What to expect with first Fill?

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Enjoying
Enjoying Member Posts: 5
edited November 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello!

I had Bi-lateral mastectomy on September 28 and will be going for my first fill of my TE on Monday, Nov. 7. I have no idea what to expect. My PS just said a little pressure for an hour or two...

I'd love to know your experience. Will I be able to work that day? How much fill is normal? Reading this thread there seems to be large variation. I appreciate your input!!

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  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 96
    edited November 2016

    Hi!

    Sorry that you're here but it looks like you have a great attitude. Positivity always helps!!! No worries for your first fill. I was nervous at first too but I found that the fills were the easy part!! LOL!!! I didn't feel a thing. You feel a little pressure (but that's after you've had multiple fills). The first time they don't fill you too full (I forgot the number of cc's). I'm sure that someone else will come along with more info. But, don't stress about it. You should be able to work after it but I tended to get my fills after work (just to be on the safe side). But, I can honestly say that I never had any pain. Hope that this helps!!!


    Have a great night!

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  • TrmTab
    TrmTab Member Posts: 832
    edited November 2016

    I was filled to 300 at time of surgery and was filled to 800 over a period of 3 months...all but one time had 50cc at fill and always at 8 or 8:30 in the morning before going off to work...for me absolutely no problem...yes, I did fill some pressure and always felt odd for a day or two, but not pain EXCEPT for the one time the PS wanted to do (and did) a fill of 100cc....for me that was very awkward and two days after fill I had the equivalent of a charly horse muscle spasm in my chest.  One of the most painful experiences I ever have had.  That was my second fill, which is why I forever after made us "just" do 50.

    Good luck! We are here for you.

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  • Enjoying
    Enjoying Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2016

    Thanks for sharing! It helps to connect with others that have gone through this. I don't actually know anyone so this is very helpful. I'd rather go slow than rush it, and appreciate your input.

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  • Enjoying
    Enjoying Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2016

    Thank you for replying and sharing. It has been very important to stay positive and not get a victim mentality. I am so blessed and have been able to avoid chemo. Thanks for the info about the fill.. I feel so much better!!

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  • Angtee15
    Angtee15 Member Posts: 209
    edited November 2016

    Hi there! I was able to go into work after each fill but would be a little sore that night. The last fill was the worst for me. But Tylenol with codeine took care of it!

    Good luck!!!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2016

    Enjoying - you may want to take a look at the Exchange thread. I know it's long, but there it is full of wonderful information & great discussions. I was not able to work after the first fill. In fact I dialed back my fills to only 50cc every other week and it worked better for me.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

    Link attached.

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  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 1,085
    edited November 2016

    I needed to take ibuprofen after. After later fills, they took left over pain pill - then asked for a refill. They switched me to a muscle relaxant and it really helped! Also used a hot compress that felt wonderful! They used a magnet to find the port. Felt like a shot with a little stick when the inserted the needle. Good luck

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  • Enjoying
    Enjoying Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2016

    Thanks sbmolee! I went today and the PS put in 150 in each side (SHOCKED) and it hasn't been bad. Did not expect that much... It feels weird but not painful....

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  • Enjoying
    Enjoying Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2016

    Thanks minustwo, I will check out the Exchange Thread!

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