update on exchange surgery

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Penny67
Penny67 Member Posts: 65
in Breast Cancer #1
Well I had my exchange surgery last Monday and boy am I glad that is over! It was a little more painful than I thought it would be, but still nothing like the original surgery. Since my left side was radiated, they could not use the original side incision and had to make a new incision at the bottom of my breast right where the bottom of any bra would sit. For the first 7 days it was extremely tender getting up or sitting down (as I guess you engage those muscles) and I would feel a nice burn and pulling sensation. Finally today I started to feel like I was on the road to recovery. I also finished taking antibiotics and feel like all the anesthesia and drugs are out of my system. I'm not sure if it was the hot weather we have been having or all the anesthesia and meds they gave me but I have been having major hot flashes where every pore in my body is oozing sweat. This has been happening 20+ times a day. I am hoping this will go back to the way I was pre surgery because I was just getting used to 5-10 moderate hot flashes a day not 20+ severe ones. Our weather is supposed to hit 100 degrees by Thursday so I am a little worried I will look like I just got out of the shower all day long! I guess things could be worse.

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  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #2
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    So glad your surgery is over
    So glad your surgery is over now Penny and I pray that with each day, you will start to feel better. You just take it easy and stay cool!


    Healing thoughts,


    Leeza
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #3
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    jnl said:

    So glad your surgery is over
    So glad your surgery is over now Penny and I pray that with each day, you will start to feel better. You just take it easy and stay cool!


    Healing thoughts,


    Leeza

    You are on the road to
    You are on the road to recovery now! Wishing you a fast recovery!


    Hugs, Kylez
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
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    Kylez said:

    You are on the road to
    You are on the road to recovery now! Wishing you a fast recovery!


    Hugs, Kylez

    Penny .. Just a repeat ..
    First of all, take it easy. I've been there, done that - so I incorporated in
    this post -- a list that I often offer up as help after a bilateral.

    =================

    take pain medication when necessary

    Multiple pillows in various, sizes help with sleeping on your back. A recliner
    does substitute for your bed for a few days. As you stated the burning, and
    tugging sensation can drive us to worry.

    Make sure you know 'how to' milk your drains. (ouch, don't pull on them --)

    Have cups, saucers, plates at arm level - as well as re-arranging your fridge for more commonly used items at arm levels. Tide/Downy small container sizes - also at arm level. Reaching up and grabbing heavy items -- will tear your stitches, as well as hurt your arms. Muscles and tissue in breast, as well as arm areas will be cut,moved and sewn back together.

    I tried to take a bath .. no muscles or strength in my arms after bilateral mastectomy.. so I could NOT get out of the bath tub...It took my husband, and daughter some time to pull me out of the tub == without hurting me. Not a pretty time, or sight to say the least. So I opted to shower ...My husband removed our shower head, and replaced it with a flex hose type so I could shower maneuvering the flex hose from waist down, as well as place shower water under my arms.

    Lastly, please make sure you do your exercises as prescribed by Plastic Surgeon, and Physical Therapist.

    Strength, Courage, Hope and Speedy recovery.

    Vicki Sam
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #5
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    VickiSam said:

    Penny .. Just a repeat ..
    First of all, take it easy. I've been there, done that - so I incorporated in
    this post -- a list that I often offer up as help after a bilateral.

    =================

    take pain medication when necessary

    Multiple pillows in various, sizes help with sleeping on your back. A recliner
    does substitute for your bed for a few days. As you stated the burning, and
    tugging sensation can drive us to worry.

    Make sure you know 'how to' milk your drains. (ouch, don't pull on them --)

    Have cups, saucers, plates at arm level - as well as re-arranging your fridge for more commonly used items at arm levels. Tide/Downy small container sizes - also at arm level. Reaching up and grabbing heavy items -- will tear your stitches, as well as hurt your arms. Muscles and tissue in breast, as well as arm areas will be cut,moved and sewn back together.

    I tried to take a bath .. no muscles or strength in my arms after bilateral mastectomy.. so I could NOT get out of the bath tub...It took my husband, and daughter some time to pull me out of the tub == without hurting me. Not a pretty time, or sight to say the least. So I opted to shower ...My husband removed our shower head, and replaced it with a flex hose type so I could shower maneuvering the flex hose from waist down, as well as place shower water under my arms.

    Lastly, please make sure you do your exercises as prescribed by Plastic Surgeon, and Physical Therapist.

    Strength, Courage, Hope and Speedy recovery.

    Vicki Sam

    I hope your hot flashes stop
    I hope your hot flashes stop soon. I think there are meds that you can take that might help. Ask your oncologist about this. It seems like it starts with an E or something. I just can't think of the name of it right now.

    Wishing you full and speedy recovery!


    Gentle hugs,


    Megan

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