got through the first four pages, as it seems this is a forum just to ask to get into the picture site (I hope I got that right)

Here is my story as to why I would like to.  Dx with HER2/neu+++, hence allowed the FDA fast tracked antibody Perjetta, IF I do chemo before surgery.  OK, I have a 7 year old and 10 year old twins, so I'll do what I have to.  I don't like the concept that cancer is in me, I wanted it OUT, but if this gives me better chances, OK.  Now, because of this, when I had my 1/2 way chemo last week, I realized, I'm blessed.  I have time to find forums to help me with my decisions.  As it is under 3cm all med people seem to point me towards lumpectomy and radiation.  My mom (adopted so no genetics) had a mastectomy and lived into her 80's, so that is what I want.  I know, no scientific reason, just the psychological interpretation of a 10 year old girl now in a 49 year olds body, but due to that, I believe if I have a mastectomy I will live and it will not come back, hence positive attitude.  The tumor is close to the nipple on the right breast, so I will lose that nipple, but my 2nd opinion onc, said, if you do a BMX, save the one on the left.  I was so out of focus, I didn't ask why.  Might it have been for sensation, hence pleasure???  So, I now have posted to this topic, sent the owner of the topic an email request and I'm going to look for other topics that might help me with this decision.  If anyone has recomendations on this site or others, please let me know.  

Thanks AZ - did that, got 1st approval, created an account, now waiting account appoval.  Once I have an active account, do you stop posting here and start there?

Anybody have problems logging onto the Picture Forum yesterday and today?  Wonder if something's up or if it's just me.

Hello there,

I was DX last October with IDC. I had a bilateral mastectomy , chemo and radiation. After a year I'm FINALY starting the reconstruction process. I had fat grafting to try to heal my radiated side two weeks ago. I'm interested in sharing stories with others about their reconstruction experiences. I'm especially interested in hearing about anyone that had fat injections prior to Implant exchange. Would love to see some photos and am willing to share some as well. 

I haven't posted a lot on this site but have read it a lot since the start or my journey. 

Thanks in advance.

Loriell - Go here:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

and read just the very first post. (Not the one that nowheregirl accidentally deleted at the top of the thread.) The first post will outline the rules and guidelines for the picture forum. Then you can PM nowheregirl or Lilah as they are the only two people who can grant you access. The picture forum site is not in any way a part of BCO and is privately maintained. I hope that helps a little. Good luck to you....

loriell,

Please be patient. The picture forum is not part of bco. It is run, voluntarily, by two bco members on their own time.

Good luck getting access. I requested access, never heard a thing back. It was as if my request didn't even exist. How much one posts shouldn't be a huge factor. After all, there can always be correspondance via PM if they felt like they needed to get more information on ones intent. I came here looking for support and assistance. Had no idea what to even expect from reconstruction other than the limited pictures available on the internet. From diagnosis, to bx mastectomy, to the beginning of reconstruction was 5 weeks. It is unfortunate that the "keepers of the gate" didn't deem my request important enough to even respond to. Hope your request goes much better.  

There is a public website called Real Self on which both patients and doctors post photos, questions, etc.  There is a section devoted to breast reconstruction:

www.realself.com/Breast-reconstruction/reviews