Trams & recovery time?
How long does/will this recovery time take?
Comments
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Kalie
I am so sorry that you are having so much done to you and that you are so exhausted. I can't really answer your question, as, I don't think anyone really can except the doctors. You have been thru a lot and it is no wonder that you are exhausted. And, working 40 hours a week? I have no idea how you do it. You probably need to talk to your doctor or doctors about should you be in physical therapy and answer your other questions too. But, I hope you get some answers and some much needed rest soon. You do need to take care of yourself as you have been and are going thru a lot. Good luck!0 -
Thanks for your kind words.Kristin N said:Kalie
I am so sorry that you are having so much done to you and that you are so exhausted. I can't really answer your question, as, I don't think anyone really can except the doctors. You have been thru a lot and it is no wonder that you are exhausted. And, working 40 hours a week? I have no idea how you do it. You probably need to talk to your doctor or doctors about should you be in physical therapy and answer your other questions too. But, I hope you get some answers and some much needed rest soon. You do need to take care of yourself as you have been and are going thru a lot. Good luck!
Thanks for your kind words. I think anyone who goes through breast cancer surgeries, etc should be off work for a year just to recover. I've actually looked forward to the post surgeries just so I could rest.0 -
Hi, Kalie
Welcome to the group, Kalie. So sorry for the surgery complications. My own surgery was lumpectomy (yes, followed by both chemo & rads); so, I can't speak very specifically to your current situation. However - and in general - you have endured several (I'm counting at least four?) surgeries over a very short period of time; and, a double mast w/recon is quite "invasive" surgery to begin with. Your body will, as its first priority, use energy to heal itself. And, the body heals most efficiently during rest and sleep.
It's astounding to me that you've been working 40 hours a week! No wonder you're exhausted. Using your energy to work is probably taking away energy needed to heal...
Per your post, your "friends" seem compassionate and supportive. The comments from "other people" - although they probably mean well, because most people do - seem the exact opposite, without any offense meant towards them, whatsoever.
Only your own doctors can truly answer your questions regarding both the possible need for some type of physical therapy, and estimated full recovery timing. When I had completed all of my treatments, my doctors advised it would be at least a year until I'd be physically recovered. Honestly, it was more like two.
Please consult your doctors. Best wishes to you.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Hi Kalie,
I can't help you with how long your recovery will be, since I just had my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (one DIEP and one free TRAM) six weeks ago. I can tell you that I am having a much more difficult time recovering from this surgery than from other treatments that I've had. I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2000, and I missed about a week of work for the surgeries and then I left work early each day for the radiation; this helped with the exhaustion that almost everyone has. Even though life was relatively normal, it was probably six months before I felt 'back to normal'. With the mastectomy and reconsruction, I'll be out of work for eight weeks, and I may go back part time, when I return, for at least a few weeks. I'm not really expecting to feel 'my new normal' for a year.
Your initial surgery involved four sites: your two breasts and both sides of your abdomen (probably complicated more because you had two types of TRAM surgery). I was shocked by the fact that I could hardly walk upright and to the end of the street a week or more after surgery. That's what told me that there was going to be a long recovery period. And, your hernias have put more stress on your body.
Is there any way you could reduce your work week, in order to give yourself a little extra time to rest? I know that many jobs won't allow it, but it seems as though your body is telling you it needs it.
Joyce0 -
No there's no way to reducejk1952 said:Hi Kalie,
I can't help you with how long your recovery will be, since I just had my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (one DIEP and one free TRAM) six weeks ago. I can tell you that I am having a much more difficult time recovering from this surgery than from other treatments that I've had. I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2000, and I missed about a week of work for the surgeries and then I left work early each day for the radiation; this helped with the exhaustion that almost everyone has. Even though life was relatively normal, it was probably six months before I felt 'back to normal'. With the mastectomy and reconsruction, I'll be out of work for eight weeks, and I may go back part time, when I return, for at least a few weeks. I'm not really expecting to feel 'my new normal' for a year.
Your initial surgery involved four sites: your two breasts and both sides of your abdomen (probably complicated more because you had two types of TRAM surgery). I was shocked by the fact that I could hardly walk upright and to the end of the street a week or more after surgery. That's what told me that there was going to be a long recovery period. And, your hernias have put more stress on your body.
Is there any way you could reduce your work week, in order to give yourself a little extra time to rest? I know that many jobs won't allow it, but it seems as though your body is telling you it needs it.
