RECONSTRUCTION RE HAS A QUESTION

RE
RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Okay ladies who are in the throngs of recon or have been before I have a question. Tomorrow I go to see my surgeon for more fluid to be put into the expander, if you recall he put 200 cc's in the last time for a total to date of 400 cc's. Since then I have been quite uncomfortable, no quick movements because they hurt, certainly do rough housing with my grandson's and sleeping is near impossible without Vicodin. I also have noticed that it seems to have shifted (the expander) as I feel a slight jabbing sensation I did not have previously. I guess I am wondering if you all ever had the jabbing sensation or the "don't run or it will hurt" thing. I plan to tell my doc to not put in quite so much this next time. I look forward to you pearls of wisdom.

RE
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Comments

  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    Hi RE: I haven't had
    Hi RE: I haven't had reconstruction but I wanted to let you know that I'm following your "experience" and wishing you well.
    love
    jan
  • survivor51
    survivor51 Member Posts: 276
    Few more steps
    Hey Sweetie,
    I found that taking a pain pill before I went to get the fluid added did help. Yes, to all your comments about being uncomfortable. I ended up with 800cc so I could be a C cup and once the expanders are out....it is fantastic. I wish I could show you my tatas to help encourage you. They are soft, move, sexy, and to be honest, with the nipple reconstruction and tatoo, it is hard to even tell I ever had a bilateral. My husband is extremely please as am I. The expanders are the path to glory....I totally love my new gals and when bathing, they feel like the real mccoy. I am having veins showing up as if they are slowly coming "alive". Stick with it and realize that just a little more and vavavooom. Angela
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077

    Few more steps
    Hey Sweetie,
    I found that taking a pain pill before I went to get the fluid added did help. Yes, to all your comments about being uncomfortable. I ended up with 800cc so I could be a C cup and once the expanders are out....it is fantastic. I wish I could show you my tatas to help encourage you. They are soft, move, sexy, and to be honest, with the nipple reconstruction and tatoo, it is hard to even tell I ever had a bilateral. My husband is extremely please as am I. The expanders are the path to glory....I totally love my new gals and when bathing, they feel like the real mccoy. I am having veins showing up as if they are slowly coming "alive". Stick with it and realize that just a little more and vavavooom. Angela

    Hi Re
    Other than just a hard feeling to my expander, it has not been too bad. Sleeping is limited to my back and my right side (exp on left side). I would certainly check with your dr. regarding the feeling that it may have shifted, it is possible. But, perhaps only that it is stretching the tissue as you are expanded and that just is an unusual sensation in itself-especially as you get fuller. I too took a pain pill before expansion. However, I never felt a thing till the very last fill-and that was just dull and bothersome. I am thrilled to read angela's post on how that baby will move and feel in the end!
    Swimsuit season starts tomorrow for me, as I fly to see my sister! I will brave the pool with my expander in my one piece! Hugs and smiles to you!
    Melanie
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    Re. Yes to the funny aches and pains. It is a little different each time as the expander fills and presses on different parts of the body. The worse pain I have is like a constant sciatica in my arm, far from the expander, but probably connected by nerves running under it. I would feel very comfortable telling the doc. that you would like to skip a fill for a week to catch up or take less. My doc. asks me each week how much I want. A few weeks ago we went down from 30 cc's to 20. Hey, you are getting a lot each time. Did you not have rads?
    Last time I went in my expander area had occasional sharp pains and I asked the doc. if the dang thing was coming out. He felt around and said no, it seems fine. I felt better.
    I went to the special bra shop the other day and they stuffed both sides till they almost match. Match a junior high girl with socks in her bra, that is. When I say that my figure can stop traffic, I mean literally. This rock breast could not only stop traffic but dent it, too. Oh, well. It is all part of the fun.
    We are getting through this together! love, Joyce
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member

    Hi RE: I haven't had
    Hi RE: I haven't had reconstruction but I wanted to let you know that I'm following your "experience" and wishing you well.
    love
    jan

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!
    Jan, thank you so much for your ever so kind words! I am truly doing well, just need to be sure all these new odd sensations are normal for the situation.

