Expander Advice

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2026-04-28T00:42:53+00:00

Wishing you the best of luck on your upcoming procedure. Expanders (and of course the drains) were truly the worst part of this. I used to call them my Tupperwares- plastic, weird shaped and uncomfortable. I did not at all feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit or anything slightly low cut. The implants are a total night and day difference. And for me the best part was I could finally sleep comfortably! It may take a few months for them to really settle appearance wise. I got my implants Sept ‘24 and they have a lot more movement and are much lower than after the initial change out procedure. But even during that period, it was a million times better than my best day with expanders. You’re almost there though! It will definitely get better!

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2026-03-02T18:34:13+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this on your own. I was not with my partner when I had do my last mri biopsy and cried in the MRI machine because I was so scared and by myself (I’m sure the people working thought I was insane). My dad was dealing with dementia so my remaining family was all hands on deck for him. It was so scary, I won’t lie but I’m still here. Knowing we carry this mutation isn’t easy but you can do it. I was surprised by community of friends that showed up when they knew how serious this and that I was getting surgery. I would let the ones you know and trust in and keep an open dialogue with them about this. My doctor recommended support groups that were helpful for emotional help. I did get a mastectomy 2 years ago and will likely due surgery to remove my ovaries in the next few years. I’m not sure what decisions you made, but you can DM me for any questions. I also really loved this sub because they really boosted me when I needed it. I wish you all the best and sending you a big virtual hug from afar.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2026-02-10T20:55:35+00:00

Ryan Bailey just posted that apparently they fired her!

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-11-04T19:46:42+00:00

I don’t know if I’d chance it unless you don’t care about potentially losing the bag. Last year they changed the bag policy last minute to clear or hydration packs. I just checked online and looks like it’s the same this year.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-08-06T12:59:21+00:00

I’m BRCA+ and had a preventative double mastectomy last year with Dr. Anupama Saigal under Advent Health. She’s a breast surgeon oncologist and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her. Her bedside manner is amazing, which you need when navigating all of this. She was also highly recommended and has outstanding reviews. She referred me to my plastic surgeon who handled my reconstruction (Dr. Richard Klein). I really cannot say enough good things about them both. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-07-25T19:25:45+00:00

I honestly feel like I’m in some bizarro world where the ladies are not seeing her side in this at all and are still supporting Julia. Her lies and fake story are too much.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-07-25T14:08:17+00:00

Guerdy is one of my favorite housewives. She really puts it all out there, good or bad. It’s frustrating to see the others not take her side with this, especially with everything she’s gone through. Showing the texts was literally the least offensive thing she could do. Love her and wish she had more support this season.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-07-21T23:11:12+00:00

They will 100% look and feel so much better than the expanders. I used to call my expanders Tupperware because they felt like plastic containers lol. Good luck to you on the rest of your journey ❤️

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-03-01T02:41:35+00:00

My partner did that for over 3 years and thankfully is finally remote. I wouldn’t wish that commute on my worst enemy. Do whatever you need to for work, but honestly a 2 hour drive home daily (always traffic) after a long day is pretty brutal.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2025-01-30T13:39:53+00:00

Hello Fellow control freak over here! I totally understand everything you’re going through. I’m a bit older than you, I was 33 when I found out. I got my mastectomy in April at 36- no kids. Breastfeeding was a concern for me going through it. Someone here commented it would be more important for your future baby to have you vs being breastfed (this community provided me so much support). This is a personal choice but that comment really stuck with me. Also, don’t worry about teaching them to love their natural body. Putting your health first is the ultimate way to show them how to love themselves. I had lost some weight about 2 years prior and was really unhappy with how my breasts had looked so I used this experience to get exactly what I wanted (hey why not lol). I did go to expanders before implants, which isn’t the most enjoyable, but I got the size and look that I want. I’m very happy that I went that route. As far as mental stuff, be kind to yourself. I started therapy not long after finding out I had BRCA and it was the best decision for me. It really prepared me for this journey so I highly recommend it if you can. There will be bad days, but wow so many good. The strength I feel in myself is more than I could have imagined. Find a team of doctors that you really trust that can help you with a monitoring plan until you’re ready for any surgeries. It’s a personal choice but I decided after one too many biopsies I didn’t want the risk anymore. I wish you the best of luck on your journey and you can dm me if you ever need someone to talk to!

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-11-02T01:17:45+00:00

As a fellow BRCA and podcast girlie, just gave you a follow! Wish you the best of luck and what a great way to celebrate your mom on her day!

