TE TROUBLE

I know it sucks to wait, but let those babies drain. If they're not ready to come out, fluid build-up after removal is worse than anything! 

Special K, 

You brightened my day! Yes....I must agree.... YOU took things slow! I have to remember what seems abnormal to me has always been trumped by someone else. It's what keeps me from felling like God is picking on me. Lol

Michele2013-  So sorry you had pain after your fill...sometimes the pain is alleviated after a couple of fills because it gets the expander in a different location.  I took an ibuprofen about an hour before each fill and did not have pain like you are describing.  I would get the occasional muscle spasms.  The last two fills were a bit more uncomfortable just because of the size of the expanders.  I used some ice on the upper poles because that seemed to help.  Try taking something before the fill (something stronger than an OTC if not driving).  Tell your PS and see what he/she recommends.  Good luck today!!

Ally

Thank you Moon&Ally!

I did not get a fill today because of the draining. At 60, so he said he would see me in 2 weeks. He gave me a script for norco. I am breathing a little better now. Thinking the TE's are sneaky and very unpredictable. Well I know this though, because its not my first rodeo with these things. 

Ps's plan is to have me filled by 8 months,...slow slow slow.

Michele

Slow is better I think. I had to have fluid removed and am now having fluid added again. Now seem to be having issues again. I have open wound that is still healing. I have lost that nipple. A couple of days ago, had another feel and breast looks bruised and is really sore. (PS added 50ml). After having been numb since surgery now skin feels raw and sore. Geez, I am so tired of this. Thankful to only have "minor" issues compared to so many, but still tired of dealing with this. I want my life back!

Moon thanks for the advice-I'm holding steady around 45 a day. PS will remove at 30. Hoping that happens this week!  

I hear you all that it is so hard to be patient!  I was just saying to my husband today that cancer is a lot of waiting. Waiting for biopsy results, waiting for lumpectomy results, waiting for my BMX, waiting for chemo to start, now waiting for my drain to come out from my te removal so we can restart chemo!  I have a lot to be grateful for but it is hard to remember that sometimes. 

Michelle, Atavan helped me with the pain in my chest more than any pain relievers they prescribed me. 

Radical, my hair started falling out, so I shaved it off and look like you now

Thank you Lynn,

I have Ativan and will give it a try.

July 3rd I was draining 60 and today 30. I see my ps on the 17th, do you think it would be ok if my drain stays in for 2 weeks and only producing 30?

Thank you ladies,

Michele

Michelle I would call. Maybe you can go in early and get those pesky things out!!!  My PS told me  (the first time) it was fine if the drains were low, when I had the same concern about two of my four,  they just scheduled me to come in the next week. 

Enjoy your Sunday ladies!

Lynn 

Thank you Ladies, I will my ps's office tomorrow.

WoooHooo...first fill was yesterday.  Left now has about 300 and Right about 100.

Hello all,

Saw PS today. Righty doing remarkably well.

Lefty report. I don't have enough skin to support any type of implant. The skin is very thin and the fear is of a tear if we attempt to stretch with a TE. I have a history of multiple infections and wound openings from prior surgeries. It will not be a one surgery fix. Recommendation is the lat flap to create a sling and support and to hold or create the shape. I apparently don't have as much fat in my back as I thought. During this surgery a small TE will be placed to hold the shape of breast. If I come down in size, breast envelope can be filled with fat grafting instead of implant. That would mean a reduction of DIEP righty.

Processing info.

Take care all

Vivian

viv, Hugs. That is a lot to process. Makes you want to slap to next Friday the next person who says "Well at least you get perky new boobs out of this" . Just Hugs. 

Much love

Vivian,

That lefty report is a lot to swallow. I've know magic can happen, but it's not the answer you were looking for from your ps. I'm sorry you need to go through this.

naiviv, I had a skin failure with a TE on my prophy side and ended up with a second lat flap. I had previously had a lat flap on my rads side. Just wanted to chime in as someone that has had one for a similar reason. Best of luck to you.

Beth just let your PS know at your next fill. They can move a bit but usually not much. I don't think it's much of a problem. Much love