Exchange City

Mominator, I probably looked at this site when I was having my exchange back in December, 2013 but today have scanned through. You seem to be on top of things here so please let me know if this is the right site for me or are there others?

My history is below but I had my exchange Dec. 6, 2013. I also had an augment on normal side. Within several months I started to develop cords from the axilla under the pectoral muscle but also near the lumpectomy scar which was unfortunately in the way when I had my mx. My lump was close to the armpit. I have never had cording down my arm but it has been twinned and very hard and visible for over 2 years now, despite much physio and massage (breast cancer trained MT). She was able to soften a worse cord from above though it is now back and creating pain in my shoulder. I have been on a waitlist for a revision for about 16 months. Last week I found a new lump lower midline but got into PS yesterday and he says the implant and contracture is creating what seems like a lump. He has ordered an ultrasound to reassure me. Also I go higher up the wait list as it is now medically needed not just for aesthetics. Still likely end of year as not enough OR time or nurses here in Vancouver. I am curious to know if others have experienced anything similar. I talked to my PS about getting rid of the implants as it seems possible to me that scar tissue and and the cording connective tissue may come back. He is encouraging about giving it one more try.

I had my exchange surgery in April. For the past two days I have had pain on my right side on the outside of my boob. Not sure what it could be. Has anyone experienced this?

Hello ladies,

I had a bi lateral in March and started reconstruction with the placement of TEs at the same time.. Like many of you, I had to wait for the completion of chemo before my PS would do the exchange. I finished the chemo route on July 12th and had my exchange surgery just last Tuesday, 16th of August. My question for all of you that have been through the exchange process, when did the tightness subside? I guess I expected it with the TEs and dealt with it but did not expect the tightness I am feeling with the implants. I am only at 550 CC which is super small compared to my natural breast. From a DD cup to a C. I am ok with that. I just don't what to have to deal with the dreaded tightness. I do have an extensive incision of both sides from have the dog ears removed as well as the implant placement. Any feedback would be appreciated.

BethL: I hope you are feeling better now. Are you still taking strong/narcotic pain medications? Those can make people nauseous. Or maybe the anesthesia is still working its way out of your system.

mvspaulding: I'm not sure, it could be a muscle stretching or a pull. Please give your PS office a call and ease your mind.

chapagonzo: remember that the implants are placed under the muscle and that it is surgery, plus your long incisions, so you have some healing ahead of you. I had extensive pocket work done as well, I think I was tight, although not as tight as TEs, for about 3 months.

Alex276: please speak with your doctor about your concerns.

SanFranKitty. Good luck with your surgery. I am two weeks out from mine. My PS is waiting to do fat transfer until later. Seems easier your way. I share your nervousness but after what we've all been through, this is the easy part (thats what I'm telling myself). I felt me mastectomy recovery was harder due to all the emotions regarding the cancer and waiting for test results and treatment plans. I am getting emotional about the reconstruction but excited to continue wearing bikinis far past it being appropriate!!

Ggpai - I know what you mean. I have been told I look thinner too. I hope your exchange goes smoothly

My PS said just a slight increase in rippling risk, so I wouldn't worry too much...

Mominator - thanks so much for the suggestions. I will definitely hit those threads too

Yay! Awesome that you can tell everything looks good. PErhaps your doctor could give you something to prevent nausea

It does stink. I think if you are craving carbs go for it! Your body knows what it needs when you are healing. You can worry about the fine details when you aren't dealing with nausea anymore. And make sure you drink plenty of water.

I have a question. Did the bandages on your belly keep you from wearing certain types of clothing

I didn't have any bandages on my Lipo sites. Just open to air. Drained for a day or so. Closed very quickly. Scars barely visible over time;)

Hello everyone! Just wanted to report that I had my exchange with lipo 11 days ago, and I feel great! I really only was tired for a few days. I came back to work yesterday but probably could have sooner. I'm pleased with how I'm healing so far. I am small though, only 280 CC and was only an A cup before. And I'm fairly skinny. The only minor pain I have now is the bruised feeling on my abdomen. I still wear the compression garment at night, but I've been wearing Spanx in the daytime. It's annoying but I think I can manage for a while. I had my post-op appt this morning, and he said everything looks good. I had 4 lipo incisions -- belly button, just under panty line (old C section scar), and 1 on each hip. And I have implant scars under the "breasts". I was fortunate to not have drains since I did not need alloderm. So, just saying all is well! And I hope this is almost behind me. You can do it! WE can do it! Thanks for all the support.

TimTab, I had exchange and an implant to the non-mx side at the same time. No problems.

Thinking about you SanFranKitty. Hope you are enjoying that cup of coffee right now. Speedy recovery.

Congrats on your exchange, SanFranKitty!

I could not wear the binder I was put in at the hospital because it was too tall and chafed, so I switched to tight Spanx within the first week and wore them 24/7 for 8 weeks.

hi all!

Thanks for the advice and sympathy so far. I had my second to last fill today and I am at a very tight (breasts feels like a basketball) 600cc, which is the official TE volume. Next week will be a 60cc overfill.

So, I was going to go with the smaller Natrelle 410 series FX at 560cc, but when she looked at me today with the TE, we noticed that my upper pole fullness was good right where my TE's stopped and they were only 13cm high, and the FX would have been 14.5cm high, which would have oven me bulgy upper pole, so we are going with the Mentor MH 620.

Honestly, I feel like it was meant to be and while I am worried about the rippling, I am happier with the idea of the slightly softer Mentor vs Natrelle. My kids have said multiple times that they miss "my old hugs" and I think it has to do with softness, so I will give up smoothness for some good hugs.

So now I get to schedule my exchange. I am hoping for the second or third week in Nov as that should work out beat for July and husband' schedule, plus soccer and cheer will be over for my girls, phew!!