Pain from tissue expanders?

AZ - the zapping thing has happened and I have also had phantom nipple sensations.

Hmmm this lymphedema is a new to me. I asked if there was something I needed to do with regards to the missing lymph nodes everyone said don't worry about it we only took 3......

I did have swelling and pain in the underarm on the side they took the nodes, at about 3 weeks out I was just rubbing the underarm carefully in the shower and down my side and all of a sudden I felt what I can only call a release. The swelling and the pain was noticeable less, I have no idea what happened but it was a relief. So I do the massage once a week and have had no issue since.

I guess I need to make another list of questions to ask the PS

The zaps are  weird . I had one that went like a zipper all along the whole incision and it was the one that got the mudflaps (sideboobage) so really long. The zap traveled. So weird! Nipple phantom pain hits occasionally.  If it's really bothersome try a bit of heat or ice. 

For whoever it was that complained about the pain under the breasts, if you had Alloderm, that most likely was the cause. Mine always felt like a broken rib. Some positions were better. But i swear that I could almost hear the things  crunch like a plastic bag! LOL.  

Much love

why, Thank you. And yes, New glasses. 

Hey Everybody!

My BS did tell me that I would not need chemo, rad or hormonal treatment, since I had to have my left breast removed and because I had, in the past, had 2 lumps removed from right breast (no cancer), I decided to have it removed as well.  With no breast tissue left...per my consult with a MO on Tuesday, I definitely do not need any further treatment.  I am ecstatic hearing this!  My BS told me to have an open mind and that seeing a MO was part of the process so that all bases would be covered.  I only (unless unforeseen things happen) need to see my BS for 5 years, to be sure I don't have any problems and of course my PS.  I see my PS next week for my second fill...hope it goes well.  

I also have the same problems with the TEs as you ladies have mentioned.  Sometimes it feels as though my ribs have cracked...and I have had a cracked rib before.  I'm still having the cold sensations when I drink anything..I hate it!!  I am cold most of the time now.  

And yes, no one spoke with me about lymphedema either.  But my right side does hurt more than the left.   

Sorry for being so chatty...hope I was not too boring!   LOL!!  Love y'all for being here...cancer can be lonely, even though I tell everyone "Check your boobies"!!!

In reference to bras.   My insurance covered two mastectomy bras per year at no charge to me.  I was fitted for my final cup size and there are inserts to put in the bra to make up the missing volume.  As you get your fills you just remove some of the filling in the pocket until you are fully inflated.   I wear them all the time.  My clothes fit better since I have full breasts just like before the BMX.  

My plan for fills changed when my pathology changed after surgery and I required rads.  I have done no fills and will not be doing any since I will now be having DIEP reconstruction.  Glad I have these bras so I did not have to go basically flat for months.   Check with your insurance you may have coverage.

Chartruse - GREAT NEWS!  YAY!  Thanks for letting us know! 

Hello all:  I received expanders during my bilateral mastectomy and the pain from the surgery was far worse than the expanders.  They are uncomfortable and heavy at times but not horrible. I'm reading horror stories and want someone that didn't have that bad of an experience.  Can someone tell me if it was all bad?  During expansion did you use any topical creams for muscle pain?

Tamara621 - Moon is right.  (Like usual, except when she tries to spell...LOL!)  Many women go through BMX, reconstruction and treatment without any major complications.  Those are the women who aren't here on BCO - they're out living their lives and BC was just a detour on the road of life.  Not everyone has a bad experience, but many of those who do are here, seeking support and guidance from those who've already been there and can tell them exactly what to expect because this or that has happened.  Be optimistic, you might be one of the lucky ones!  I only wish that everyone was....

patti. You are still having pain from th he surgery. I was on heavy duty pain pills for 3 werks. The pain finally pet up after that 3rd week. Try maybe an ice bag to get comfortable. But I don't leave it on long. And don't get any more fills till you are comfortable with what you have now. You can take as much time to expand as you want. It's not a race. If your PS says you need to expand f aster ask why. Unless you are planning on rads there is no rush. Try ice or heat on your back and see what works for you. Sleeping with many pillows placed in strategic spots helps many women. Also try raising the head of the bed for a bit. If you are allowed baths take one before going to bed to relax all your muscles. Remember you need to be taking it easy. Sometimes it is hard not to overdo. But your body does need time to get better. You are in healing mode right now. Listen to your body. 

