taking care of my NAC

Kayleigh3483
Kayleigh3483
edited June 2014 in Breast Reconstruction
taking care of my NAC
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  • Kayleigh3483
    Kayleigh3483
    edited August 2009

    I asked this on the surgery discussion but thought maybe someone here might be able to help.  Am 13 days out from uni skin/nipple sparing mast w/immed ped TRAM recon.  As expected some of my breast skin and the NAC are looking nasty -- purple, wine colored and the center of the nipple is very dark...almost but not quite black.

    PS says not to put anything on it unless areas blister, then I should use Neosporin. 

    Can't help but wonder if someone here knows of any magical creams, lotions or potions -- or maybe even foods I should be eating or supplements, vitamins, SOMETHING that will improve the chances of my NAC surviving.  No one says anything is dire yet but I'd sure like to up the odds in my favor if I can in any way.

    TIA for any tips, suggestions, experiences you can share -- it means alot :)

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72
    edited August 2009

    Hi Kayleigh - I'm so happy your surgery is OVER - and hope your tummy is feeling better every day. I'm sorry I don't have any advice to give you for lotions on your skin - you should really follow Dr. Ashikari's advice as to what to use.........but remember, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". If you are getting anxious at all about the appearance of your breast, don't hesitate to CALL and pester them! Be sure you're getting enough protein in your diet (which helps you heal) and a mutiple vitamin. After my abdominal surgery on Long Island, they wouldn't let me leave the hospital because my potassium levels were low - they gave me two supplements an hour apart before letting me leave. I know NOTHING about potassium (except you can get it from bananas)........so be sure you're getting enough fruits and veggies. Try drinking V8 Frusion if you're like me and the thought of all those vegatables is a turn-off! Are you able to walk OK now?

    Please don't despair that your NAC is not surviving...........unless your PS says it's a goner, there's still hope. Hang in there -I'll be praying for your recovery!

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  • pkb143
    pkb143
    edited August 2009

    Kayleigh, I can tell you that my plastic surgeon had me avoid caffeine, chocolate and aspirin (or aspirin/caffein-containing OTC meds) for 2 weeks prior and at least 2 week post-surgey to facilitate circulation. He also had me take QBC-complex (2 capsules, twice daily) and Arnica Montana pellets (15 per day) for 2 weeks after surgey to help heal the bruising and aid healing.

    I had two areas where the top layer of skin didn't get enough circulation during/after surgey and the skin eventually died, and within 7 weeks of surgery they were completely healed. Maybe they would have healed anyway, but the supplements probably didn't hurt. (I ordered them online).

    It might be worth a try! Good luck to you.

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG
    edited August 2009

    My PS prescribed nitroglycerin ointment/paste for a complicated biopsy I had a few yrs ago that involved the nipple, due to poor blood flow. Nipple was black/bruised. The nitro paste, a vasodilator that increases blood flow, was amazing!! You may wish to inquire if this may help you.

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  • Kayleigh3483
    Kayleigh3483
    edited August 2009

    Thanks so much everyone!

     Hi swimangel, how are you?  Thanks so much for the encouragment and words of comfort :)  Actually, I went with an NJ Univ hospital instead of Ashikari.  It came down to the pathology dept for me, I wanted more tests done on my specimen than they typically do at Dobbs Ferry.  I'm packing in the veggies, not a problem since I am a vegan, lol.  I'm walking around almost normal now, just the skin issues are plaguing me.  Great tip about the potassium, I'll scarf down some nanas :)

     pkb143, thank you!  I already gave up caffiene and chocolate...as to the asprin, I have a clotting mutation that makes the blood thinning of aspirin a non-issue, in fact, a little thinning of my blood is a good thing.  I ran out and got the QBC-plex you suggested after some Googling, and am waiting for my Arnica to arrive tomorrow -- thank you SO much for the tips, not to mention sharing your experience with the happy ending!!!

    LisaMG, thank you!  You know, they put that cream on me every 6hrs while I was in the hospital.  My PS didn't seem to think it would help much beyond the first few days...and apparently there's some concern about blood pressure dropping with it, I think.  But I'm going to talk to her again about it ASAP and see what she says -- as long as it can't hurt I'm willing to try it if she'll let me.

    Thanks again so much everyone -- and anyone else feel free to jump on in w/more tips!!!

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