TEs. A Beginner's Primer

AZ85048

halee - Welcome to BCO! You'll be hard pressed to find many of us in here who wouldn't agree that a BMX is harder both physically (and emotionally) than anything else we've ever encountered to date. And then if you throw in those torture devices they call TEs, well,... it sucks! But you know what? You're going to get through this. And believe me when I tell you, the TEs are the least fun of all - we all hated them with a passion. Just take it one day at a time and every day it will get a little better...I promise. In the meantime, take a look around and make yourself at home. You're soon going to find that you're never alone in here!

hummingbirdlover

Welcome Halee, I can only imagine what you are enduring since I did it in two phases, BMX first and then TEs 5 months later. The BMX recovery was one thing but these TEs are the devil. Hang in there though, it does get better. I just had my last fill on Monday and am looking forward to feeling "good" for more than 4 days in a row. I was thinking today that my "chest" has been on my mind for 8 months solid. It's like I always feel them and I'll be so happy when they are just a part of me again. This too shall pass.

Scottiemom11

Welcome Halee. . .as the others said, it does get better. I find that chiropractic helps as well. I can only do gentle adjustments now but it makes a lot of difference.

Scottie

mysunshine48

Yes, hang in there! It will get better! I am 6 weeks post BMX and TE placement. Had fills to 500 cc's so far and look rather normal with my Cobbie bra on. Wearing tank tops and no one would know. Now, just have to get through chemo, recover and onto exchange surgery. I turned the corner at about 3 weeks. Remember, one day at a time. This was tough for me, because I am a go, go, go girl - even at 66

Fe_Princess

Hi Scottiemom, thanks and I am sorry that you're not able to run yet. It's really frustrating. My body feels so much better when I can run. I am super happy. I'll be a month out before I run. I am having a hard time with this implant though. My pecs are so tight. The outside looks compressed and the cleavage side bulges out. I just started massaging them too. I know it's not the final result but it really bugs me to have uneven nipples. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my quick recovery from surgery. I am sad about losing my boobs.

jhendricks

I miss running too. It was my one outlet with my friends...me time. I will get back to it though and so will you. I miss my boobs too but every day I miss them a little less and I become a little more comfortable in my new skin. I love the support of this blog. It's so nice to hear that what I am feeling is what everyone else is feeling. We are a pretty amazing group of women and will get back to our "normal" life with a new perspective and understanding

jhendricks

thank you new girl. I've started some stretching recommended by an OT who specializes in this. It does help.

Moderators

Welcome to the community halee! We hope you will find support, encouragement and important information here on the discussion boards. This is a knowledgable and compassionate forum. Welcome aboard! Keep us posted. The Mods

halee

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome and encouragement. I really can't put into words how much better I feel today -- and I think a lot of that is due to being around some other women who understand what I'm going through. Sometimes it just helps to have a reminder that this is just short term! And the tips in this thread are awesome.

I am not used to laying around. At all. And this is hard on my kids because I can't do much of anything for them, so they're all out of sorts. My husband is about to get them out of the house for the afternoon and my mom is going to help me shower, so I'm thinking this afternoon will be the perfect time to nap and peruse the forums. . . .

Years ago I was an avid runner. I've told myself that once I get over this, I'm going to start back running. It will be hard to get back in running shape, but I know I'd love having that as an outlet and me time again. I'll have to get some tips from the runners in this group!

Thanks so much, ladies.

Fe_Princess

Hi Hallee, your body needs all the rest it can get. It's not "laying around". It's recovering from a mastectomy which is monumental. This forum has transformed my recovery. When I need mental/emotional relief or reassurance, I come to this site. Running is always one step at a time so you can do it just like that and before you know it, you're there. I can only run one mile a day until I am six weeks past my exchange surgery. Please keep us updated on your recovery.

jhendricks

Halee you are in the right place. The next 3 weeks get as much rest and help as you can. Then baby steps.It will not be forever. Your kids and husband are all learning valuable lessons through this experience. Let people help you. That was the hardest thing for me, but they want to as much as you need them. One day at a time. What you are going through is no easy task but you got this!

aviva5675

In a few weeks you will feel completely different. I echo what those above posters have said. Take it easy, use the helpers that you have, and each day you will feel better. Not a journey any of us want to go thru but others here are very supportive. Even if its just reading that others have gone thru the same things and that what you feel like isnt just you- so helpful!