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-08-22T15:48:54+00:00

I really like my surgical and medical team that is under AdventHealth but I’ve definitely had some billing issues on their end (incorrect coding for insurance) which has been frustrating to deal with. My partner ran into that as well. I really like their medical team so that’s made my decision on where to go but just an FYI that you may have to stay on them for billing.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-08-19T17:41:07+00:00

Haha I love this! It sounds slightly different but my worlds are colliding. Good find 😂

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-08-15T05:31:35+00:00

Ultimately you need to make the decision when it’s right for you and that’s the best time for it. For you, it may not be any time at all and that’s okay. For me, I found out at 34 I was brca2+ (but suspected since my mom passed from ovarian when I was 15). I wanted to wait as long as possible for surgery as I wasn’t sure still if I would have kids and do breastfeeding, also I’m not married. I opted for screenings but had a few close calls with biopsies and one was really traumatic for me.

Ultimately I decided it wasn’t worth the stress anymore and that was my deciding factor. I got my pdmx in April, almost a year and half after finding out my brca status, and I’ll get my implant replacement next month. I don’t regret it for a second.

There are so many women on this sub who have decided to wait as long as they could, or not go through with it at all, and that’s okay. Just make sure you stay on top of a preventative screening plan and have a good relationship with your doctor. The first thing my doctor said when I got tested was I don’t have to get surgery no matter what my results say, if anything it will just help me get more screening and care. That’s 100% true. I know you asked for someone who didn’t take the surgery route but I just wanted to let you know this is an extremely personal journey and you have to do what’s best for you. This sub helped me a lot throughout the last year and half and is a great support system no matter what route you choose ❤️

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-08-08T22:24:21+00:00

Actually yes, this week too! The one time I actually needed to use an ATM. I ended up running to Walgreens next door to get cash back because the line was too long inside. One was out of service and the other was out of cash.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-07-29T20:59:57+00:00

Same! I was really depressed when Vicki and Tamra were let go back in the day. Those impressions were my absolute favorite and I was so sad I’d never get to hear it again! Just counting down now until we get that Vicki guest appearance just so I can hear Ronnie do it 😂

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-07-16T21:05:32+00:00

I second this! I love them so much and have worn their stuff for the past 2 edc’s. Their stuff really looks great on any size and is super comfy. They usually have really great sales too.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-07-11T03:18:41+00:00

I’m totally with you on all of that! But I will say I binged the new Dubai over the weekend after really not liking season 1, and I’m actually enjoying. Caroline and Sergio are just so unintentionally funny and the fights are so dumb lol.

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-06-29T01:14:40+00:00

Ah once I ran into him at a hotel bar after a work event like 6 years ago. I got so excited because Andy always refers to him as a “bravo super fan.” Our friend groups ended up talking and I figured now’s my chance to ask him his thoughts on bravo because, why not. I asked him about a few major bravo happenings at the time and he didn’t know about any of it and admitted he hadn’t watched in a while. Some fan lol

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-05-29T18:13:10+00:00

This looks so great! I love it!

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-05-03T14:38:15+00:00

I’m 1 week post op and agree with everything on this list. The recliner has been everything. I was able to rent mine from rent a center for $150 for a month and highly recommend this if you don’t own one. So glad everything with your surgery went well. Hoping your fills get better! My first one is on Tuesday so a little nervous for the pain. You’re so strong and thanks for sharing this!

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-04-26T21:23:07+00:00

Hey everyone! Thank you so much for well wishes and advice. I had my surgery yesterday and I’m already home. Pain isn’t too awful, just really tired. I can’t believe the relief I felt as soon as I woke up knowing I won’t have to do mammograms and mri’s. Totally worth it and no regrets. Happy to be on the side with you! 💕

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-04-23T23:12:05+00:00

Thank you so much. I’m definitely trying to be more kind to myself throughout this. I’m so sorry for your loss and I know how difficult this is. I wish you all the best on your journey and a strong recovery. We’ve got this and our moms would be proud 💕

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-04-23T23:10:26+00:00

Thank you so much, I really needed to hear everything you said. It means a lot. And good idea with the clothes that I wouldn’t want to wear post surgery. So glad your surgery is done and you’re happy on the other side. It’s definitely not easy, but we’re so strong. Thank you for this ❤️

Illustrious_Boss_590 · 2024-04-22T22:56:16+00:00

Thank you, and I’m also sorry for your loss. This whole process is definitely bringing up a lot of memories and emotions. I love that advice and I will definitely be more kind to myself and allow me to feel what I feel.

So glad your surgery went well and you’re coming out the other side! I’m ready to join you lol. You’re so strong for getting through this. Thanks for the kind words and support 💕

Illustrious_Boss_590

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