starting tissue expander fills in 2 weeks, help?

pas

I had a skin-sparing, bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders on Feb 5 and just had my drains out yesterday.  I will begin having the tissue expanders filled on March 13th.  I work in a school cafeteria and the plastic surgeon told me that she could release me to go back to work but all she would want me to do is wipe tables or run the cash register.  No carrying things or washing dishes, etc........Does anyone out there have a doctor who thinks the opposite?  Just curious because I always thought if you're feeling better, why not do more.    Although, I love my Plastic Surgeon, sometimes she gets me confused.  It all has to do with her not wanting me to do repetitive motions with my arms or something?  Does that ring a bell with any of you?    I don't feel 100% and my chest area is still sore so I don't want to push it anyway.  I wondered if I would be better to stay out longer from work?  

PanamaBound

Your expanders will most likely be placed under your chest muscle.  This is going to be uncomfortable.  I'm sure your PS doesn't want you using your chest muscles doing heavy lifting etc.  You need to be careful about scar tissue.  You may feel good but you're still healing on the inside. 

I will recommend, however, if she wants to put a lot of saline in during each fill, you can tell her to slow down.  Some want to put in 200-300cc at one time.  I had 60cc each week and did not have pain. 

karen_3

I am having bilateral done this Wednesday 3/4/09 and my surgeon thinks that 2 wks off is plenty.  Though I don't do any lifing - I will return to my commute to the city.

I think it depends on their impression of your 'general health' sometimes and of course all doctors are different.  I met a woman a few days ago who is 40 like me, with a unilateral skin sparing, she was just about to get her perm implants, but told me after hers - she took off 5 weeks.

I personally do much better if I'm kept busy so that's what I'm planning on.

Very best of luck to you, I hope your return is easy for you and you have no additional problems.

Karen 

sbmolee

I was told not to lift more than 5 lbs for the first 3 weeks or lift my arms above my head - to allow all to heal properly.  Then for the next three weeks, I could not lift over 10 lbs.  I could start range of motion exercises at 3.  PS said I had three "levels" of stitching and he wanted to insusre all healed properly.  Good luck.

Anonymous

Just found this site.  Sure wish I'd known about it before my surgeries!

Now 5 weeks post bi-mast with expanders.  Haven't had first fill yet. First one March 6.  I'm wondering about the pain/discomfort level.  The constant poking of the expanders are about to drive me crazy enough!  Plus, today I swear one has migrated lower on my chest today, maybe because I've been really stretching - at the recommendation of my PS.  Any advice?

PanamaBound

val61 - Your pain level depends on the individual.  I will tell you that your expander (which I called a ziplock bag at the beginning) will feel better when you get some fluid to expand it.  You can see above the PS seem do differ greatly on how much and how frequently they fill.  I had 60 cc a week with very little discomfort.

You expanders may move all over until they get pretty full.  My fill ports are in 2 very different locations but have not moved in weeks.  Also dont worry about the shape of your expanders.  You are just growing skin.  Being a novice myself, I hope this helps.

Anonymous

Thanks for the reassurance.  That certainly makes sense about feeling better when some fluid is added.  I don't know what my PS  has planned for my first fill, but he's quite conservative, which I like.  He said I'd be a bit slower than some women because my skin was so tight & will take longer to stretch.  Probably no exchange 'til the end of summer.  Good luck with yours!

smmr

Pas-

Wiping tables may sound like the easier job, but that sideways movement of the arms was really hard for me.  It took me a long time before I could wipe a table and actually get it clean!!  I tiled my kitchen backsplash about 10 weeks after my BM and I really paid for that later.  Lots of pain!  I thought my muscles were ready, but they told me differently!!  Just don't overdo, take it a little at a time and see how your body reacts!!  Take care!

Anonymous

I agree with summr - in fact, in fact my PS specifically said not to wipe countertops for 4 weeks.  The first time I did, I realized why!  I'm now almost 6 weeks post-op from BM and still quite tight in my pecs.  Lots of stretching and easy Pilates has helped, but even closing the hatch on my car is still nearly impossible. Just be careful....and listen to your body.

dani42

CindysNewFoobs

Thank you for the info.  I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders last Monday (Feb 23).  I am small frame and it feels like the expanders are practically to my back, definitely well under the arm pits.  I didn't receive any saline at surgery since I was way too tight.  I am hopefully having my first fill on Friday but the skin is still pretty tight.  I am hopeful that the jabbing edges of the expander feels better once there is some saline in them.

dani42

val61,

I  was hoping for a first fill last friday when my drains were removed by my ps also said I was too tight.  He said you can't go too slow but you can go too fast.  I'm hoping for this friday.  I go back to work Monday and would like a little something since a padded bra is out.  

pas

Thanks for the reply!   I am starting to find the smallest tasks-the ones that I THINK are going to be a breeze, are actually the hardest!  I have the option to stay out of work longer, I just don't know if I should.