    Hug to you,

    RE
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member

    Few more steps
    Hey Sweetie,
    I found that taking a pain pill before I went to get the fluid added did help. Yes, to all your comments about being uncomfortable. I ended up with 800cc so I could be a C cup and once the expanders are out....it is fantastic. I wish I could show you my tatas to help encourage you. They are soft, move, sexy, and to be honest, with the nipple reconstruction and tatoo, it is hard to even tell I ever had a bilateral. My husband is extremely please as am I. The expanders are the path to glory....I totally love my new gals and when bathing, they feel like the real mccoy. I am having veins showing up as if they are slowly coming "alive". Stick with it and realize that just a little more and vavavooom. Angela

    WONDERFUL TO HEAR INDEED!!!
    Thank you so much for your wonderfully encouraging message. I had not thought of taking meds prior to my fill tomorrow so I shall do that for sure! You are an inspiration to me and I thank you for that.

    RE
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member

    Few more steps
    Hey Sweetie,
    I found that taking a pain pill before I went to get the fluid added did help. Yes, to all your comments about being uncomfortable. I ended up with 800cc so I could be a C cup and once the expanders are out....it is fantastic. I wish I could show you my tatas to help encourage you. They are soft, move, sexy, and to be honest, with the nipple reconstruction and tatoo, it is hard to even tell I ever had a bilateral. My husband is extremely please as am I. The expanders are the path to glory....I totally love my new gals and when bathing, they feel like the real mccoy. I am having veins showing up as if they are slowly coming "alive". Stick with it and realize that just a little more and vavavooom. Angela

    I am thrilled as well
    Melanie,

    I am thrilled to hear how happy she is with her results as well, it is very encouraging. I truly appreciate all the encouragement you have all shared with me and look forward to the final result. It will certainly be a good day. I want to wish you a wonderful trip to your sister's and lots of fun in the pool.

    Hugs'

    RE
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member

    Re. Yes to the funny aches and pains. It is a little different each time as the expander fills and presses on different parts of the body. The worse pain I have is like a constant sciatica in my arm, far from the expander, but probably connected by nerves running under it. I would feel very comfortable telling the doc. that you would like to skip a fill for a week to catch up or take less. My doc. asks me each week how much I want. A few weeks ago we went down from 30 cc's to 20. Hey, you are getting a lot each time. Did you not have rads?
    Last time I went in my expander area had occasional sharp pains and I asked the doc. if the dang thing was coming out. He felt around and said no, it seems fine. I felt better.
    I went to the special bra shop the other day and they stuffed both sides till they almost match. Match a junior high girl with socks in her bra, that is. When I say that my figure can stop traffic, I mean literally. This rock breast could not only stop traffic but dent it, too. Oh, well. It is all part of the fun.
    We are getting through this together! love, Joyce

    Together we will get there!
    I am so greatful for all your comments as they have helped me more than you will know. In regards to my receiving rads the answer is yes and no. I have had 16 weeks of rads on the other side not on the side I am having reconstruction on. I know my surgeon hopes to put another 200 in me tomorrow but I plan to ask him to limit it to 100 cc's because it is truly aching a lot and I need a bit of a break. I am hoping it will not be much of a problem for him.

    Thanks again for your support,

    RE
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    RE said:

    Together we will get there!
    I am so greatful for all your comments as they have helped me more than you will know. In regards to my receiving rads the answer is yes and no. I have had 16 weeks of rads on the other side not on the side I am having reconstruction on. I know my surgeon hopes to put another 200 in me tomorrow but I plan to ask him to limit it to 100 cc's because it is truly aching a lot and I need a bit of a break. I am hoping it will not be much of a problem for him.

