Massage with an expander?

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Leelu
Leelu Member Posts: 2
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello! I recently started seeing a woman (I'll call her Gwen) who finished chemo, is in the middle of radiation, will be doing reconstruction (that's a long way off) & has an expander.

I've never done massage professionally but I like giving massages to those I'm intimate with. Gwen likes getting massages. However, I don't know a lot about breast cancer. I'm learning. I know she has a hard time laying face down because of her expander.

I tried googling this and I'm not finding anything useful since I'm looking for something so specific. I keep getting info on bra strap expanders.

So, Any tips or things I should be aware of from any of you wonderful heros would be great! Thank you

- L

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2015

    Hi Leelu-

    We would suggest being as gentle as possible around the times she has her expander filled, as that's usually when she'll be the most sensitive/sore. Be mindful of the port, jostling or applying pressure to it could be uncomfortable for Gwen. But mostly, take cues from her! If she likes getting massages, surely the two of you can work on finding a position for her that's comfortable (perhaps lying on her side, or even sitting). We're sure she will appreciate the time and effort you're putting into making this an enjoyable experience for her!

    The Mods

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  • Leelu
    Leelu Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2015

    Thank you! That all makes sense. It didn't occur to me that her expander keeps getting filled. I read a little about it and it sounded like it reaches a point when it's just slightly larger than the other breast and then they stop filling it? I'll have to ask Gwen. At first I was a little awkward and didn't know if it was okay to ask I just waited for her to explain things to me - but I've started asking questions because, a.) she's very open about it. And b.) she assumes I know if I don't ask. She's strong and forth coming and I think she's going to come out of this an even stronger woman! :)

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  • Suze72
    Suze72 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2015

    Hi Leelu,

    I've just read your beautiful posts.

    It's wonderful to hear that you are doing what you can for your lady at this difficult time. My partner has been my rock throughout my journey so far. I appreciate him always but now more than ever.

    I wish you both the very best over your BC journey together and for the future.

    Suzette 😊.

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  • wandawoman
    wandawoman Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2015

    I regularly have professional massages and I continued this during reconstruction. My therapist placed me in a side-lying position with a pillow to my chest area (gives my arms somewhere to rest comfortably) and a pillow between my knees for comfort. Once I was healed from my exchange and felt comfortable, my therapist introduced a breast pillow for lying face down. I am 2.5 years out from my exchange and I still use the breast pillow during my sessions. Hope this helps!

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  • panthrah
    panthrah Member Posts: 433
    edited September 2015

    I go to Massage Envy and they have a breast pillow. which is at a slight incline to allow space for the breasts. I went after both my lumpectomies . However, I can not speak about having the expanders and how the pressure for the center of the breast pillow would feel. this is just a random breast massage pillow image.. there are other types

    image

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