Consult with PS; more decisions!
would you ladies help me and/or share your experiences with me? I have to make a decision on what type of implants; saline or silicone. I've had the discussion with my PS, and read a lot. And I'm having trouble making a final decision. At first, I thought for sure I would go for saline because I felt it was safer. But as I've researched and learned more, I'm leaning toward the silicone. I have a small frame and from my understanding, the saline tends to be for the bigger implants. I'll be lucky if my plants are 300cc's. I have 310 cc's in my expanders now, so I'll likely not make it out of the 200's. I've asked my PS, and he left the decision totally up to me. I made another appt with him for tomorrow so I can ask more questions and see if he recommends one or the other. For the silicone, the requirements are to get an MRI after three years and then one every two years to make sure they are not leaking. My big concern for the silicone was, will the cost of the MRI's be covered. If not, then I'm going for saline. But, the saline tends to ripple more and not be as comfortable, and I'm so ready for comfort becaue these TE's are very uncomfortable.
I'd appreciate any insight, advice you may have. And would also appreciate your thoughts and prayers tomorrow as I talk with my PS. He's always busy and seems rushed when I talk to him. I've written out a list of questions so I don't freeze up when I talk to him and can't think of anything to ask.
I think I'm weary of making decisions. You all know what that is like. A year's worth of decision, after decision and here is another one. I feel like I'm too tired to make an informed one, even though I'm trying.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you all so much.
Much love,
dh
Comments
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Silicone for me
Can you call your insurance and ask if the MRIs will be covered? I would think they could tell you.
My breast surgeon said she would get silicone if she were in my position. I trust her completely. She said they are safe and more natural. That was enough for me, so I'm going with silicone.
I get my implants July 7!! My last fill was in March and I'm now pretty uncomfortable and eager to get the TEs out. My fill totalled 250cc -- about the size I was before.
Best wishes in making your decision! You will feel so much more settled once you have decided.0 -
thank you!Christine Louise said:Silicone for me
Can you call your insurance and ask if the MRIs will be covered? I would think they could tell you.
My breast surgeon said she would get silicone if she were in my position. I trust her completely. She said they are safe and more natural. That was enough for me, so I'm going with silicone.
I get my implants July 7!! My last fill was in March and I'm now pretty uncomfortable and eager to get the TEs out. My fill totalled 250cc -- about the size I was before.
Best wishes in making your decision! You will feel so much more settled once you have decided.
I currently do not have insurance coverage at work but in three years, I will. So ... there is no one to ask the question.
Thanks again for your response. I keep hearing the silicone are safe. I guess I'm just a little worried.
Good luck on your exchange! I'm pretty uncomfortable too. No one told me I would have weapons on my chest with these TE's filled to the max!
Can't wait to get them out! 0 -
When i had that talk with my
When i had that talk with my doctor about a month ago she suggested silicone for me cuz i have a smaller frame...which you said your smaller framed also. Because they will look more natural and less ripples than the saline and if you had any problems with thin skin the silicone would be better.
It has been said that saline is safer than silicone if they break cuz of course the saline your body will just absorb it and you will differntly know that it ruptured, but you may not know if the silicone ruptures and having all that gel spreading thru your body cant be good...in making my decision i was a little worried about not knowing if the silicone ruptured or not....then i watched this show called "Myth busters".
They wanted to see what it would take to rupture a silicone breast implant...it took something extreme to break it...something that would put us in the ER if they were in our chest. Like stabbing it or shooting a bullet thru it and it was kinda cool cuz you would think that the bullet would bust it wide open instead it left a hole the size of the bullet and you would think all that gel in side the implant would just gush out and it didnt, it barely came out the bullet hole until he squeezed it to make it come out...so i think its safe to say if it ruptures more than likely we are going to know cuz youll be in the ER or worse and at that point who cares about the implant. Im sure there are other reasons it might leak and thats what the MRIs are for.
Your getting your surgery a few days after me (mines the 14th) and i also cant wait to get them out and at this point anything they put in will be more comfortable than the TEs.
Good luck with your PS and in your decision.0 -
Decisions....jo jo said:When i had that talk with my
When i had that talk with my doctor about a month ago she suggested silicone for me cuz i have a smaller frame...which you said your smaller framed also. Because they will look more natural and less ripples than the saline and if you had any problems with thin skin the silicone would be better.