Much love. 

Hi ladies I had LD flap withTE surgery on left side and TE only on right side 1 week ago. I had some cough after surgery and now I feel pain under the TE on the left side when I have deep breath or cough. Is it normal?

Regarding opting NOT to reconstruct: I was diagnosed almost 10 years ago at age 37.  I opted to have a mastectomy without reconstruction knowing I'd have dose dense chemo and not wanting to add to my discomfort or my family's financial burden.  After 6 months of chemo and a year of Herceptin I had a prophylactic mastectomy on my remaining breast, again choosing not to reconstruct.  I lived flat for years, wearing prosthetis in mastectomy bras, but hated how I looked and would even change in the dark so I wouldn't see myself or be seen by my husband.  I consulted PSs twice but never went forward, mostly for financial reasons but also fear of surgery.  This year I decided to finally have reconstruction, found a PS I love, and had tissue expanders in last month.  Came out of surgery with 150cc in each, have had 3 fills of 100cc (now at 450cc each).  WOW does it hurt, brings me right back to the mastectomy days, and I am wondering why I am putting myself through this.  I sometimes wish I had just done it back then, but no reason to dwell on that.  I am thrilled to watch my breasts grow (well right now they are like rock hard boulders) and the first time I saw some sort of cleavage I cried from happiness.  I believe it will be worth it, but back when I was first diagnosed and worried about survival, having breasts was not important to me.  I haven't been on these boards for many years but found them again and find comfort in shared experiences.  Relived to read the permanent implants are more comfortable because right now I'm miserable.  Wishing everyone health and minimal pain through this process!

Hey All,

I have been away for a great while.  Going for fills, and yes the TE pain became bearable.  I think I just got used to it.  I have been taking ibuprofen.  My exchange surgery is August 22.  My Mother died in March, so life has been an adjustment.  I do still have my Dad, thank God!  He has been taking me to all of my fill appts.  He's so sweet!  I hope everyone is doing well today, or as near as can be.  

together, I answered on TE thread. Chartuse, have you stopped by Exchange city? That thread is very helpful for the exchange process.

Much love

I have had mine for 3 weeks tomorrow, not sure I can make 3 months.  I am so uncomfortable, my check is tight and it feels like something will fall out or off.  They don't have me wearing a support bra yet and am happy for that as anything tight would hurt more.  My armpits and sides under them are still sore and swollen, I would probably need a size 38 C instead of 36 C (although I am now just an A hoping to go back to a C), seems so far away.  When does all of this swelling by where the drains where and my upper back feel better.  I have been moving my arms, doing things, have been back to work since 6 days after surgery, but just working from home on my laptops and calls (when not on pain meds).  Stopped taking them during the day last week so I can drive local.  How long do most take pain meds?  I am in med, more so at night and in the am.  I am just starting to sleep on an angle instead of flat on my back.  Any advice or info is so appreciated.

Dori4411 - Welcome!  What you describe is pretty normal.  The pain will go away eventually and you will feel better.  I promise.  However, as you'll soon learn by reading these boards, we're all different and sometimes what takes two weeks for one will take four weeks for another.  I too had pain after my BMX, but it wasn't from the mastectomy itself, mostly it was nerve pain which is burning and deep.  It does go away.  I won't lie to you, it took me about six weeks to get past that part, but it will go away.  If it takes you that long, at least you're already halfway there, right?  As to sleeping, I used pillows, about a dozen of them to prop me up - and then one under each arm.   This a wonderful group of women who are here to support you and one another.  Here are some threads you may be interested in and will keep you busy as you recover...

Here's a link to Exchange City: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

And here's another to whippetmom's BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/... (The woman is a goddess and knows what she's talking about as far as implant recommendations go...)

Just take a look around and make yourself at home... It really is going to be just fine.  The beginning is the hardest part by far.  Sending you a hug and a prayer...