Joyce
No there's no way to reduce my hours as when I returned from the initial surgery (8 wks post-op) I was told that I'd had to take on the work of the employee who transferred out and to date they haven't replaced the position. I'm a Program Support Assistant (aka: Personal Slave to Averybody)
I used to get horrible migraines but now all my stress seems to go to the free tram sites which will contractso bad that it affects my breathing as my diaphram doesn't move like it should and I end up waddling when I walk. I've been trying to do deep yoga breathing techniques which help a lot. In the evening it seems that the only thing that actually will help me to relax is laying down and knitting while listening to audio books. I've knitted a lot of chemo hats for the local cancer center and for friend's of friends who are going thru chemo.
I've been told I'm too hard on myself, I've always been my worst enemy.0 -
Thank you for your warmChristmas Girl said:Hi, Kalie
Welcome to the group, Kalie. So sorry for the surgery complications. My own surgery was lumpectomy (yes, followed by both chemo & rads); so, I can't speak very specifically to your current situation. However - and in general - you have endured several (I'm counting at least four?) surgeries over a very short period of time; and, a double mast w/recon is quite "invasive" surgery to begin with. Your body will, as its first priority, use energy to heal itself. And, the body heals most efficiently during rest and sleep.
It's astounding to me that you've been working 40 hours a week! No wonder you're exhausted. Using your energy to work is probably taking away energy needed to heal...
Per your post, your "friends" seem compassionate and supportive. The comments from "other people" - although they probably mean well, because most people do - seem the exact opposite, without any offense meant towards them, whatsoever.
Only your own doctors can truly answer your questions regarding both the possible need for some type of physical therapy, and estimated full recovery timing. When I had completed all of my treatments, my doctors advised it would be at least a year until I'd be physically recovered. Honestly, it was more like two.
Please consult your doctors. Best wishes to you.
Kind regards, Susan
Thank you for your warm wishes. I guess I was thinking that I'd have this surgery, go thru post op and everything would be over and done with. (I've been told I dream alot
)
I've been just finding out through others that most women that have gone through what I did, wasn't working 40 hrs to begin with. If I had a crystal ball a year ago, I would have done the implants, but it wasn't until after the surgery that I discovered I was allergic to silicone. Found out when I wore some thigh hose that had silicone on the elastic. Had the worse case of blisters all around both thighs! Next time I flipped the tops down so the silicone would be on the outside, but while I was walking across a parking lot, they slid down so I'm standing there looking around to see if any one is around while pulling up my hose, then I had to hang on to them until I got to a restroom where I stuffed my slip down the tops to keep them up.
I've learned a lot during this time, plus I've had a lot of funny experiences as well. I was just a little down the last few days, but reading all the groups mail as been uplifting.0 -
Ask your Dr.
I would suggest talking to your Dr. about your workload and your symptoms, and ask if it seems to be "normal" (whatever that is). After all you have been through, I expect it is. Working full time and going through all the complications you have sounds like a lot to me. If there is any way at all you can talk to your employer about sharing some lighter responsibilities, or trading days with someone who has a less physically demanding job a day or two a week, or something...even just for a while...it might give you just enough break to let your body heal itself.
I am planning to do bilateral reconstruction with the DIEP procedure next month, so I guess I will let be in your same boat soon.
Take care of yourself, seof.0 -
Did just that - took off work!!Kalie said:Thanks for your kind words.
Thanks for your kind words. I think anyone who goes through breast cancer surgeries, etc should be off work for a year just to recover. I've actually looked forward to the post surgeries just so I could rest.
Kalie, I was fornuate as I had income disability to cover me for up to a year. My Dr's all advised me to take advantage of it and consentrate on getting me healthy and take the time off work so as not to tax myself. My surgery is Wednesday, then I will have radiation, then hormone therapy. I have initially taken off till November when I will see how I am doing at that time. They have advised me that rest is extremely important to allow your body to heal itself properly....so do this as much as you can. Take small breaks if that is all that is possible but take care of yourself non the less. Pammy 0 -
SEOF:seof said:Ask your Dr.
I would suggest talking to your Dr. about your workload and your symptoms, and ask if it seems to be "normal" (whatever that is). After all you have been through, I expect it is. Working full time and going through all the complications you have sounds like a lot to me. If there is any way at all you can talk to your employer about sharing some lighter responsibilities, or trading days with someone who has a less physically demanding job a day or two a week, or something...even just for a while...it might give you just enough break to let your body heal itself.
I am planning to do bilateral reconstruction with the DIEP procedure next month, so I guess I will let be in your same boat soon.
Take care of yourself, seof.
Thanks for the advice.
SEOF:
Thanks for the advice. I see my dr next week and I'll discuss all my concerns with her.