Anonymous

dani42- my first fill will (probably) be Friday, too!  Luckily I was flat before this all happened, so the empty expanders look like my pre-BC "normal."  Are you worried about the fill?  We're supposed to go out of town that evening for a wedding the next day. 

dani42

val61

I'm actually bigger with empty expanders then I was before the mastectomy!  I said the same to the nurse as the ps walked in the room and he nodded in agreement.  I was thrilled in recovery when I saw a bump.  I am nervous about the fill.  Nervous he may tell me that I am still too tight and nervous the discomfort will be worse and I won't be able to return to work on Monday.

I am finding that sports bras and camis that I had prior to the mastectomy are already too small and I don't have any saline.  Isn't that pathetic?  In their defense, they were small but very nicely shaped, so I do miss them.  I fear that I will always remain tight and I won't be able to have success in the reconstruction phase. 

CAZ

Hey dani42,

I was an A prior to mastectomy.  My PS was thrilled to be able to fill 60cc at the time of surgery.  My pects were so tight that 60cc fills hurt, but 45cc were fine.  My skin became so tight after weekly fills that it looked a little shiny.  Everything stretched enough with slow fills to a nice C cup.  My implants are 550 high profile silicone, and I'm quite happy.  It will happen, don't get disappointed.

Carol(AZ)

dani42

CAZ,

Do I dare dream for a C?  I put on a "b" bra today that I had bought prior to the surgery.  I had picked up a B and C cup bra and filled bags of rice and placed them inside to see what size I would want!  Well, I put the "B" on today, and it fit, thats without anything but empty expanders.  It could stand to be filled out some but I also tried an "A" bra and it was too small.  Hopefully I won't need too many fills. Thanks for the information on your success.  It is encouraging.   

Anonymous

Dani41- to be perfectly honest, my empty expanders are way bigger than I ever was!  (bought my bras in the little girls dept -AAA!) How far post-op are you?  My PS initially scheduled my first expansion for 4 weeks out, but when he saw me he said I wasn't ready - needed to give it 2-3 more weeks.  I still feel tight, but I can at least make 'til late afternoon before I really need to take ibuprofen.  That certainly wasn't the case a  week ago.  I started to get stretch marks radiating from my incisions last week, so I figure they're doing their job - even empty.  Bet you'll do the same!

Ellen08

I had my bilateral on November 17, 2008.  How many weeks/months am I now??  Seems like a lot.  My expanders are filled to 650 ccs right now.  I want to  be a D cup - that's what I was before.  Everything was pain free until the 6th week of my fill ups.  I get filled up 50 ccs every week.  Thank God for Hydrocodone!!!  I get filled up on Thursdays and am on the couch Thursday and Friday.  I cannot wait until this is over -- but it will be one day.

 However, concerning the wiping of tables/counters, it actually helped me recover.  It hurt so badly for a while, but I feel that the stretching of my arms really helped.  I had to wipe one side of the counter and then go around to the back side.  I actually laughed at how inept I looked, but every day it got so much better.  It will hurt, mind you, but don't push too much. 

 Good luck everyone.  It's a long road, but you'll actually learn so much about yourself and the people around you.  I can't wait to learn more (less the pain). 

Farrah

Wiping tables was one of the hardest things for me as well as opening jar lids! For the first time in my life I played the weaker sex and asked the guys in the family to do it! I think they liked that, especially my 14yo who just went twist, 'there you go mom'. My usual 'I am Woman, hear me roar' kind of left me that day :-)

SaraJane

I agree that the 'wiping' motion... tables, cleaning a mirror, etc. are the most straining on the pectoral muscles.  I know it's different for all of us but I had my first fill today (3 weeks after my bilat/w expanders) and my ps told me I'm fine to do any exercise other than lifting weights or extensive use of my pecs.  

  I hope you do well with your fills and the rest of your recon!!  And YES... whisper instead of roaring while you can!!  I'm a roarer too and find it interesting to step back and give it a rest for a while!

  Lisa  

dani42

val61

My mastectomy was last Monday.  My ps said I would only miss about a week from work.  Then he said it depended on the individual. When I saw him last friday, he said I didn't have any restrictions.  I stayed out of work this week with every intention of returning on Monday.  Well, I just made my first attempt at driving. It was fine, as long as I drove straight!  I got to Walmart and felt like I was going to pass out.  I don't know why he thought I would have such a fast recovery. 

He wanted me to wait until next week for my first fill but I talked him into this week.  So, he could very well tell me that I am not ready but I am hopeful. 

I just bought some sports bras.  Has anyone found that their width changed?  I was normally a

34 A. Now I find 34's to be too tight, even in a sports bra where cup size isn't an issue.  My husband picked up a 36 for me and now I am trying a 38.     

Anonymous

Who knew driving could be so hard?!  I didn't have PS permission to drive til my drains had been out a week, but when I did, what a surprise!  Parking was bad, but trying to back out was even worse.  You're amazing for even trying! 

Don't know about the size change.  My PS wants me to only wear a cami.  I wore a "breast band" for almost 3 weeks after my pressure dressing came off.  Although I hated that thing, it  kinda held the expanders in; I actually wanted it back to help with the pain!  I'll ask him about a sports bra when I go for my first fill on Friday.

smmr

Dani,

Funny you should mention that about your width changing.  I am having the same problem.  Before, I could usually wear either a 34 on the loosest closure or a 36 on the tightest closure of a normal bra and now I'm up to a 40 sports bra!!

