Surgery finally happening

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited April 2011

    Tina, this a period of adjustment, and please be kind and gentle to yourself and there is PTSD involved, I'm sure of it.

    Hope the trip home went well, and you're feeling okay.

    Can I join Binney in the hugs?

    Kira 

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  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2011

    Hi Tina - I bet it's good to be home!  

    When you feel up to it, could you let me know what you use for tank and inserts ("I also wore my tank with inserts on both sides of my trunk below the underarm area.")  I use an Assets tank (backwards) and the mastectomy swell spot, or the thora-thigh when I have the patience to insert it.  Neither actually provides the compression coverage I need. 

    Thanks!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2011
    Ninja, have you tried the WearEase Slimmer? It offers considerable compression and it's comfortable. I use a Kimbe Spot swell-spot in it when I have problems with swelling.
    Binney
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  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2011

    Thanks, Binney - arm openings of Wearease too big, also too low cut on top (same w Assests but Assets fits a bit better) & Kimbe is way too small. 

    (If you looked at the journal article referenced by Becky and Kira above (thanks!),  I have "poofs" of swelling similar to figures 2 & 4, plus more diffuse thickening (fibrosis?) up to collar bone, and swelling around shoulder and down back & side.  The sports bra and compression shown in the article (as usual, on models who don't appear to have LE) would not work for me or for the pts in figures 2 & 4.)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    I turned the corner on Friday. Woke up without an upset tummy, which did a world of good for my outlook. Binney, I want to thank you for your comment about my decision not being a bad one, rather that I had a bad outcome. It really resonated with me and helped ease the regret. Thank you for putting that experience right in my head. Your thoughtful words often touch each of us so deeply, and you are such a kind soul. I'm so glad you are a member of this forum.



    Friday I found myself bopping up and down the stairs in our house, noticing the lightness without the weight of the implants and pain. I was dressed and had the thought that if I focus on what I am doing rather than how I look, that I can do this, no matter what my final appearance is. Many people have been dealt a crappy hand, and they go on and live happy and productive lives. There's no reason why I can't. I have a husband who loves me and a happy home. Except for some financial woes, which hopefully will be ironed out when I can return to work, my life is everything I have ever wanted. So, I'm looking at the positive and learning to move on while my body, heart and soul heal from this long journey. Last night, out with friends celebrating my husband's birthday, I found myself laughing harder than I have in quite a while. I think that's a very good sign! In some ways, life is good if you say it is . .



    SleeveNinja - About the compression tank, I have broad shoulders, and even though I am thin, I have found it hard to find garments that don't cut in my back or underarms. For me, Maidenform's "Control It" tank is best. With my implants, I wore a large, but I may fit in a medium now. I use the round Swell Spots under my arms that Binney mentioned. They don't always get around back if I have a flare or extra swelling though. I have pieces of orange foam my therapist cut that cover each side of my trunk and extend around back that I use for sleep at those times. I have an X-large tank for that get up. I remember my therapist showing me crescent shaped inserts that I think would have worked well, esp. around in the back, but they didn't extend down the side if my trunk enough. I have noticed that without the implants my compression tanks are much more comfortable and don't cut under my arms or back as much. Naturally, I am thrilled about that.

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  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2011

    Thanks Tina - I will check out Maidenform.  Cutting peices of foam is a good idea - I haven't tried that.  

    Glad to hear you are feeling better.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2011

    Tina, I just love good news!Laughing So glad you're feeling your feet back under you. Very long haul -- you done good!!!Kiss

    Just wondered if you've checked out Barbara/"Erica"'s website for those of us who are Breast Free, either by choice or by outcome.Undecided It's www.BreastFree.org, and it's full of both information and encouraging words. It's helped me a lot. Just a thought.

    Stay well!Cool
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2011

    bumping for Laura

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    Bumping for Katonine.

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