Moonflwr912

Thought I'd better check in here. Welcome Halee! Glad you have found the support you will need! Driving after only 2 weeks is amazing. I was still on major pain pills for almost 4 weeks. But I have to say f your drain output s still 80 cc a day, YOU ARE DOING TOO MUCH. Slow down! I realize with kids it's hard to do but you have to in order to heal faster. You have had a major operation. We tend to want to get back to our normal selves as soon as possible. But taking the time you need to heal now means less possible problems.

Much love to all

Ruth7733

I just wanted to add my 2 cents for what it is worth. A few years ago I too was an avid runner (about 48 miles a week) and after an injury had to stop (which is why I gained so much weight...kept eating as if I was still running but that's another story). Anyway now that my running injury is healed, I've been wanting to get back into it. I had just started back to very slow jogging / speed walking for about 5 miles a day before my TE placement 2 weeks ago. Well obviously I knew I wouldn't be able to jog after the surgery but when my ps said I could start walking again at my last appt, I was so excited....maybe too excited. I secured my drains and went out walking for about half an hour. I thought "half an hour, that is NOTHING" I mean really, nothing...I wasn't even walking that fast. But boy when I got home, I was totally wiped out. So exhausted I barely made it to the couch. And in pain...WOW

So my point is...do take things easy. Even after the doc says walking is ok, start very slowly and close to home

aviva5675

I started just walking to the corner and back ( 2 houses away!), and was tired after that. It is major surgery, with anasthesia for hours, you are cut up and stitched up, it takes a long time to just get basic strength back. Just because you can doesnt mean you should.

Scottiemom11

I started walking about 8 weeks post BMx. . .went back to work at 6 weeks and was exhausted for several days. Started on a a treadmill at 8 wks and could only manage about 10-15 minutes slow walking. Baby steps. I'm now up to 5-6 miles brisk walking and even hiking some on the weekends. I did finally conquer another goal today. . .using my medium-sized hedge trimmers on some bushes. Just two months ago, I could not.

Scottie

Janett2014

My husband suggested we take a short walk 3 days after my BMX. I thought he was crazy, but we took it slow and walked a short block and back. I felt good that I did it and worked up slowly from there. Less than three months later I was encouraging him to try a short walk a few days after his sarcoma surgery.

Ruth7733

Well, I went in and saw the nurse today for a check up. Today made 2 weeks since TE's were put in. She removed the drain on the right as it was down to less than 20 cc a day, finally. However, the left side is still at around 70-80 cc a day so it had to stay...UGH! I am thrilled though that it was the right one because it was the one that was seriously bothering me. The skin around where the drain is inserted had become inflamed....all red and swollen. It hurt almost constantly in that area.

Also wanted to say that I think I am one of the few BUT....it really hurt coming out. Most of the posts I've read on here say that they didn't feel it when the drains were removed. Well, I definitely did. OUCH! But of course still very glad that it's now out.

AZ85048

Ruth7733 - Au contraire, mon ami! After BMX, I had two drains - one on each side and (thankfully) six days later they were removed. The first one was literally out before I knew it; but the second one - YEEOUCH! It only hurt for the time it took to pull it all the way out (I was amazed at how long those things are), but I definitely remember that pain! Even though the JP drains are a necessary evil, they always seem to be in the way, and as you said, the point of insertion gets really tender the longer they're in. Hopefully they can remove the one on your left side soon...

Ruth7733

AZ, LOL thanks for the correction though I'm certainly sorry that you've dealt with that pain too.

halee

Hi!

