continued Tissue expander pain!!

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  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2009

    Ok, I'm thinking about sleeping sitting up tonight.  Maybe my back won't hurt as bad! 

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  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 1,065
    edited September 2009

    I hear you on the back pain...I'm sleeping on the sofa with my back propped up against the back of it. It gives me some relief, but not much.

    Terri

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited September 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Just a note of some things that helped me, I had physical therapy during the time I was doing fills, she had experience with BC patients and worked wonders.

    also I took muscle relaxers they helped as much as pain pills, which makes sense when you think about it as your pecs are being stretched.

    also whenever taking pain meds I've taken OTC generic colace pills. At times I took one every time I took a pain med. The constipation can be horrible !

    A good body pillow also helps when trying to get comfortable

    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Wink
    Wink Member Posts: 722
    edited September 2009

    I slept in a recliner with a bag of frozen peas stuck to my chest for a week after my TEs were placed (ok - the peas were rotated out every couple of hours).  That was early in July.  I sleep on my sides now - but have to use a pillow between my knees and one to stabilize my chest.

    I was getting 120mLs of saline in each expander - 2 weeks apart.  There is nothing quite like seeing a 60mL syringe with a 16 gauge needle sticking out of your chest; I told my PS that it reminded me of Pulp Fiction - he laughed.  Everybody here at work has been very curious about the expansion process - justifiably so - I never knew about the process.

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  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 1,092
    edited September 2009

    120ml's at a time is an awful lot.  Why not slow dowm a little and be more comfortable?  or are you done?

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  • dee1961
    dee1961 Member Posts: 1,672
    edited September 2009

    Expander pain has been my bane of existence since March. I had skin sparing bilateral masts and even though I have alot of skin, the muscle has to stretch with every fill. I started out getting 75-100cc every three weeks but for the last 8 weeks have only been getting 50cc and it has made a huge difference. I will be around 1000-1100 cc when done. Hang in there ladies, if I can do it anyone can. I am sooo looking forward to the day these aliens are removed!! Take care all :)

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  • kookiesmom
    kookiesmom Member Posts: 143
    edited September 2009

    I agree with Paula 100%.  I had a terrible time with my TE pain especially after fills until I had PT 2 times a week and took Flexoril (muscle relaxant).  I never was pain free but at least it was better.    Physical therapy is a big help if you can find someone who has experience with BC.  My PS even remarked after my exchange surgery how good my tissue looked & I told him it was cause of all of the PT & myofascia release massage I had.  I am almost 3 weeks out from exchange surgery & have very, very little pain now so there is light at the end of the tunnel! 

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited September 2009

    kookiesmom,

    Flexoril is what my PS prescribed also.................

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  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2009

    OMG - I am still bruised.  My foobs hurt to the touch.  Ouch.  Next Wednesday is my next fill. 

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited September 2009

    Celine, At one point I had a flod in my expander. I called my PS and as much as I cursed the thought of it, he filled me with about 30cc in between my regular fills. I felt much better. Just a thought.

    Kittycat.....please don't be in pain because of constipation. Find out a combination that's right for you for stool softeners and laxatives. I used Senokot-S (laxative and softener combined and natural) 1-2 tabs once or twice a day...depending on the amount of pain medication I needed. I used it on a regular basis and still have it in my medicine cabinet....for those just in case days!!

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited September 2009

    LOL...bad spelling...a fold in my expander not flod  :-)

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  • pammers
    pammers Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2009

    Hello Ladies I'm set for my exchange on 10/6 and looking forward to getting this hard ball off my chest. I see a few of you have had a hard time and I feel your pain. I went thru 8 fills of 60 cc's each week and can't wait for my big day. I had my surgery in 05 and it's been a long journey to get here but I"m still here and guess that's really all that matters. I've been fortunate with a good PS and meet on the 28th for final consult and I'll have to write down my questions since I still after 4 years seem to get off track very easily on the subject at hand especially to ask if those darn drains go in again. Thanks for the MM remedy I had a tough time in July with my recon surgery and still not quite on schedule as I was. Isn't it funny we get so much more info on here than the hospitals or docs? Well to all of you best of luck and hang in there this part of it all is only temporary. Peace...P

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  • nealeann
    nealeann Member Posts: 36
    edited September 2009

    I have had my exchange and am not jumping at nipples.  My husband is fine with the decision either way. No matter what I am going to wait until fully healed and fealing better, 3 surgeries in 3 months is enough.  I would suggest one step at a time you don't need to decide now good luck to you and God Bless.

