TE TROUBLE

SharonS, I can't imagine to have TE in during chemo. That must be too hard. I had LD flap with TE on the radiated side. Did you have only TE on the radiated side? 

kcat...is it just on the one breast? Is it warm to touch? Is there swelling? Do you have a temperature (though note certain medications can mask a fever).

I guess my concerns are that it is an infection, like cellulitis, rather than a rash so to speak. Though it looks like you are quite a ways out from your TE surgery and have not had your exchange yet so it seems a bit unusual for it to be that!

Hopefully it is just a heat rash or allergic reaction.

I am glad you are seeing your PS - did you send your PS photos when you booked the appointment?

Thanks Divecat and Mommyathome.  PS looked at it and said it's some kind of rash.  Not bacterial or indication of TE infection.  She said it might be an anxiety rash due to my upcoming surgery, she said that is not uncommon.  But regardless of the cause she said it is not something that concerns her and we can go ahead with the exchange surgery on Friday.  The only thing she told me to do was make sure and wash the rash area well the morning of the surgery because rashes have little crevices that bacteria can hide in.  So , I feel relief that it's not a big deal! Thanks so much for responding!

Kendra

Good luck on Friday Kendra! Keep us posted. I'm glad to hear its not something she is concerned about and it won't delay your exchange!!! 

Hello ladies, I am proud to say I had my last fill in my TE's today.  I'm stopping at 820cc.  I don't want them this big but my PS wants the extra skin to work with.  So now we wait a couple of months to allow the skin to stretch before we move forward.  I can see light at the end of the tunnel.  Thank you ladies for ur support.

purple - yay!  So happy for you!

Purple, the BEST news! Congrats.

Kcat2013...be careful with Hibiclens...it is pretty harsh and if you already have a rash, it could make it worse. I had hives for over 2 weeks on foobs only from it.  Msy want to check with PS before using it.

Purple and KLJ, Congrats for almost done with TE! For those who are still having trouble or feeling uncomfortable from TE. Remember that they are temp as Moon said. 

I returned to work this week and so far so good. Next Friday I will get another fill. Feeling excited, looking forward, but at the same time a little afraid and worried if it will be ok. 

Hope everyone have a nice weekend!

gal, Congrats! 

Hello ladies, I still have the redness. PS decided to go ahead and put some fluid back into the expander anyway. Unfortunately, he also discovered I had another seroma in the same area as last time. He drained it and has sent it for culture. I have been on antibiotics for almost 20 days now. Most for preventative now, just hoping this will keep me from having another infection. 

I also started a new part time job. I am a nursing professor, but took the summer off. my new position is with a family practice office as a nurse practitioner. I feel great and getting back to work has helped to occupy my mind and keep me from worrying about all the what ifs. My new boss is always asking me if I am ok (I told them upfront, I had breast cancer) and need to rest. She always says don't do too much, if I get tired and need to leave or have appts she works with me. This is the benefit of being "extra help". I feel so lucky and less focused on my health problems. God is good!

I really don't like TE, I am still taking pain meds every 6 hrs.  Last week had 50 cc removed from left, and started PT still HURT everyday....just ready to start feeling "normal." 

formerteacher, long ago was your surgery? But hang in there it does get better. Hugs

Rad, this too shall pass! LOL

Renee, so sorry you have to go through this. I'm hoping for your sake the culture will be able to find an  abx for you! Both Sandra and i were on long term abx at some point. I had IV abx for 3 weeks then oral for another 3 weeks. If you are going to be taking them for a long time make sure you take your prebiotic. It really helps. 

Sandra, the pain is still there but I did not need Morphine yesterday. So that's an improvement..they gave me value to act as a muscle relaxer. It helped! Should be going home today. 

Much love to all!

minus! LOL yes Valium, LOL

And yes it means at least another week or two of recliner and sponge baths ! LOL

Walked to the Pt room and practiced 2 steps so I can get into house. LOL.  And got my walker. Yep. Officially an old lady now! LOL.  Now to get some jazzy duct tape to liven it up! LOL. .

Moon, jazz away!  I'm so sorry to hear of those with continued problems and can only hope that things work exceptionally well for all of us!

Thank you for the good wishes.