I didn't drive for about a month after my mastectomy and first fills, and then when I did I would literally have to get out of the car and look behind me to make sure I didn't run into something!!  It was crazy!!

sam1991

S, M, L, XL and XXL also go a long way....try not to get crazy about cup size until the exchange "talk". It still takes me 1/2 hour to change my king size bed and I'm 2 weeks short of my exchange!!! It used to take me and hour....no kidding. So it does get better...and like I've said before, the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train....it;s beautiful soft breasts...not foobs, because they will be ours and they will be real to us.

 Good luck ladies

xxoo Kathie 

Jeansbeans

Hi PAS, I think you are really rushing things by going back to work so soon. I know everyone is different, but your body has gone through alot, you need to take care of yourself, don't overdo it . And Take your fills slowly to reduce the streching pain. Do your streching excercises[ walking up the wall] they will help.  I took 7 weeks off[ I am a dental Assistant} I could not open jars or cut up anything thay required my arm strenght. The first time I drove I almost missed the turn, I was fine until there was a corner to turn, Turning the steering wheel a little at a time must look really funny to someone else.!  Go to the "CONTINUED EXPANDER PAIN " thread.  You will read so many posts from women going through the same thing.  Take care and Gentle Hugs. Jeanie  PS, I just had my exchange and it is so well worth everything you are going through!  I was 9 mo. with TX

purplehaze66

Hi Pas, I think we are in a similiar situation.  I had right prophy mast on Feb25,  I went back to work Thurday March 5th.  I am a skin care therapist.  I pushed it....I was in a lot of pain last night and today....I drove to work and worked a short day.  I did 2 body waxes which was very uncomfortable and a facial.....no heavy lifting but I guess I do use those muscles and now regret it so I am not working rest of week will start fresh on Tuesday even though I have my first fill on Monday.....good luck and take it easy!!!!Michele

dani42

had a bilateral mastectomy on 2/23 and had my first fill today - yeah!  210 cc's in each.  It didn't hurt at all, just felt pressure after 150 cc's.  I had taken a darvocet before the appointment, had a little burning sensation afterward but that has passed.  I just feel pressure now and limited arm movement because the foob is under my arm.    

Meredith01

Had my BiLat Feb 3rd and went back to work after 2 weeks.  I have a desk job but there is some filing and lifting as well.  I was very tired the 1st day back and I knew as I limped out of the office that I have overdone it. After that day I worked 4 hours each day for the rest of the week and just listened to my body when I was tired.  It takes time to heal inside and out and just answering peoples questions about how you are feeling is exhausting.    I have now had my 2nd fill and I was comfortable with 90cc anymore would have been painful.  I still have pain in the middle of the night but just take something before you go to bed.  The pain only seems to last for me about 2 days.  Best of luck to you.

Meredith01

Hi.  I had the same issue with the expanders.  I would feel them moving and jabbing into my armpit.  My Ps said that they were probably not moving around but the pain felt real to me.  I am 2 fills now and I am happy to report once I had the 1st fill the shifting stopped. Best of luck

NanaOfTen

Hi,

I had my unilater mast with the expander put in on Jan 29. I still have one drain in and hope (know) it will be removed this wednesday. That day I should get my first fill. Actually, during the surgery the ps said he filled me with 100cc's. 

What my ps didn't tell me I learned here. And more as I read this thread. No one told me how large the expander was, I didn't know it extended way under my armpit. The description of a ziploc baggy is so correct. I can push on my foob and it collaspes like a hard piece of plastic.

Yes, it is uncomfortable. very. I am having my second chemo tx today. then 6 more, for a total of 8 , three weeks apart, they will end in July. My exchange will take place after that. So, now, I am thinking (and hoping, praying) that the fill will not be too uncomfortable as I know this is my week to feel the chemo. Maybe he will postpone it till next week??? Doing both at the same time, seems a lot of ladies do it.

My ps was going to do the exchange 3 months from now, but my onc doc said no, we will wait until after chemo ends to make sure the healing goes well. I like that idea. Chemo lowers the blood counts, don't want my healing to be compromised. I was a DD before the surgery, still have my right breast and my ps is wanting to match it, tho will do a lift on it. 

I still have problems with stretching my arm out to the side, I get a sharp pain that radiates to the wrist. so, I don't do that for now. Like if I reach back for something. Also, are any of you ladies having a numb upper arm? mine is, the back of my arm is weird feeling, like it's numb.

dee1961

Hi NanaOften,

I had a bilat mastectomy, tissue expanders and 18 nodes taken on Monday March 9th.

Even though I do not have any experience with the chemo, I totaly understand what you are saying about the problems reaching and the numb upper arm. Like if it's numb why does it hurt? I know it may be premature for me to be talking aout it since it has only been a week for me, I just wanted to let you know that the numbness may be from the nodes being taken out, I was told that it will get better but some women may never get full sensation back I am going to the PS today and will find out if PT will help or what he suggests. I still have all 4 drains and don't expect that they will come out today. Good luck to you and I hope you are doing well

Dee~