expander experience

KarenKL
KarenKL Member Posts: 42
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
It has been 5 1/2 weeks since my bilateral mastectomy. My expanders were supposed to get filled some about 2 weeks ago, but the Doc. said the skin was still to tight. Well I go back on Thurs. but the skin is still to tight. Anyone else have this problem? The Dr. said the expanders will be completely filled within 6 months, but I don't see that from the skin not loosening. I am not in a rush, but after having children I am not as "thin" as I used to so my stomach now takes the place of my breast and that is embarrassing.
Karen

Comments

  • glapapa
    glapapa Member Posts: 10
    #2
    I'm not an expert, but my doctor said that although it might be painful, getting the expanders started asap is important. He said that getting as much expansion as possible at the beginning is important before too much scar tissue forms around the expander. By the time scar tissue forms, it makes it harder. Are you going through radiation or chemo? I'm sorry I'm not familiar with your background. Radiation also makes scar tissue form faster(I believe) HOpe this helps.
    Gina
  • chessie
    chessie Member Posts: 40
    #3
    Karen,don't feel bad. I had to wait 2 months for my first fill. (incisio healed slowly). Better to take it slow, and gradual. Do you need chemo/radiation? I'm finally getting expander out nxt month. Looking forward to being more comfortable. Don't feel bad about your figure, it is only temporary. Just rest and heal and don't worry about what anyone thinks - you have been through enough, don't be so hard on yourself.
    Take care.
  • KarenKL
    KarenKL Member Posts: 42
    #4
    chessie said:

    Karen,don't feel bad. I had to wait 2 months for my first fill. (incisio healed slowly). Better to take it slow, and gradual. Do you need chemo/radiation? I'm finally getting expander out nxt month. Looking forward to being more comfortable. Don't feel bad about your figure, it is only temporary. Just rest and heal and don't worry about what anyone thinks - you have been through enough, don't be so hard on yourself.
    Take care.

    Thank you for your replies. It helps alot. I am starting Chemo Nov. 1st. My Platic Surgeon didn't say anything about scar tissue, he just said he didn't want anything to open. Again Thanks
  • PegN
    PegN Member Posts: 10
    #5
    KarenKL said:

    Thank you for your replies. It helps alot. I am starting Chemo Nov. 1st. My Platic Surgeon didn't say anything about scar tissue, he just said he didn't want anything to open. Again Thanks

    Karen, just hang in there! I started expansion fairly soon after surgery. Everyone is different. There was a big place on my site where the skin was very thin and it started "dimpling" which really worried me. Now it's practically gone with the addition of more fluid. It will probably work out fine in your case too. I think the patience is just about the hardest part! Please take care of yourself. Peg

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