It has been said that saline is safer than silicone if they break cuz of course the saline your body will just absorb it and you will differntly know that it ruptured, but you may not know if the silicone ruptures and having all that gel spreading thru your body cant be good...in making my decision i was a little worried about not knowing if the silicone ruptured or not....then i watched this show called "Myth busters".
They wanted to see what it would take to rupture a silicone breast implant...it took something extreme to break it...something that would put us in the ER if they were in our chest. Like stabbing it or shooting a bullet thru it and it was kinda cool cuz you would think that the bullet would bust it wide open instead it left a hole the size of the bullet and you would think all that gel in side the implant would just gush out and it didnt, it barely came out the bullet hole until he squeezed it to make it come out...so i think its safe to say if it ruptures more than likely we are going to know cuz youll be in the ER or worse and at that point who cares about the implant. Im sure there are other reasons it might leak and thats what the MRIs are for.
Your getting your surgery a few days after me (mines the 14th) and i also cant wait to get them out and at this point anything they put in will be more comfortable than the TEs.
Good luck with your PS and in your decision.
Dawne,
Hi. I am not having my surgery yet but I have been thinking about the same thing. After all we have all been (with breast cancer) I don't want to do anything to add to any risk. (I think I am paranoid about everything...)
I know that it has to be your choice but it is tough to make. Nothing will bring our own breasts back so I want to do what is safe.
I heard that if the saline breaks, it is easier to fix; it is not surgery. If the silicone breaks, it is a silent leak. They wouldn't know right away. Beside needing MRIs, it would involve another surgery to fix. The ripple effect in the saline is if it isn't filled enough. So you just have to be sure to pick the right size. I don't want them too big. (I am happy to look like a girl again).
Yes, silicone "seems" more real. I am thinking who said that .. a guy. After these expanders.. anything would seem better. I have to joke about it. Who thought we would have to make these types of decisions. Can I ask, how long were you told to wait until you did schedule your exchange. I wanted to rush but the fills did cause discomfort. Now I am just trying to be patient.
Great post. I am really so undecided about this, too.0 -
sally5Sally5 said:Decisions....
Dawne,
Hi. I am not having my surgery yet but I have been thinking about the same thing. After all we have all been (with breast cancer) I don't want to do anything to add to any risk. (I think I am paranoid about everything...)
I know that it has to be your choice but it is tough to make. Nothing will bring our own breasts back so I want to do what is safe.
I heard that if the saline breaks, it is easier to fix; it is not surgery. If the silicone breaks, it is a silent leak. They wouldn't know right away. Beside needing MRIs, it would involve another surgery to fix. The ripple effect in the saline is if it isn't filled enough. So you just have to be sure to pick the right size. I don't want them too big. (I am happy to look like a girl again).
Yes, silicone "seems" more real. I am thinking who said that .. a guy. After these expanders.. anything would seem better. I have to joke about it. Who thought we would have to make these types of decisions. Can I ask, how long were you told to wait until you did schedule your exchange. I wanted to rush but the fills did cause discomfort. Now I am just trying to be patient.
Great post. I am really so undecided about this, too.
I couldn't take it too fast because I was only get 60ccs per fill, and it went down every two weeks. I experienced excruciating pain after one fill in particular. I was reading the boards on breastcancer.org and someone said, "It is not a race." And that made sense to me. Why hurry? Yes, the TE's are uncomfortable, but why should we be absolutely miserable just to rush ahead and get it over with. And, the things I've read seem to indicate that you should wait AT LEAST six weeks after your last fill to give your skin and muscle adequate time to stretch. Because once they put the implant in, your muscle is going to shrink some, so the longer the stretch time, the better. I scheduled my exchange surgery 6 six after my final fill. It will be five months from the time of my BMX. I haven't had radiation.
Best wishes to you, Sally5. Hope you come to a decision soon.
Blessings,
dh0 -
thank you, jo jo. good luckjo jo said:When i had that talk with my
When i had that talk with my doctor about a month ago she suggested silicone for me cuz i have a smaller frame...which you said your smaller framed also. Because they will look more natural and less ripples than the saline and if you had any problems with thin skin the silicone would be better.
It has been said that saline is safer than silicone if they break cuz of course the saline your body will just absorb it and you will differntly know that it ruptured, but you may not know if the silicone ruptures and having all that gel spreading thru your body cant be good...in making my decision i was a little worried about not knowing if the silicone ruptured or not....then i watched this show called "Myth busters".
