breast rxpanders for reconstruction

Winnie63
Winnie63 Member Posts: 6
in Breast Cancer #1

had my first fill 2 days ago.  does anyone have soreness in the underarm area?  the right is more sore and that is where they took out 3 lymph nodes and like a bunch of skin is.  Dr. didn't seemed concerned.  also its been a little over 3 weeks since my bi-lateral mastectomy.  Nurse said I could take a bath  now but not sure about getting out if the tub.  she said it was ok to pull myself out.  Not much discomfort now and can do things within restrictions without getting to worn out.  dr. said to do what I feel like. Still sleeping in a recliner, any ideas about sleeping in my bed?  have to sleep on my back for another month and I am a side sleeper.

 

Comments

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #2
    Thoughts and Prayers for you Winnie

    I did not have Mastectomy ....only Lumpectomy but they did cut under my left arm and took out a cup of lymph nodes....so I was a little uncomfortable after.    I'm just here to say it sounds to me like you have done all the right things and if you have made it this long without an infection and you are feeling better each day...then GOOD FOR YOU GIRL***    I'm sure there will be other gals on here who have had this done and they will be able to share with you more ....but I just wanted to send you encouragement and hope that all continues well for you.   Glo

  • Lilly9
    Lilly9 Member Posts: 155
    #3
    GlowMore said:

    Thoughts and Prayers for you Winnie

    I did not have Mastectomy ....only Lumpectomy but they did cut under my left arm and took out a cup of lymph nodes....so I was a little uncomfortable after.    I'm just here to say it sounds to me like you have done all the right things and if you have made it this long without an infection and you are feeling better each day...then GOOD FOR YOU GIRL***    I'm sure there will be other gals on here who have had this done and they will be able to share with you more ....but I just wanted to send you encouragement and hope that all continues well for you.   Glo

    I had a bilateral mastectomy

    I had a bilateral mastectomy with lymph nodes on the right as well.   I did experience a little more discomfort under my arm on the left after fills.   Motrin seemed to really help.

    Like you I was worried about getting down in the tub and not being able to pull up and therefore didn't chance it.    I slept in my zero gravity chair for several weeks.   When I moved to the bed I made sure I had plenty of pillows and I do mean plenty!   Many nights I woke up and would end up back out on the reclining section of the couch.   I know they say you have to stay on your back for 2 months but I was unable to sleep on anything but my back until after my reconstruction surgery.   Once the expanders were fully expanded I was to uncomfortable on my sides - they get hard and just don't give!   So for me it was over a year!   

    Just be careful and don't push yourself.   I fell out in my driveway just 1 week after my surgery.  No one was home, I was on my back with my leg twisted (I turned my ankle as I went down) It was July and it was hot.  I laid there for a long time before I was able to finally get to my side and ease myself up.  It was extremely difficult and really all I could do - partially scooting to an area I could hold on to.   

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
    Lilly9 said:

    I had a bilateral mastectomy

    I had a bilateral mastectomy with lymph nodes on the right as well.   I did experience a little more discomfort under my arm on the left after fills.   Motrin seemed to really help.

    Like you I was worried about getting down in the tub and not being able to pull up and therefore didn't chance it.    I slept in my zero gravity chair for several weeks.   When I moved to the bed I made sure I had plenty of pillows and I do mean plenty!   Many nights I woke up and would end up back out on the reclining section of the couch.   I know they say you have to stay on your back for 2 months but I was unable to sleep on anything but my back until after my reconstruction surgery.   Once the expanders were fully expanded I was to uncomfortable on my sides - they get hard and just don't give!   So for me it was over a year!   

    Just be careful and don't push yourself.   I fell out in my driveway just 1 week after my surgery.  No one was home, I was on my back with my leg twisted (I turned my ankle as I went down) It was July and it was hot.  I laid there for a long time before I was able to finally get to my side and ease myself up.  It was extremely difficult and really all I could do - partially scooting to an area I could hold on to.   

    Winnie .. How you doing -?

    Feeling any better?  Please update us when possible.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

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