I was having a pity party of 1 the last few days--luckily I haven't had many of those. I feel much better today and from all the kind words & the support this group has been giving me. I'm also grateful as this past year has given me a lot of "quality" friends that I didn't know before.
Since I live by myself I went to Goodwill and picked up a dz of xtra lrg men's shirts as the armpits are large & they're long in length. These are great for lounging around and you may be swollen, and come home with a drain(s), plus you don't want anything binding or constricting. (You can attach the drain at the armpit w/a safety pin and it'll be out of your way--or the back side of the pocket. If you have a free tram, you may want to wear bikini underwear as they hit below the "smile" incision.
If you need any other "helpful hints" or a hug let me know! (Laughing at yourself also helps!)0 -
Good suggestions
Kalie, these are good suggestions to help prepare for the surgery. SEOF, if you haven't already done this, you may want to do a couple autologous blood donations to be used either during your surgery or after it. It made me feel better to know that the blood they were using for my transfusion was my own.
A couple things that you should plan regarding sleeping: you will be sleeping on your back for several weeks. I always slept on my side, so this was a new experience. I've been using two pillows for my head and one or two under my knees. The abdominal surgery is much like a cesarean, tummy tuck or hysterectomy, and it is very hard to stand up straight or lie flat in bed for a few weeks. My recliner has become my best friend: it puts you in a position so you don't feel like you are stretching your skin or the stitches. Some women sleep in their recliners if they can't fall asleep on their backs.
Finally, plan to have lots of help during your recovery. My husband has been great and at first acted as a gatekeeper for phone calls and potential visitors. If he didn't think that I was up to taking calls or seeing people, he'd let them know. My real friends appreciated this, because they didn't want to tire me.
Hope this helps, SEOF, and Kalie, let us know how we can help you.
Joyce0 -
Joyce:jk1952 said:Good suggestions
Kalie, these are good suggestions to help prepare for the surgery. SEOF, if you haven't already done this, you may want to do a couple autologous blood donations to be used either during your surgery or after it. It made me feel better to know that the blood they were using for my transfusion was my own.
A couple things that you should plan regarding sleeping: you will be sleeping on your back for several weeks. I always slept on my side, so this was a new experience. I've been using two pillows for my head and one or two under my knees. The abdominal surgery is much like a cesarean, tummy tuck or hysterectomy, and it is very hard to stand up straight or lie flat in bed for a few weeks. My recliner has become my best friend: it puts you in a position so you don't feel like you are stretching your skin or the stitches. Some women sleep in their recliners if they can't fall asleep on their backs.
Finally, plan to have lots of help during your recovery. My husband has been great and at first acted as a gatekeeper for phone calls and potential visitors. If he didn't think that I was up to taking calls or seeing people, he'd let them know. My real friends appreciated this, because they didn't want to tire me.
Hope this helps, SEOF, and Kalie, let us know how we can help you.
Joyce
How long has it been
Joyce:
How long has it been since your surgery? Do you feel like you're getting to be your ole' self again?
I agree with you on the sleeping part, I have probably a dozen pillows stashed all over the house--couch, bed, etc., I don't have a recliner so I use pillows a lot. Even in the hospital I had 6 pillows and wished they could have come up with a couple more! What they call "armpit pillows", I had 3 and used them in the car under the seat belt--one on each side of the abdomin and one in the middle of my chest. My biggest fear was getting hit with an exploding air bag.0 -
It's only been six weeks
Kalie,
It's only been six weeks since my surgery. I'm planning to go back to work in two weeks, and I really dread it! I will probably work four days a week for a few weeks, since I'm not sure that I will be able to handle full-time. Right now, I can handle about five hours of activity and then I just poop out. Sometimes if I rest, I can do something else later in the day. The fatigue and abdomen swelling have been difficult for me, along with feeling like I have towels rolled up under my arms. They are all improving, but they are taking their toll. Hopefully, I'll make tons of progress in the next two weeks! But, considering I couldn't get out of bed six weeks ago, I've made tremendous progress, to date.
Joyce
Joyce0 -
It's only been six weeksjk1952 said:It's only been six weeks
Kalie,
It's only been six weeks since my surgery. I'm planning to go back to work in two weeks, and I really dread it! I will probably work four days a week for a few weeks, since I'm not sure that I will be able to handle full-time. Right now, I can handle about five hours of activity and then I just poop out. Sometimes if I rest, I can do something else later in the day. The fatigue and abdomen swelling have been difficult for me, along with feeling like I have towels rolled up under my arms. They are all improving, but they are taking their toll. Hopefully, I'll make tons of progress in the next two weeks! But, considering I couldn't get out of bed six weeks ago, I've made tremendous progress, to date.