    Thanks again for your support,

    RE

    Re, I wouldn't think your doctor would find a problem in filling less tomorrow. Thinking of you, Hugs, Lili
  • dibs1947
    dibs1947 Member Posts: 4

    Few more steps
    Hey Sweetie,
    I found that taking a pain pill before I went to get the fluid added did help. Yes, to all your comments about being uncomfortable. I ended up with 800cc so I could be a C cup and once the expanders are out....it is fantastic. I wish I could show you my tatas to help encourage you. They are soft, move, sexy, and to be honest, with the nipple reconstruction and tatoo, it is hard to even tell I ever had a bilateral. My husband is extremely please as am I. The expanders are the path to glory....I totally love my new gals and when bathing, they feel like the real mccoy. I am having veins showing up as if they are slowly coming "alive". Stick with it and realize that just a little more and vavavooom. Angela

    How was your recovery time
    How was your recovery time after expanders were removed and implants put in compare to the mastectomy?
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    RE said:

    Together we will get there!
    I am so greatful for all your comments as they have helped me more than you will know. In regards to my receiving rads the answer is yes and no. I have had 16 weeks of rads on the other side not on the side I am having reconstruction on. I know my surgeon hopes to put another 200 in me tomorrow but I plan to ask him to limit it to 100 cc's because it is truly aching a lot and I need a bit of a break. I am hoping it will not be much of a problem for him.

    Thanks again for your support,

    RE

    How did it turn out? You
    How did it turn out? You never let us know.
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    Kristin N said:

    How did it turn out? You
    How did it turn out? You never let us know.

    SO GOOD SO FAR
    Hi Kristin,

    First let me say thank you for your concerns. I posted an update on the 25th which I will paste here for you. Again thank you for your concern! :-)

    Yesterday was my appointment with my surgeon. I went in there with the full intention of telling him not to put in any more more 100 cc's of fluid due to the pain I was having. Well, when he came in I explained the pain and he reclined the exam chair I was in as and was quite surprised as I winced and complained of just how painful it was to be in a laying position or to endure any type of quick movement. He stated that that was certainly not normal and he proceeded with the exam. As it turned out the expanded was folded in an awkward position at the bottom of it which was causing it to tear into the meaty insides of my being. Sorry for the rather distasteful description but that is what was happening. As a result of this he needed to put in enough fluid to expand this crease, I took another 200 cc's and I must admit there was immediate relief. I did not have the intense pain I had upon my arrival in his office. Yes, it still aches but it is no longer such a strong sharp jabbing sensation and I was able to sleep much better last night. I am now at the lets let it stretch a bit portion of this endeavor and do not go back to see him for a month (unless it becomes painful again.) At our next meeting we are to discuss if we need more fluid or if everything has settled enough to commence with surgery. I will keep you all informed.


    Many best to each of you,

    RE
  • vlennon
    vlennon Member Posts: 3
    RE said:

    SO GOOD SO FAR
    Hi Kristin,

    First let me say thank you for your concerns. I posted an update on the 25th which I will paste here for you. Again thank you for your concern! :-)

    Yesterday was my appointment with my surgeon. I went in there with the full intention of telling him not to put in any more more 100 cc's of fluid due to the pain I was having. Well, when he came in I explained the pain and he reclined the exam chair I was in as and was quite surprised as I winced and complained of just how painful it was to be in a laying position or to endure any type of quick movement. He stated that that was certainly not normal and he proceeded with the exam. As it turned out the expanded was folded in an awkward position at the bottom of it which was causing it to tear into the meaty insides of my being. Sorry for the rather distasteful description but that is what was happening. As a result of this he needed to put in enough fluid to expand this crease, I took another 200 cc's and I must admit there was immediate relief. I did not have the intense pain I had upon my arrival in his office. Yes, it still aches but it is no longer such a strong sharp jabbing sensation and I was able to sleep much better last night. I am now at the lets let it stretch a bit portion of this endeavor and do not go back to see him for a month (unless it becomes painful again.) At our next meeting we are to discuss if we need more fluid or if everything has settled enough to commence with surgery. I will keep you all informed.


