Exchange City

Nickel- I also had rads (28 rounds) and my skin held up fairly well minimal discoloration and no open wounds. I too had TEs and the radiated breast definitely has shrinkage. I'm going to share my story with you I apologize because it is a bit long. Going into this radiation was always been on the table and my PS knew that I also wanted nip recon. After I did my exchange surgery (getting rid of the TEs is wonderful) i had my post op with my surgeon and wanted him to discuss the next phase nip recon. He refused because i had rads...I saw that we weren't on the same page so I began researching other options because I knew that I could not only get nips but that I could also be revised if I wanted. I finally found a PS who specializes in recon after rads. This type of reconstruction is different if you didn't have rads which my former surgeon didn't specialize in. Don't get me wrong he is a fantastic surgeon but having radiation added a significant variable to my case.

I would ask your surgeon how he intends to handle the reconstruction of the radiated side? Especially since the skin has shrunk you also have to be careful that you heal properly. Skin that has been radiated can have complications with healing. You may want to ask where the incision will be...is he/she going thru the original scar from mastectomy or will he be going thru the inframmatory fold. Ask about fat grafting and whether or not the stem cells will help improve the integrity of your skin. If he/she says no then they are giving you inaccurate information. So beware.

Also, ask if there will be a problem with symmetry because of the rads & will both sides have the same size implant?

I just had my revision surgery yesterday with my new PS he did fat grafting to help out my radiated breast and released my scar tissue. He also improved my symmetry & I now have the same size implant on both sides. Before I had 2 different sizes ( my former surgeon claimed it was because of my radiation). There's a discussion board on implants and radiation...I think it's called 'fat transfer and radiation' (whippetmom set it up) a number of us have been there and done that. Just because you had radiation doesn't mean you have to settle with mediocre results. Special K is also a wonderful resource for radiation and reconstruction. Hope all goes well, if you have questions please let me know.

Definitely go to that discussion and check it out.

Best wishes!

Mic

mominator- just saw your post - thank you, what a lovely compliment! I am well and hope you are too! I have to say I was dressed up for a Christmas party so not my everyday look! I have no great tips, other than the usual - get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, laugh a lot, and protect your face from the sun. In addition to breast cancer I have had a boatload of skin cancer, the first at 35, so I have mostly avoided the sun (I live in Florida - how's that for irony?) and my Vit D level reflects that, lol! But - I think I may look a little younger because of that. I use argan oil on my skin, and try to stick with cosmetics that rate well on the www.ewg.org site. It's funny - the original of the photo had my 28 year old daughter in it also - so when I look at it I see the contrast between her youth and my senior citizen status, ha!

lmkopy - yay, yay, yay! So happy for you!

Sweet Pea, thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful words -- as well as the warning. You're right, I should be careful about pushing myself too quickly. If my goals aren't realistic, I'll be even more frustrated. And sometimes I just need a cookie or a slice of cake, and don't want to feel miserable about it. Thank you for the reality check.

I'm two weeks out from surgery (prophylactic MX with TE placement on left and TE to implant on right). Pain isn't terrible, but my left arm is still a bit restricted and tight. I'm still sleeping in a chair, but I don't mind it. I just want this darn drain out! Hopefully it can come out when I go to my PS tomorrow. Just heard my PS is leaving the hospital in a couple months. I'm disappointed to hear that, as I trust him and hoped he would continue my care. Not sure what's next, but I'll speak to him.

RoJo, I think it depends on what type implants you received. I was told not to massage mine but I know of others who were told to massage theirs at a certain point. Best to check with your PS.

Edited to say: mine are the textured anatomical implants.

Sitti is correct, no messaging anatomical that are textured. I too have the gummy bear anatomical implants. No messaging! The pocket must adhere to the surface of the implant to keep them from rotating. I had pocket work done too on one side and I had minimal pain and soreness. They are more static than regular rounds but I am very happy with mine. I am 3 years post EX. They will get softer, but will never have the movement that the rounds do.

Robin

Hi! I am scheduled to have teardrop implants in my exchange surgery on 5/22. I am nervous about getting them because I am normally very active, and am scared they are going to shift over time. Before my surgeries, I lifted weights 4-5 times per week and played tennis 2-3 times per week. Will either of these activities put me in a spot where round implants would be better?

Thank you so much in advance, and I hope all of your treatments are going well.

Edit: Also, continuously get snuggled/tackled by my 5- and 8-year-old kids.

Having my revision tomorrow and heading in for pre-op testing in a few minutes!

hugs Scrafgal...good luck tomorrow and please update us when you can

I’m petite , have the pre pectoral implant. TE filled to 350. Implant was 440cc. I’m still getting used to it, and recon is not complete yet, but it doesn’t look like a separate entity

Rocketsmom86

Check out Breast Implant Sizing 101. Whippetmom can suggest an implant make, size and shape that would be good for your frame. Read the intro post and send her your info.

I have prepec TEs and they look pretty good (although uncomfortable). I'm opting for DIEP flap reconstruction instead of permanent implants as I just don't like how things feel inside. I was very lucky that my PS used “leftover" breast tissue (I was busty) from my BMX to pad my upper chest area in lieu of later fat grafting.

I've added 150cc to my expanders and I think that was (for me) about a 2 cup size increase (I'm 5'11). It did make the expanders (relatively) more comfortable.

Lanne

Rocketsmom86: I’m the same height with slender build, and also 34B, also athletic. I only had one breast removed, so my PS had to match my natural breast. My tiny implant went over the muscle. I continue to run, do pull ups and push ups, and play racket sports. It all worked out well for me, and I hope you have the same good fortune

I went for my follow up post exchange after a month and I’m pretty much done seeing him. I have nipple reconstruction in August and tattooing in September (close to BMX anniversary). I am kinda sad to not go back. He has been such a great support and a nice constant since my dx. I’m going to miss him. Is that strange?

TaRenee it’s not strange one bit...your surgeon used his skills to rebuild what breast cancer took from you...I honestly believe our emotional success in this journey is based on the expertise of our PS. Without them we would never feel whole.

Michelle

It does feel a little weird to not see your PS on a regular basis anymore doesn't it. I go back for a check-up in a month and then a year. I'm leaning towards no nipple recon or tattoo. I just don't think I care enough about them at this point. Every morning since I've had my exchange surgery which I'm at about 3 1/2 weeks out, I feel discomfort or a little sore. Sleeping on my side is doable but then I feel like it hurts since the implant has been pushed into one side all night. Anyone else have this? During the day I'm pretty comfortable and barely remember they're in there- just at night.

Jlove1821-i didn't have the interval sutures but I read how easy this surgery was but felt pretty uncomfortable the first couple weeks. It stinks too because you aren't really given as long to recover before going back to work. I hope it gets better for you. Other than night time, I feel like my old self again.

That makes me worried. I also have the gummy anatomical and some pocket work. My PS has never given me much for specific instructions. He always just says to use my common sense. He told me flips can happen but nothing really to prevent it from happening.