They wanted to see what it would take to rupture a silicone breast implant...it took something extreme to break it...something that would put us in the ER if they were in our chest. Like stabbing it or shooting a bullet thru it and it was kinda cool cuz you would think that the bullet would bust it wide open instead it left a hole the size of the bullet and you would think all that gel in side the implant would just gush out and it didnt, it barely came out the bullet hole until he squeezed it to make it come out...so i think its safe to say if it ruptures more than likely we are going to know cuz youll be in the ER or worse and at that point who cares about the implant. Im sure there are other reasons it might leak and thats what the MRIs are for.
Your getting your surgery a few days after me (mines the 14th) and i also cant wait to get them out and at this point anything they put in will be more comfortable than the TEs.
Good luck with your PS and in your decision.
thank you, jo jo. That is pretty interesting about the mythbuster show. I worry about those slow leaks, though. Ahhhh, I've gotta stop worrying!!!!!!!!!!!
good luck with your exchange and you're right, anything will be more comfortable than the TE's!
blessings,
dh0 -
update
I had typed out a list of thirteen questions for my PS. He took the time to answer each one. He wasn't in a hurry. He addressed all of my concerns. I felt listened to ... such a gift.
I decided to go for the silicone.
They moved my surgery from July 19 to July 23.
thanks for your input!
Can't wait for yippe squishy!
0 -
Good newsDawne.Hope said:update
I had typed out a list of thirteen questions for my PS. He took the time to answer each one. He wasn't in a hurry. He addressed all of my concerns. I felt listened to ... such a gift.
I decided to go for the silicone.
They moved my surgery from July 19 to July 23.
thanks for your input!
Can't wait for yippe squishy!
Don't you love working with a doctor like that!?!! I'm glad you got the info you needed to make a decision. Your mind is more peaceful now, no doubt.
I get my softies next Wed.! Should I ask if I can keep the old expanders for paperweights? Bookends? Hockey pucks?0 -
ha!Christine Louise said:Good news
Don't you love working with a doctor like that!?!! I'm glad you got the info you needed to make a decision. Your mind is more peaceful now, no doubt.
I get my softies next Wed.! Should I ask if I can keep the old expanders for paperweights? Bookends? Hockey pucks?
It is a BLESSING to have a doc like that.
Congratulations on getting your softies!
I'm thinking they would make a good coat of arms!)
Bookends and paperweights would be pretty good, though!!
Blessings on your surgery!
dh0 -
Just wishing you good luckDawne.Hope said:thank you!
I currently do not have insurance coverage at work but in three years, I will. So ... there is no one to ask the question.
Thanks again for your response. I keep hearing the silicone are safe. I guess I'm just a little worried.
Good luck on your exchange! I'm pretty uncomfortable too. No one told me I would have weapons on my chest with these TE's filled to the max! Can't wait to get them out!
Just wishing you good luck Dawne in whatever you decide.
Hugs, Diane0 -
I've decided ... my choice is Saline .. ;-)))))Jean 0609 said:Silicone
My PS actually prefers the silicone, because she said it is defintely more natural. I haven't made my final decision, but it will probably be the silicone. Good luck to you and let us know how you make out. Hugs.
I did not realize there are soooooooo many of us .. sisters in PINK awaiting the "Exchange" phase of our new breast.
I went back and forth between saline and silicone .. for several weeks .. researching and asking my PS what seemed like 100 questions. I kept coming back to saline - based on the easier cut and surgery options (plastic's office) should there be a leak. I can not.. go thru any additional cuts.
Please note that my decision is based on a staph infection that settled in my right expanders .. 6 days before my 'first' exchange was scheduled ..late April 2010. I walked around with 1 breast -- fully expanded to a C cup.. and my right breast concaved and raw for 7 weeks before I could have a 2nd surgery to replace my right expander. Wait .. get regular fill up .. you all know the drill, on and on .
In fact there is a 'NEW" 3 D ..,. tat nipple that is available - that I am thinking about getting.
I will admit that I am a solid .. C cup now, firm and slightly uneven. I go in on 7/21 for my exchange - 2nd time is the charm, or so I am told.
Good luck to us all, and a speedy recovery for all.
Vicki Sam0 -
implants
Hi Dawne.Hope,
This was a big one for me too.