    Many best to each of you,

    RE

    at the end of reconstruction
    Hi Re,

    Just finishing up my reconstruction. Though I did not have the pain the you have there where times that I was uncomfortable. When your expander feel tight or pulling while your Dr. is doing the fill that should be good. You don't want to expand to fast, which could cause you to get stretch marks or be very uncomfortable that you can't move or sleep well. Hope this helps.

    My prayers are with you.
    good luck with everything
    V
  • ohilly
    ohilly Member Posts: 441
    weird sensations
    Re, although I did not have the same type of reconstruction as you (I had a lattisimus dorsi flap, all done in one operation), I can tell you that I had all kinds of weird sensations and pain in my reconstruction area for several months. Then suddenly they all went away.

    Keep us posted,

    Ohilly
  • ritazimm
    ritazimm Member Posts: 171
    I'm glad you got some relief from your sharp pain. When I had my tissue expander in they also put in 200-300cc at a time. It hurt for a day or two but nothing too severe. I remember that sleeping was indeed difficult with that tupperware bowl in my chest. I also recall having occasional sharp pains that felt like the expander was somehow tearing the sutures inside. I didn't have this a lot and I think I noticed it mostly at night when I was trying to relax and sleep but I do know that they did just stop on thier own and I didn't have any actual 'problems' with it.

    If you are having a lot of pain after the saline additions I would encourage you to have them add smaller amounts added at a time. Taking things a little slower will help you to handle things a bit better. No one likes pain! And you will feel better about the entire process. I also agree that it will help prevent some stretch marks.

    I had my expander replaced with a saline implant and will have my DIEP flap surgery in August and I am so looking forward to having that portion done. I do remember waking up in post-op with a smile on my face. The nurse came over to ask my what the smile was about and I told her that I was so happy with my new boob. I really was too. But now I look forward to having the tummy tuck and moving that fat to my breast. It will be nice to have it feel like a real breast and to have it really be ME. I hope things go much more smoothly for you and that you will be able to feel that thrill of being closer to 'normal'.

    Good luck and God bless,
    Rita
  • susieraph
    susieraph Member Posts: 12
    ritazimm said:

    I'm glad you got some relief from your sharp pain. When I had my tissue expander in they also put in 200-300cc at a time. It hurt for a day or two but nothing too severe. I remember that sleeping was indeed difficult with that tupperware bowl in my chest. I also recall having occasional sharp pains that felt like the expander was somehow tearing the sutures inside. I didn't have this a lot and I think I noticed it mostly at night when I was trying to relax and sleep but I do know that they did just stop on thier own and I didn't have any actual 'problems' with it.

    If you are having a lot of pain after the saline additions I would encourage you to have them add smaller amounts added at a time. Taking things a little slower will help you to handle things a bit better. No one likes pain! And you will feel better about the entire process. I also agree that it will help prevent some stretch marks.

    I had my expander replaced with a saline implant and will have my DIEP flap surgery in August and I am so looking forward to having that portion done. I do remember waking up in post-op with a smile on my face. The nurse came over to ask my what the smile was about and I told her that I was so happy with my new boob. I really was too. But now I look forward to having the tummy tuck and moving that fat to my breast. It will be nice to have it feel like a real breast and to have it really be ME. I hope things go much more smoothly for you and that you will be able to feel that thrill of being closer to 'normal'.

    Good luck and God bless,
    Rita

    WOW, I never had more than
    WOW, I never had more than 50 or 75 cc added at a time- every 2-3 weeks. We took it slow I guess, but that was fine by me!! I stopped at 550 cc and had 450 silicone implants put in- double mastectomy. I am now a nice C+ cup as I was before. Next month I am scheduled for my tattoo nipples to be added. Party!
  • pretty in pink
    pretty in pink Member Posts: 13
    susieraph said:

    WOW, I never had more than
    WOW, I never had more than 50 or 75 cc added at a time- every 2-3 weeks. We took it slow I guess, but that was fine by me!! I stopped at 550 cc and had 450 silicone implants put in- double mastectomy. I am now a nice C+ cup as I was before. Next month I am scheduled for my tattoo nipples to be added. Party!