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  • nealeann
    nealeann Member Posts: 36
    edited September 2009

    Kitty Cat I understand constipation (more information than you need) anyway Colace is a natural stool softener that seems to work you can take it everyday. I would suggest that you look for the generic brand it is cheaper and has the same ingredients.  Good luck

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  • Faythnme
    Faythnme Member Posts: 167
    edited September 2009

    Hi Everyone!

     Some friends came by today.  Love the company during the healing.  Took a shower and one of them helped me put a wrap on.  I started to bawl.  For the first time I felt ugly!  Maybe when the tu bes finally come out and I can get some prothesis it might help.  I know I will get the reconstruction but in the meantime I think I best join a club somewhere and do some meditation.  Sorry this wasn't a positive post.

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  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited September 2009

    Faythnme...so sorry you felt the need to bawl today...but then on the other hand...WHY NOT??  Perhaps you deserved the release!  Perhaps it was just what you felt like doing!!!  We are so filled with new feelings...physically, emotionally, psychologically...sometimes we just need a good cry! So there!! 

    Of course it doesn't always happen when we think it should...but it is a cry for goodness sakes...when is a good time??   Yes we look ugly when we compare ourselves to what we had....but it is still us...our bodies, our skin....our lumps, bumps and bruises....and it is all temporary!!  So try to let up on yourelf! It is what it is today....but this too shall pass. 

    Who are you? Are you your breasts? Are you your physical being?  Are you totally defined by some temporary physicality you possess now? Of course not!  You are your heart, your soul, your compassion and your kindness.  Just remember, someday after you are all healed and feel better than you have in a long while...there will be someone you will meet... when you are on top of your game, in good health, totally healed and feeling stronger for what you have been through...and that other person is going to need your help and understanding...and you will be there for them! You will make them feel whole....because you know better...You know that we have our lows but that is NOT what defines us....it is how we allowed ourselves to be low and then moved on...recognizing that we are more than our cancer, more than our breasts, more than our disappointments....we feel, we hurt but then we move on....we fight the lows and live in the beauty that defines who we are...children of God, blessed, whole and full of promise!

    We can weep....but we will be joyfilled!

    God Bless...

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  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 331
    edited September 2009

    Faithnme...I'm in Seattle with a relatively flexible schedule. i'd be happy to visit with you or grab some groceries for you. I know what you're going through and if there is anything I can do for you....please please just pm me....I'm going to California next weekend to see my son's first college football game....

    Remember....crying is good. It's the best when you cry so hard and for so long that you forget what you're crying about.....

    xxoo Kathie 

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  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2009

    I understand crying.  Last night I was in a rotten mood.  My neighbors were hanging outside and my hubby wanted to socialize.  All of a sudden, I got into a funk and couldn't get out of it!  I am so tired of being in constant pain and not being able to do the things I want to do. 

    This morning my hubby asked me if I minded if he went riding on his ATV tomorrow.  At first I thought I didn't care.  Then, it got me thinking that everything he wants to do, I would normally do and can't.  So, there I went into a funk again! 

    We went shopping for furniture today (we're buying his parent's big screen TV).  I was in a much better mood when we found a new TV stand and sold our old one to our neighbors.  Isn't it funny how shopping can be like therapy?  LOL!  We hung out at the neighbor's house tonight and they were watching Sound of Music.  I love that movie.  :)

    Anyway, here's to all of us ladies undergoing this cancer crap and pain from surgeries.  I hope you all have a great Labor Day!!!  :)

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  • ginamaria
    ginamaria Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2009

    Hi ladies, I've really had a tough time with my last fill-am at 420cc with a lat flap.  The pain was intense for a couple days and ibuprofen seemed to help more than the darvocet.  My main problem is that i am always uncomfortable now.  My foob seems to be trying to go under my arm and is always rubbing me, have had pain near my shoulder blade(what is that about)  and that tight bra feeling has come back.  This is the part of the process I have dreaded most. Will it be this way till my exchange?  Are there any other exercises I can do to loosen myself up? I think my ps wants me to get to 600/700 but don't know if my radiated skin will do it.  Sorry to be such a whiner-I'm not usually like this.