I wrote about it on my blog and I have photos of my silicone on my website if you'd like to take a peek. (you'll find it under the Member Resource Directory with my photo).
I ended up with silicone and have been very, very happy so far.
Undergoing nipple reconstruction right now and all is on the right track.
After a ton of research and talking to friends with saline I didn't get very good feedback.
You're in my prayers!
xxoo,
SamuraiMom0 -
Good luck to you, VickiSam!VickiSam said:I've decided ... my choice is Saline .. ;-)))))
I did not realize there are soooooooo many of us .. sisters in PINK awaiting the "Exchange" phase of our new breast.
I went back and forth between saline and silicone .. for several weeks .. researching and asking my PS what seemed like 100 questions. I kept coming back to saline - based on the easier cut and surgery options (plastic's office) should there be a leak. I can not.. go thru any additional cuts.
Please note that my decision is based on a staph infection that settled in my right expanders .. 6 days before my 'first' exchange was scheduled ..late April 2010. I walked around with 1 breast -- fully expanded to a C cup.. and my right breast concaved and raw for 7 weeks before I could have a 2nd surgery to replace my right expander. Wait .. get regular fill up .. you all know the drill, on and on .
In fact there is a 'NEW" 3 D ..,. tat nipple that is available - that I am thinking about getting.
I will admit that I am a solid .. C cup now, firm and slightly uneven. I go in on 7/21 for my exchange - 2nd time is the charm, or so I am told.
Good luck to us all, and a speedy recovery for all.
Vicki Sam
I didn't realize how many there were, either!
I knew you'd had some trouble, but didn't know what exactly. That sounds horrible! So sorry you had to deal with all of that.
I'm still unsure on nips, but I've heard about those 3d tats. I'm definitely going to check those out.
Your exchange is on a Wednesday. I'll be thinking of you. Mine is on Friday.
A speedy recovery NO complications to you!!!
Blessings,
dh0 -
thank you, Samurai!SamuraiMom said:implants
Hi Dawne.Hope,
This was a big one for me too.
I wrote about it on my blog and I have photos of my silicone on my website if you'd like to take a peek. (you'll find it under the Member Resource Directory with my photo).
I ended up with silicone and have been very, very happy so far.
Undergoing nipple reconstruction right now and all is on the right track.
After a ton of research and talking to friends with saline I didn't get very good feedback.
You're in my prayers!
xxoo,
SamuraiMom
thank you, Samurai! I've been following your story. You hated your implants at first, didn't you?
Who knew making that decision would be so difficult? ugh. I'm tired of all the decisions.
The only person I know whose had a BMX was a friend who had saline. She was really pushing me toward them, but I felt they weren't going to be right for me. Thank you for your encouragment! And for those prayers!
take care of those new nips!
dh0 -
Glad that your decision hasDawne.Hope said:thank you, Samurai!
thank you, Samurai! I've been following your story. You hated your implants at first, didn't you?
Who knew making that decision would be so difficult? ugh. I'm tired of all the decisions.
The only person I know whose had a BMX was a friend who had saline. She was really pushing me toward them, but I felt they weren't going to be right for me. Thank you for your encouragment! And for those prayers!
take care of those new nips!
dh
Glad that your decision has been made, dh. Should be the last big bc-related one for you, too. It's been a marathon, hasn't it??
I'll be thinking of you on July 23. Sending you and all best wishes for a quick recovery and pleasing results.0 -
Thank you, Moopy!Moopy23 said:Glad that your decision has
Glad that your decision has been made, dh. Should be the last big bc-related one for you, too. It's been a marathon, hasn't it??
I'll be thinking of you on July 23. Sending you and all best wishes for a quick recovery and pleasing results.
you've been there all along this journey. Your encouragement along the way has meant more than you know. Yes, this should be the last big decision. Glad to have it under my belt!
Thank you for your thoughts and best wishes! Again, means more than you know!
Love and hugs,
dh0 -
Happy that you have decidedDawne.Hope said:Thank you, Moopy!
you've been there all along this journey. Your encouragement along the way has meant more than you know. Yes, this should be the last big decision. Glad to have it under my belt!
Thank you for your thoughts and best wishes! Again, means more than you know!
Love and hugs,
dh
Happy that you have decided now Dawne! Wishing you the best!
Hugs, Megan0
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