8 weeks post op and struggling

SweetpeaJ

I am 8 weeks out from a bilateral mastectomy to remove invasive lobular carcinoma in my right breast with tissue expanders under the muscle. I had 1 node test positive and removed. I am have my intake appointment with RO in a few days. I will have 6 weeks of radiation. Today is my last tissue expander fill (thank goodness!!). My question, as I type this at nearly 4 am is regarding pain & tightness in my chest .

By the end of my work day and mom work day I’m s very uncomfortable. My chest is extremely tight. I have trouble getting comfortable in bed and trouble sleeping. I take Tylenol and a muscle relaxer regularly to keep the discomfort manageable but I still really struggle with pain control at times. Im 8 weeks out & have been back to work full time for 2 weeks. Why is this still happening? Im frustrated. I’m exhausted. I’m feeling a bit crazy as reading through so many of the post here, the strength of you all is impressive!!

Any insight

Rah2464

SweetpeaJ unfortunately some of us do experience this pain longer than others. I did not have expanders, I was direct to implant. It did take a while for my nerves to settle down after surgery. Activity definitely fired everything up. It took time for me to heal along with doctor directed medical massage and acupuncture to get me very much improved. I still can get tightness at almost a year out but I have learned how to manage it better. One of the strangest "solutions" I found was that if I slept with my fist laying in between my foobs, my nerves would settle down. Don't ask me why because I couldn't tell you in a million years.

My PS was a big advocate of gentle massage with a soapy washcloth in the shower. Also massage with a gentle vibrator (one of those that has four "legs" on it they sell them at target for $5). Apparently the tactile manipulation helps the nerve response settle down. Please reach out to your doctor so you can get some guidance on how they want you to tackle the issue. They may send you to physical therapy. But do not suffer in silence because you can move the needle on this with some focused help.

I hope when your expanders are replaced that provides some relief. Hugs to you, I fully understand where you are. It suprised me because I had read stories from women who didn't seem to have these difficulties.

CBK

Hey there SweetpeaJ

Is the pain you describe constant or zapping zinger-like pain? I had the zingers for a long time but I don’t think this is what you are describing.

The expanders sort of do feel like heavy rocks in your chest, believe me I had them in longer than I ever imagined!! But they shouldn’t keep you awake at night.

You should talk to PS and or BS and get a referral to PT. This helped me tremendously during my reconstruction; felt like a new person actually. Hopefully you can get a referral with someone that has experience with MX and reconstruction patients.

Wishing you some healing!

hodgepodge

Sweetpeaj, I agree that you shouldn't suffer in silence! I hope each day you feel stronger and more comfortable and this is soon all just a distant memory. Working and taking care of family is exhausting enough!

SweetpeaJ

Thank you for your kind words and information. Who can provide this director directed medical massage? Or rather how do I go about making that happen? It's the overall soreness, tightness mixed in with the occasional zingers of nerve pain that is getting to me. Of course the worse my fatigue is, as goes my pain. I'm trying to find balance. Thank you so much for responding !

SweetpeaJ

CBK, it’s a combination of tightness, the feeling of “rocks on your chest” (perfect description) and zingers. I will certainly look into physical therapy as an option to help me get stronger and feel better. Thank you for the advice