Breast Development and Augmentation

[Danielle La Belle]

Hi Girls:

http://transwoman.tripod.com/breastdev.htm


I cannot remember if I ever provided this link. It was last updated, 22 June 2001. But, science really does not change that much. No matter what you have read, think you have read, or think is true on this subject, this link and related pages provide accurate, scientific-based medical information about this subject. Also, some very honest photos have been included.

Good, bad or indifferent, putting out heads in the sand and just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best result borders on just plain crazy. Things follow a very scientific, biologically oriented path when it comes to our bodies. So, do not hesitate to read through this well documented link and get the real info that one needs to help make such major decisions.

No mater what our brain thinks, if we have the wrong chemistry makeup based on such thinking, we are not going to get what we think we want. There will need to be some very carefully planned medical-based intervention. This includes cosmetic surgery as well as any use of hormones or combinations thereof.

There are many many snake-oil salespeople still out there and they are glad to part you from your hard earned money. So read and believe. Then decide on the right course for you. There really are no quick solutions. No mater what you want, "cells" only grow at a certain rate at different times in your life cycle. This cannot be altered. Any alteration in this process is referred to as "cancer." A good cell, gone bad or at best, not following the original programming that made it what it was before being altered. So, think, think and think again.

Hugs

Danielle Marie

[Anita]

Thank you, Danielle. This seems to be a realistic look at the whole subject. I agree that such information does not rapidly "date," but I do wonder when I see a website that goes years without an update. Does anyone still care about the info they're putting out there?

This can be a highly emotional subject. Would I be satisfied with ANY growth at all, given that at least it is all me? Maybe I would--I don't know. I'd think that it would frustrate me, more so than always having to wear artificial breasts. There's a certain look that I need to see in the mirror, and it's about a "B." Less than that makes me look strange, and it may be because broad-shouldered women (of either biological sex) need to have proportional breasts. "C" cups don't even tempt me anymore--they're just too much.

So, I might be able to manage a "B" cup on hormones, but at 55, it would be a long shot. It would be nice to have some cleavage, as there are many styles I can't wear without some. I've never had any success with chest-taping methods, so far. I could always use an enhancer with whatever growth I did achieve. Surgical augmentation doesn't really appeal to me.
Lots of food for thought. Thanks again.

[Danielle La Belle]

Hi Anita:

The web link is part of a much large entry:

http://transwoman.tripod.com/

This main page shows a last update of 26 January 2004 by Annie Richards.

Of course there is the possiblity that this person died. That they think they have provided extensive information that covers the subject. Etc.

A think that it is more of a "gift horse." Someone took the time to collect the information and provide it in such a way that one can easily follow it and make up their own mind.

This other link to home is rather interesting as well to look over all of the various topics covered. With the "no medical disclaimer," the web author reinforces the idea that we need to compare and decide on our own.

Just information.

Hugs

Danielle Marie

[Sally]

There is so much misinformation floating about regarding these things, so it's easy to be mislead one way or the other.

In my personal case I disregarded all information which was freely available in books or on the internet and sought advice from medical experts who were experienced in dealing with hormonal drugs and cosmetic surgery, and from people who had actually experienced the journey with opposite sex hormones. I decided against any cosmetic surgery, I opted for opposite sex hormones on the medical advice that the documented incidences of breast cancer resulting from men taking the female hormone drug estrogen, were quite negligible having regard to the number taking those drugs. In fact several medics told me they had no knowledge of any incidents where the taking of the drug was directly responsible for such a cancer occurring.

The American Breast Cancer Society have publicly stated that the risks of men contracting cancer as a result of taking estrogen is very small, and the advantages of men taking estrogen to combat Prostate Cancer far outweighs the risks of breast cancer.

Some research shows that about 470 men die annually of breast cancer, but such cancer is not attributed to the taking of opposite sex hormones. Approximately 20% of men who contract breast cancer have a close female relative who has previously had breast cancer, and it's considered hereditry for man as well as women. Prior exposure to radiation is considered to put men at risk of breast cancer. Men with cirrhosis of the liver and like liver illnesses run the risk of lowering their levels of androgens and elevating their estrogen level, which puts them at a higher risk of developing gynecomastia, which is also a growth, but it's a non cancerous tissue growth. The last figures I saw on the percentage of men who contract breast cancer in the overall number, including men and women, was about 1% men.

Notwithstanding the effects on family, friends etc, personally just looking at it from the health angle, I had to weigh up the overall health risk probabilities of taking opposite sex hormones and anti-androgens, as against the quality of my life due to trauma and stress flow on effects from having to live so far out of touch with my real self for so many years, and the effects it had had on me and those around me, and the volumes of plusses far outweighed the negatives.

