double masectomy

Sunshine08

double masectomy

Sunshine08

had a double masectomy on June 9th wondered if anyone has had these awful spasm that I am having I am sure someone has.I had the reconstruction surgery done on the same day with the expanders. I am not really complaining I have a very positive attitude about it all and have from the beginning. I am so lucky I had the chance to catch something before it was to late like my other family members was not aware of. I had a very strong family history of breast cancer and I am a very lucky one. Would love to hear from anyone that has any advice on sleeping and trying to deal with the spasms or any other things you would like to chat about.

CAZ

Hi Sunshine,

I had double mastectomy with expander implants on 6/11.  I still have to take a much reduced dose of pain reliever in order to get comfortable enough to go to sleep and again in the morning.  Right after surgery I was taking 2 vicoprofen every 6 hours.  Now I take one every 12 hours.  It still feels like I'm wearing a very uncomfortable bra in between doses.  My lower back aches occasionally (probably from sitting at this computer for hours), but that improves with a heating pad.  My PS warned me not to use the heating pad on my chest since it won't have the sensation to tell me the skin is getting too hot.

Someone mentioned having botox injections during their fills to decrease the discomfort.  I have no idea if that is an option for your case.

I can't wait until they'll let me do some range of motion exercises.  I see the PS tomorrow for a follow-up. Finger's crossed.

Good luck to you,

Carol(AZ)

Sunshine08

Carol thanks for commenting back. I know it feels like a bra that is 4 times to little...lol. I have been stacking pillows up on the couch and sitting up sleeping. If I lay down it gets a very tight feeling across my chest. I was taking Valiums for the spasms but then the doctor put me on Flexril last week which I don't really feel they help at all. I am trying to wean myself off medictions due to I am to go back to work this next Mon. the 30th. I can't be driving and trying to do my job if taking medicine. I have heard Tylenol P.M. works well for sleeping. I have also heard that Advil is a good over the counter med that reduces swelling. They put some saline in the expander at the time of the surgery not sure how much he used. I go back this Wed. in 2 days for my first fill. I am a little scared not knowing how it gets done or how much he should use due to the spasms I am having planning on asking alot of questions this week. Last week was just removing the drain tubes which I was happy to get rid of .

We just have to remember this will come to an end and we will be healthy and happy at the end. I am so thankful I did not have the cancer that my other family members died from. I decided to look into my options early and found that I needed to have them removed and insurance paid because I was at high risk. Please keep in touch and thanks for commenting. Tami

ehall

Hi Carol and Tami--I too had a bilateral mastecomy last fall and had lots of spasms and discomfort for the first 3 or so weeks.  Once you can start stretching you'll feel so much better.  Definitely ask your PT for some exercises to regain for your range of motion.  I started seeing a PT who specialized in working with breast cancer patients--she was terrific in getting me moving.  The biggest challenge was just giving myself permission to start moving again.  I am now 6 weeks out from my expander exchange--which was a huge relief.  But every now and then I get a spasm.  Stay positive and know that with each day--the worse gets further behind you.

Erin 

tami48

Tami -

I had bilateral mastectomy w/expanders on May 12.  The most comfortable place for me to sleep while drains were in was my recliner.  I later slept in my bed with a wedge pillow for my head and pillows on each side of me.  I had quick, sharp pains everyday for awhile.  Arm exercises that my doctor gave me seemed to help.

Now I'm mainly uncomfortable after a fill (saline injection), feeling really tight for a couple of days. I have a couple of more fills to go and I should be through with that part.  I was also worried about getting fills.  I couldn't believe that it didn't hurt at all (in my case).  I make out a list of questions I have for my PS each time I see him.  Let him know how your feeling and ask questions.

I agree with Erin:  Stay positive and know that with each day the worse gets further behind you. Thinking of you  Oh, my name is Tami also!

tami 

TAR

Hello all,

I had bilateral masectomy w/reconstruction on June 16th. I'm tolerating the "belt around my chest sensation," it's my right arm that's killing me.  That of course is the arm they removed nodes from.  Neither the surgeon or p.s. has mentioned anything about rom exercises.  Has anyone experienced this kind of pain -- if so any tips?  motrin, tylenol p.m. and vicodin aren't giving me any relief.  The pain is keeping me awake at nite.  Would love to hear that this too will pass!

Tina

abinneb

Hi Tina,

I had a bilat w/ recon on 6/24.  Same with me - tolerating the chest 'band' and but my Right  under arm down to my elbow is killing me - same where the SNB was.  Sharp pain - like electric shock.  I'm finding I'm hunching my right shoulder now too.  And now my neck hurts.  Checked under the arm this morning and it seems I have what they call cording.  I'm trying to research in these boards and on internet.  I'm a bit angy because I asked all docs about pre-surg PT consult - they all felt not really necessary.  I'm feeling like they are saying if we don't talk about it, it won't happen.  Well, it did and I'm pissed I wasn't informed about it.  I've been using cold packs (not ice) and warm washcloth - alternately - not hot.  Seems to provide some relief.  I'm not finding anything like darvocet or the ibuprofin to be helping.  I'm going to call my brother who is a PA and see if he can suggest anything.  Otherwise I'm getting a PT consult on Monday.  Our hospital has post breast surg PT's who specialize in these type of problems from what I gather from talking to some people.  I have to get relief somewhere - can't imagine living with this pain.

Please let me know if you find out anything too.  No one gave me any exercises or anything.

Best wishes Tina - hope something good happens for the arm

Amy

tdunn82816

HI TINA, I AM A NEW CHAT PERSON AND CANNOT DREAM OF YOUR PAIN.  THE REASON TO CONTACT YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS IN THE CHAT ROOMS IS TO INTRODUCE OUR COMPANY, MEDICAL REHAB WEAR, LOCATED IN JACKSON, TN. OUR PRODUCT IS A CUSTOMIZED T-SHIRT WITH HIDDEN SNAP TAPE.  ONE CHAT FRIEND ACCIDENTLY FOUND OUR LISTING IN EBAY AND HAS HER SURGERY TUESDAY.  SHE ORDERED ALL COLORS.  WE CUSTOMIZE  HEAVY WEIGHT COTTON T-SHIRTS FOR POST MASTECTOMY SURGERY PATIENTS & ANY OTHER UPPER TORSO INJURIES OR SURGERIES. THE COMFORTABLE SNAPPY "T"'S WERE ORIGINALLY CREATED FOR ORTHOPEDIC REASONS AND LATER FOUND THAT SAME SHIRT PROVIDES EASE OF DRESSING, UNDRESSING, REHAB & BATHING DURING THE HEALING PROCESS. WE WOULD LIKE TO REFER EACH CHAT MEMBER TO MY "EBAY" LISTINGS THAT DESCRIBE THE T-SHIRTS IN DETAIL. LOTS OF PICTURES.  YOU MAY USE (MASTECTOMY SURGERY - T-SHIRT) FOR A SEARCH WORD, THE CATEGORY IS "SPECIALTY, CUSTOM, SHIRTS".  OUR PRODUCTS ARE PATENT PENDING & OUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS REHABWEAR@YAHOO.COM FOR ANY QUESTIONS.  WE ARE A YOUNG BUSINESS AND HAVE FOUND THAT OUR T-SHIRTS ARE HELPFUL FOR MANY MEDICAL CONDITIIONS.  THANKS, TERESA DUNN, Sales & Marketing