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Replaced Expanders

vauda51
vauda51 CSN Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in my left breast in April 2016.  Through an MRI before surgery, we found a small suspicious spot in my right breast, so therefore I elected to do a bilateral mastectomy with expanders placed at the time of the bilateral surgery.   After approximately two months, my left breast expander was leaking saline, so we knew it would need replaced after I finished my Chemo treatments on August 16th.  After two fills to my right breast, it became very angry looking on the lower half.  My PS drained approximately one cup of blood out of the right breast and drained the expander to relieve the pressure and pain it was causing.  Just this past week, I went back to surgery to have both expanders replaced.  My question is:  Has anyone had bleeding occur with the expanders? If so, what caused the bleeding?  Also, did the tissue return to normal texture and coloring?

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  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 CSN Member Posts: 79
    #2
    Our stories are similar in

    Our stories are similar in terms of being diagnosed with Stage II BC on April 28.  I had a mx of right breast because I was hoping to get prosthesis in time.  Even though the BS asked for it, I could not get it. So I went after the implants.  The secod day after the surgery I fainted and fell in my home kitchen.  I had a big hematoma due to the fall, the use of an anti-coagulant and turmeric I was taking too to relieve my swollen multiple fractured right foot. He left me the drainage until the hematoma decreased in size.  And yes, it hurt like h**l. The stabbing pain was so deep and horrible and came back after filling, just less intense. Afterwards I have had no problems. The heamtoma disolved and now the skin is normal in color.  There is a red line along the wound but is caused by friction to to the area (the cup and pusher that I am using to fill the bra; the expander is a round, almost flat bubble). I don'y know if expanders will damage with radiation, but when the time comes, I will know.  No radiation yet, changing RO.

     

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