    Questions, Questions, Questions
    Good Morning to all~
    Just had my initial consult for the tissue expander~and now flooded with tons of questions which I realize I will need to address with my surgeon, with that said, would prefer to get feedback from those in the know~
    once the tissue expander procedure has been completed you are able to work your job in between adding additional fluid for further expansion correct? Then I am understanding that you just require additional surgery to have the permanent implant completed, later~
    Trying to make my decision to as to which procedure will be best for me~in my situation the most minimal time out of work will have to be the way to go~Walking the balancing act between what needs to be done for myself v-having to be realistic to maintain my current job position~
    Anything to share here would be GREAT and much appreciated~
  • dbs1673
    dbs1673 Member Posts: 203

    Questions, Questions, Questions
    Good Morning to all~
    Just had my initial consult for the tissue expander~and now flooded with tons of questions which I realize I will need to address with my surgeon, with that said, would prefer to get feedback from those in the know~
    once the tissue expander procedure has been completed you are able to work your job in between adding additional fluid for further expansion correct? Then I am understanding that you just require additional surgery to have the permanent implant completed, later~
    Trying to make my decision to as to which procedure will be best for me~in my situation the most minimal time out of work will have to be the way to go~Walking the balancing act between what needs to be done for myself v-having to be realistic to maintain my current job position~
    Anything to share here would be GREAT and much appreciated~

    keep going
    Dear PIP, Yu will have no problem working while the expanders are getting their fill. After they are filled to where they need to be (how ever many cc's that is for your size) you will need to give your skin time to adjust before getting the implants. I had to wait much longer because of having had radiation. I was very samll before my surgery..34 A. I know I asked to be a bit larger (B-C) and to tell you the truth I really don't know what size I am now. I haven't worn a bra in 9 months that has a cup size. With the expanders in I felt like Wonder Woman or Barbie. Nothing hard now with the impants. The recovery has been a piece of cake compared to anything else up to this point. Only took Tylenol for several days following the surgery.

    I'm looking for nipple/tatoo advise. Debating the pros and cons of nipple show. Didn't we all hate searching for the perfect bra to hide the nipple show?
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    dbs1673 said:

    keep going
    Dear PIP, Yu will have no problem working while the expanders are getting their fill. After they are filled to where they need to be (how ever many cc's that is for your size) you will need to give your skin time to adjust before getting the implants. I had to wait much longer because of having had radiation. I was very samll before my surgery..34 A. I know I asked to be a bit larger (B-C) and to tell you the truth I really don't know what size I am now. I haven't worn a bra in 9 months that has a cup size. With the expanders in I felt like Wonder Woman or Barbie. Nothing hard now with the impants. The recovery has been a piece of cake compared to anything else up to this point. Only took Tylenol for several days following the surgery.

    I'm looking for nipple/tatoo advise. Debating the pros and cons of nipple show. Didn't we all hate searching for the perfect bra to hide the nipple show?

    nipple or no nipple that is the question
    I have decided to go with the nipple and the tattooing around it. For me I figured what the heck I might as well get back to as natural a me as possible. I was told I have to wait 6 months after the final implant is place in me so it can totally settle so the nipple can be placed in the exact right spot.

    My best to you!

    RE
  • susieraph
    susieraph Member Posts: 12
    RE said:

    nipple or no nipple that is the question
    I have decided to go with the nipple and the tattooing around it. For me I figured what the heck I might as well get back to as natural a me as possible. I was told I have to wait 6 months after the final implant is place in me so it can totally settle so the nipple can be placed in the exact right spot.

    My best to you!

    RE

    I too decided to go with the
    I too decided to go with the total look! I have my color consultation in 2 weeks and the actual tattooing will be in early May. I requested small nipples and my plastic surgeon listened. It has been 3 months since the nipple surgery and they have flatten out, but there is enough elevation to satisfy me and I don't have to worry about headlights. This is actually the fun part!
    Good luck, Susie