Naturally it took time and money spent on 'getting it right', as my body and nervous system initially had unpleasant reactions to some drugs in the beginning, but this is where we need qualified expert experienced medical people, who can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct drug changes to achieve the required results with the minimum of adverse reactions.

It took 4 years before the physical changes were complete and it's been quite a while now since there have been any new noticeable changes. Also, now it is all good, there are no adverse reactions and hopefully I can continue on for the rest of my life as I am. One has to accept that after this amount of time has passed, that if in the future, for whatever reason I decided I didn't want to continue living with my breast growth, the only way I could make them disappear would be by surgery. I've been taking the female drugs too long and at least 80% and maybe 100% of the growth would stay with me even if I ceased taking the drugs.

As you say, it's not something which anyone should do without long consideration and it's essential to seek qualified medical advice. If the need is desperate and deep enough then I found the small risks were well worth taking. I still need a full medical by my Endocrinologist annually as blood work and liver examinations are essential for the rest of my life.

Personally, what I've gained from this course of action far outweighs what I lost, but I know from my own experiences and contact with people, that it isn't always the case for everyone and also some things are irreversible. It's so easy to be wise after the event and all that glitters is not gold, so I would advise anyone to leave no stone unturned before they decided to go down this path. It's not for everyone, but it is right for some of us.

We all have to be responsible for our own actions and decisions having regard to those who love us. I never make any decisions regarding my sex and gender issues without first discussing them with my wife. If I lost either, then life would lose all meaning. Mostly there is a balance which can be found with consultation, keeping an open mind, looking at the other persons point of view etc, because afterall we usually want them to see our point of view don't we. A little bit of give and take can work wonders, although I do admit that some people can never accept what we do, but hey, that's life. Some people recoil at my 'twins' if they find out the truth of me, but I can live with that because they are more an essential part of who and what I am and my life, than those people.

Kind Regards,

Sally.

[Danielle La Belle]

Thank you Sally.

"In fact several medics told me they had no knowledge of any incidents where the taking of the drug was directly responsible for such a cancer occurring."

The information that I cited earlier of course is just an individuals collection of information like any other. We often take license with data that we blandly will present as fact or as scientific information. The general statement as quoted carries no weight in that it is just that, a general statement with no scientific supporting facts. This comes from "social philosophy." "I saw a man with breasts, therefore all men have breasts." This type of convoluted logic is what causes misunderstandings and in turn, keeps the various theories alive and well.

The web site presents data that has elements of value and at the same time, yes, convoluted thinking. But, for the most part, if one just wants to read through such a collection to get an even footing before proceeding medically speaking, then one is "for warned is for armed" better than with little or no real conception of the road ahead.

Sally has lived this, so clearly, her opinion carries weight as it should for her. I see that as "your" experience." If we compare to the above social philosophy, then one might think that they too wil have the same experience. I just want everyone to consider "their own situation," as previous results do not guarantee a good result.

This is a slippery slope with no one winning. When we go about trying to win something, we loose even when we win. So I just want readers to consider that there is a web site with a collection of "ideas" that may pertain to their situation. Time is money and if I can find data at one location that gives me a good reference point, [subjective], I start there and move forward with patience and resolve.

I think that any change involving the anatomy of ourselves should never be taken lightly or with a "devil may care" attitude. As Sally pointed out, even going off medication, her breasts have developed to some level beyond what could be retracted without the aid of surgery and she will remain on her medication for a lifetime.

If we consider that we are forcing the body to function differently than what our chemical programming permits, then there is always the chance of a rogue cell going cancerous. However small the chance might be, it still must be considered if not for a moment, then within the guidelines of medical prudence. The patient needs to fully understand the resulting changes and have steadfast resolve to support the changes as with any surgical task being performed.

I am always concerned about cancer (a good cell gone bad) because if we really knew everything about it, we would have several different cures for the different types of cancer. As it stands, the medical industry makes more money in continual research than in providing a cure. Be as it may, the function of one living cell is extremely complicated in the programming and if anyone takes the time to study in depth this subject one can quickly see why there are no common man-made cures that work for all cancers. I think one must weigh this against making changes regardless of the statistics. No one is going to hold your hand if things go wrong so it is a risk that you go alone with.

I prefer to think that this information will help and not harm someone. As that is my intention in doing research on such matters.

Hugs To All...

Danielle Marie

[Virginia]

You girls are the greatest!
Love you both, Sally and Danielle what you do for your sisters here is wonderful! Bless you both!
It is for sure Virgnia will not be taking any drugs and as for surgery, no to that also. I guess my hope for when I hit the "happy hunting ground" is to be crushed by a 700 pound bench press attempt or an 800 pound squat!
Well......... I can dream!
I just love reading your posts!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya,
Virginia