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expanders

luna20
luna20 CSN Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi,
I am 27 yrs old and I am two weeks post op. I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am doing the expanders. I have my first fill on 5/2. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how it will feel to be expanded while being awake? Does it hurt? How long will I be in pain for? Thank you
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Comments

  • ktinkey
    ktinkey CSN Member Posts: 170
    #2
    Hi,

    Today is your first fill, so guess you now know how it feels. Kinda of weird, right? But not too bad. Pain should only last a day or two. The site will feel stiff as the skin stretches. I don't know how they are filling your expanders, but the portal site for me was the most uncomfortable. Mine sat on a rib (or at least that is what it felt like) and the area was sore for a year later. Hope that doesn't happen to you, just wanted to let you know if it does, it is normal and will go away. Good luck. It is worth it!

    God Bless,
    Kathy
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  • chas707
    chas707 CSN Member Posts: 30
    #3
    Hi, I am also 27, 6 weeks post op bilateral mastectomy, have gotten 4 fills, I call it getting blown up!! The first one was kinda painfull, but only the next two days. I didnt feel anything when I was actually getting expanded because I am still numb and will be for a while. My valves are at the top of the expander and though it is a strange feeling with the pressure it is not painfull to have the needle go in. But it will be a rather large needle and sirynge so dont be alarmed. But I was very sore the next morning when I woke up, could barely sit up but once I got up and got moving around the muscle warmed up and I was ok. I never had that problem with anymore of my expansions only the first. I would love to hear from you we are about on the same track. I am 3 treatments into 4 with A/c. My email is chas707@bellsouth.net if you would like to talk. I have really had a positive experience with all of this so if I can answer any questions for you let me know. Good luck, Chastity
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  • karbear
    karbear CSN Member Posts: 163
    #4
    Hello, just wanted to wish you best of luck for tommorrow. Please let me know how you made out. I will be having my first fill on 5/7 and I am very nervous too. We can go through this together. How long are you having expanders in for? My PS says 6 months then he replaces them with the real deal. Again best of luck. Karin (email: gormelclan@hotmail.com)
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