Joyce
Joyce
If you're wearing a surgery bra, I found sticking swatches of fleece material at the armpit sites and at the bottom of the closure as my skin was so sensitive. When I was discharged they sent me home with oxycodone, but didn't tell me to keep taking Aleve (aka: naproxin) as oxy deals with extreme pain, and the Aleve deals with minor pains. It wasn't until I was seeing my primary care physician and telling her that I was experiencing burning breasts, that she prescribed 500 mg of Naproxin--What a relief! I still experience it and take the Aleve (lower doses) throughout the day. I'm still having problems wearing regular bras as by the end of the day the sides of the breast are painful from the way the cups are formed along with the back closure. I went to corset bras as they're just cups attached to a cami type--gives me shape and protects the breasts while they're healing. I found mine at NewportNews.com
Our local county's cancer center has what they call "armpit pillows", but another friend told me she found some doll pillows. They come in handy when placed at stratigic areas when wearing seat belts. I had 2 small and a little larger one that I placed lentghwise between my breasts as I was terrified of getting in an accident and having the air bag explode crushing my new breasts.
Good luck--don't let work stress you out like I've allowed my work to do to me--not worth it!0 -
Kalie,
Fortunately, I
Kalie,
Fortunately, I haven't had a lot of problems with pain. In fact, since I left the hospital, I have only taken Advil and Tylenol for pain. I haven't really tolerated any of the narcotic drugs well, so I'm always anxious to get off of them. I have a very high pain tolerance, but stick a needle in me and I could pass out. Go figure!
Right now, I'm wearing camis with shelf bras or tank tops. My doctor does not want me wearing bras yet, since he did have one patient who wore a too tight bra too early and lost circulation in one of her flaps. Fortunately, the cami with a shirt or sweater over it is in style, so no one needs to know that I'm not wearing a bra.
You had mentioned that the only way you could relax is to lie down and knit. Is there a way you could get a recliner instead of lying on your couch? I am much more comfortable (and it is much easier to get up). Lying for too long also gives me a back ache. We have a "Stressless" chair which is great.
I've also found that any exercise helps me feel better. At first, after surgery, I couldn't walk to the end of the street without panting, but I just persisted in doing what little I could and eventually, I greatly improved my distance, speed and posture. I'm still far from before surgery, but I feel the walking has helped to strengthen me.
Joyce0 -
Joyce:jk1952 said:Kalie,
Fortunately, I
Kalie,
Fortunately, I haven't had a lot of problems with pain. In fact, since I left the hospital, I have only taken Advil and Tylenol for pain. I haven't really tolerated any of the narcotic drugs well, so I'm always anxious to get off of them. I have a very high pain tolerance, but stick a needle in me and I could pass out. Go figure!
Right now, I'm wearing camis with shelf bras or tank tops. My doctor does not want me wearing bras yet, since he did have one patient who wore a too tight bra too early and lost circulation in one of her flaps. Fortunately, the cami with a shirt or sweater over it is in style, so no one needs to know that I'm not wearing a bra.
You had mentioned that the only way you could relax is to lie down and knit. Is there a way you could get a recliner instead of lying on your couch? I am much more comfortable (and it is much easier to get up). Lying for too long also gives me a back ache. We have a "Stressless" chair which is great.
I've also found that any exercise helps me feel better. At first, after surgery, I couldn't walk to the end of the street without panting, but I just persisted in doing what little I could and eventually, I greatly improved my distance, speed and posture. I'm still far from before surgery, but I feel the walking has helped to strengthen me.
Joyce
I've always had to
Joyce:
I've always had to walk a lot at my work, plus 1 mile walking my dogs 3 x a day. Since I'm so exhausted after I get home, the walks at home have diminished. Since being home these past 2 weeks, "the girls" & I are getting back into our normal walking--they need it as much as I do!
Thanks for the suggestion about the stressless chair!0 -
Kalie,Kalie said:Joyce:
I've always had to
Joyce:
I've always had to walk a lot at my work, plus 1 mile walking my dogs 3 x a day. Since I'm so exhausted after I get home, the walks at home have diminished. Since being home these past 2 weeks, "the girls" & I are getting back into our normal walking--they need it as much as I do!
Thanks for the suggestion about the stressless chair!
Your walking puts
Kalie,
Your walking puts mine to shame, so I'm sure you know how it can make you feel better both mentally and physically. Hope you and 'the girls' can find the time and energy to get back into a routine. I have a desk job, and I don't do much walking at work.
Hope you're feeling better soon and don't have to return to work until you're ready!
Joyce0
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