Ruth, I had my right drain removed today, too, and it was the one that drove me crazy. It's literally pulled and tugged since I woke up from my surgery. My other one has consistently put out 50cc or so over the last week, so I guess it will be next week before it comes out. Congrats on having your bad one removed! I hate that it hurt, though. That's no fun, especially when you're not expecting it.

Scottie it sounds like you're doing great! I can't wait to hike with my kids again. I remember telling my PS that I have two recovery periods I'm concerned about -- one being when I go back to work and the other when I could hike with my kids. He said 2-3 weeks for work and 6-8 for hiking. I'm glad to hear that hopefully he's not far off on the hiking one! But I can't imagine hedge trimmers! That's amazing!

I've been feeling better, but I keep reminding myself of what you all have said, and I'm taking it easy. I feel lazy, but I'm reminding myself that this is for my and my family's own good. I've been walking "laps" in my house to keep loose, and I'm doing shoulder rolls. I follow-up with my plastic surgeon tomorrow afternoon and my breast surgeon on Thursday morning. I'm not sure if I'll get a fill tomorrow or not. The nurse today said that I may, so I'm mentally preparing for that.

Scottiemom11

Halee. . .2-3 weeks back to work. . .Wow. I was out for 6 weeks and still exhausted for the first 2-3 back.

Scottie

Ruth7733

Halee,

I'm glad that your 'bad' drain came out as well. It already feels so much better in that spot. I'm already thinking ahead to my hopeful exchange and worrying about whether or not I'm going to have to deal with drains once again.

I asked the nurse when I could start my fills and she said that the ps will not start until BOTH drains are out

jhendricks

Hello everyone,

I get my 3rd fill on Friday. It seems like I still am having a lot of pain later in the day. It starts in my chest muscle and wraps around to my back. It improves with rest and wine, lol. Does anyone else have this problem? I hate these TEs. I am going to ask my PS how many fills or cc's I need to get to be a C. That is my goal, if I can tolerate it. Mornings I feel great but as the day wears on not so much. I am about 5 weeks out of surgery. Am I going to pretty much feel this way until the TEs are out? I go back to work for a half day tomorrow morning. If anyone can respond to my questions I would appreciate it. :-)

mysunshine48

Jhendricks - My plastic surgeon said fill amount did not really correlate to cup size. I know I am at 500cc's now snd will get a 650 cc implsnt, I think. Iwonder what that will be? We will talk more, as my exchange surgery won't be until late August.

jhendricks

thanks mysunshine4.....I will ask my PS friday

Badgergirl

To everyone....I am not the posting type. I am that really annoying, type A that thought having a BMX would be fine. Sure, I'd be down for a few weeks, but then I would be back to normal. And now, I realize that I'm a total tartlet, because this is one of the worst things I've been through. Unknown to each of you, I have read and re-read all of your posts, while laughing and sympathizing, until last night when I realized that for the past few weeks, reading the posts has been my saving grace.

Thanks to each of you for your courage, for sharing, for being so strong and amazing and allowing me to understand that I am not alone. I hate these TE's with a passion and while I'm still afraid to have my first fill since surgery tomorrow, at least I know I'll have a place to come for support, or if I have questions. Thank you so, so very much. Every woman on this thread is such a rock star to me.

jhendricks

I am sooooo glad you posted!!!!! I have found that we have joined the coolest club you never want to be in. I have my 3rd fill on Friday and I have to say that I finally am not scared. I will get through it. It's going to be uncomfortable but it's not forever. Little tip that I just found is a nice back rub. My chest and back feel so tight by mid afternoon. I had my husband rub my neck, upper back, and shoulders and it made all the difference in the world. Maybe I won't have to become a drug addict or alcoholic through all of this after all!!!! Lol.

mysunshine48

Badger girl - You will be just fine. When you sit on that chair/table, think about all of us who are right there with you!

Scottiemom11

Welcome Badgergirl. . .I too hate my TEs with a passion. . .at least once a day I call then stupid *** foobs. But then there are times when I don't really feel them at all. Some of it has to be the mindset. Hang in there.

Scottie