October 2018 Surgery Support Group

Dreya, I was pregnant when I first had surgery, and postpartum when getting my fills. I think my skin was all stretchy as it was, so that may also account for the easier time with fills. The other thing is that I didn't get fills until several months after my surgery because of chemo and radiation. So I was more healed.

However, something that may help, I put body oils on the breasts in the days before the fills. I happened to have oils for pregnant bellies, to help with stretching. I'm not sure, but it's possible that helped as well. I hope the pain subsides soon, and that it is not that difficult during future fills.

bookworm14: I had air coming out of surgery and it completely deflated maki g expanders painful...some of the edges were folded. I'm hopeful that the saline fill will round out the TE causing less pain. Will your dr convert to saline?

Checking in a month after SNB to report that the numbness, pain, and general nasty sensations in the incision area and migrating down my arm and into the breast are much improved. I'm still being careful about lifting/pulling/pushing heavy things on that side, and there is still the occasional ache and twinge and nerve zing, but nothing I can't live with, even for the long term if that's what ends up happening.

I had quite a lot of pain again yesterday, which was discouraging, but I think it was related to overuse and aggravated by a round of the normal cyclical/fibrocystic breast pain I've been experiencing for years. I feel much better today.

I did the stretching exercises and am continuing to do them. It's hard to think about stretching when all you want to do is curl into a ball and protect your incision site, but they really did make things feel better, sometimes immediately.

I'm posting this for anyone who is in pain from this procedure and wondering if they are ever going to feel better. Take heart!

Salamandra, definitely but them!

aw so sorry, bookworm. I don’t remember much about the port surgery. I hope you recover and feel better soon.

yes, much better. The pain is pretty much gone, tho the skin still doesn’t look fully healed.

Thanks Dani444! It is funny how it is the easier surgery that seems to cause more pain than the dang mastectomy

DWiseley,

Thankfully the had me asleep for this. They did try the chest, but had a problem due to the collarbone??? So in the neck it goes and it is extremely painful today. Luckily I had a few pain pills left over from the mastectomy, but I emailed the doctor askingfor something to help. I hope this pain is only temporary because I do not know how I can deal with this.

I agree, bookworm. Please insist on stronger pain relief or some way to address how uncomfortable you are. I’m so sorry.

The doctor finally called in some meds so hope they start working soon! Wishing everyone here a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Bookworm, my port (chest) was sore for weeks and my throat from the tube for anesthesia was sore for about 3 days. Hoping you get some relief soon! My TEs are filled with air, too. They looked okay (pretty "normal") after the last fill, but the creases are back now. The PS says the air can't leak out of the breast pocket or TE...I don't know, I feel like it has, despite what he says. Maybe it's just that the tissue has actually expanded?

Star, I'm glad you've turned the corner and are feeling better!

Dreya711 and chiliaddie, I'm sorry I didn't get to answer you before your fills. You both have had the experience by now!.I had pressure and back pain with mine, but it was gone within 24 hours. I got 100ccs in each. Advil helped a lot! Try taking it an hour before your fill next time (and RX strength is 600mg so you can safely take 3 of the normal 200mg over the counter ones and that should work. The PS told me I could do that 4 times/day for the couple days of pain you get with fills. Dreya711, thanks for the bra recommendation.

bookworm14, Dreya711, and GAwarrior - that would just suck if you had a hole. If they filled with saline, they would know for sure I imagine. Having the saline makes my boobs feel like waterbeds. I'm wearing the $7 front hook and eye bra from Fruit of the loom on Amazon. Comes in two pack. Having TE pushed togetherness away from armpits feels better. I'm still taking advil every 4 hours. Also, massaging my armpit all the down time down to the wrist in he should owner seems to have increased my range of motion Bookworm17 sending you pain free thoughts. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving

Hi All,

I understand about the armpits. It's why I liked this particular bra because the side don't come up as high and bother my underarms. The nerves on my left side are going crazy and it's the weirdest feeling, so anytime something is touching me there it almost feels like a piece of cardboard or paper stuck in there. It has improved somewhat over time. Hopefully will one day feel normal again.

I didn't even know they had air TE's. Mine take the saline and they are rock hard! The only nice thing about them is they don't move and they stay up high

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. While we all have gone through so much these last couple of months, we are still here! I am certainly thankful for that and the support and guidance from each of you!

Bookworm14, for me Radiation will prolly start on January. I just had first filling yesterday. Usually I am 34B size so PS said it might take up to 4 fillings. So far the surgery is healing. I have experiencing some cramps in my fingers and legs esp around thighs and feet. I met my OC yesterday and she said that its because of Nephropathy so she prescribed the medicine to me. Hope it helps. I am planning to do workout slowly. The cancer center where i live has an organization called Maple tree that provides one hour workout per week to cancer patients. I am planning to join soon.

I have been hearing and reading articles that we need to avoid sugar. I am not sure how much true is it. If anyone has idea about it could you please share or the thread to refer to.

Take care ladies.

Naesha, I'm taking liquid B12 that I place under my tongue for neuropathy. I've also noticed that I cannot let my hands get cold at all. Are your hands sensitive to cold?

Hi Star! I hope you are doing well.