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  • Nebraskagrandma
    Nebraskagrandma Member Posts: 263
    edited September 2009

    wow, Angel 10

    Very well said !! That pretty much sums it up !

    ginamarie,

    whine all you want and remember it's your body do the best you can. When you decide you've had enough you say enough !

    Blessings,

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  • Wink
    Wink Member Posts: 722
    edited September 2009

    Judy - I thought that 120mLs was a bit much, but I did have a lot of skin and it smoothed out the fold that was in my left expander.  I'm done with my fills and just waiting for my exchange surgery on Sept 28th.

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  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 1,065
    edited September 2009

    Faythnme: Hang in there, cry if you want to - it's part of the process. But know that you are still you, you are more than your breasts and all of this too shall come to pass. We all have low days, but that fact that we're around for the high ones makes it soooooo worth it all!

    Angel: What more can I say....you are an angel for sure!

    Sam: What a wonderful thing for you do offer...you are truly a dear heart....

    Kittycat: Glad you're out of your funk and enjoying this glorious labour day weekend!...

    Gina: I was told by some ladies to get a prescription for a muscle relaxant. They said it really helped in the latter stages of the TE process. I know that my last fill was a killer! I'm at 370cc's now and I think I have to go to 600! Not sure how that's going to work out , but I will ask for a prescription the next time I see my PS. Hope you're feeling better......

    Terri

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  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited September 2009

    Gina Marie...can you see a PT for exercises? Wish I had....many women indicated they did really well with one.  Also, check out this site....it might help?

    God Bless!

    http://www.stayingabreast.com/site/browse/breathing.htm

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  • Faythnme
    Faythnme Member Posts: 167
    edited September 2009

    A visit from my friend who helped me through my surgery in the removal of the TE told me that the PS told her that April would be a better time for me to do the TE's.  I think so too!!  Now it's just breathing exercises to aide in the tightness in my chest.  I think the tubes will be coming out by Thursday and then maybe my range of motion will get better,  I think I'm going to ask for another week off from work.  I don't get the stitches out til next week.  Would like some time for those to heal without activity.

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  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 1,092
    edited September 2009

    OK wink.  Glad you are done.  I guess I don't have to worry about the 120cc fills then....Get ready for a good outcome!!!  JUDY

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  • ginamaria
    ginamaria Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2009

    My ps hasn't suggested a pt but i do feel better whe i stretch so may ask the dr for a referral.  I think I am just going to be uncomfortable till this is over-hopefully it ends then.  I don't see how I can stretch much more!

    Faythnme-am so sorry to read of your troubles.  I'm sending you hugs and prayers that you feel a bit better each day.  Breast cancer is certainly a long process isn't it?

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  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 2,144
    edited September 2009

    Tomorrow is my lucky day - fill #2.  Hopefully it goes better than fill #1.  :)

    Hope everyone is doing well and feeling okay!!  :)

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  • Wink
    Wink Member Posts: 722
    edited September 2009

    Thanks for worrying about me Judy!  LOL

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  • Faythnme
    Faythnme Member Posts: 167
    edited September 2009

    Good Evening Everyone -

    Well I went into the PS today and finally have the tubes removed.  Usually they don't hurt to be removed but I'll tell you the right side burned really bad.  The left one came out without any issues.  So now it's onto healing emotionally and physically.  I suspect I will go for reconstruction in April next year.  I want to make sure the skin has enough protein in the skin for healing and hopefully I will tighten up some body parts and lose some more weight.  So far I have lost 17lbs since I the mastectomy in July.  The last major surgery I had I lost 40 lbs.  Next week I get the stitches out on my breasts (what used to be).  The PS put real stitches in because it was having such a hard time healing.  Still dealing with the leg issues.  Their not swollen anymore but they feel like there are 2 big bruises on the outisde of each leg above the knee.  Arm exercises are going to be necessary as I can barely lift my left arm above the shoulder unless I'm sitting back.  Maybe Physical therapist will be needed..

    Well everyone have a great week!!  Thanks for listening!

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  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited September 2009

    Faythnme...I hope you get make good progress in your healing...you have been through soooo much!  Do search out a PT....that might help you get help and focus on healing...the is the least you should have right now.

    Sending you big, warm but gentle hugs...

    God bless you!

    Angel

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