karen1956

Due to rads, I had to wait at least 6 months post rads for exchange.  I had my expanders for almost 13 months.

I agree with the others.  Maybe a short explanation (either a note or in person) explaining that this reconstructive surgery is follow up to surgery for breast cancer (or you can say mastectomy is you don't feel too embarrased). No need to say anything more. Good luck with your surgery and the end of the semester.

I know on another thread there has been a discussion about speaking up regarding the side effects we experience from AI's and tamox.  Not only do we  need to speak up to our doctors,  BUT we also need to speak up to the drug companies. Even if the side effects are ones listed, they need to hear from us.   It is our feedback that gives new/more data on side effects.  When I was on Arimidex, I developed moderate to severe CTS in both hands.  I called Astra Zeneca - they had just finished their new package insert and it was listing CTS as a side effect - 6 months before when I started the AI, CTS was not listed.  Astra Zeneca took detailed information from me for their files and it also  had to be reported to the FDA. Well, I have been on Aromasin for 16 months now- after about 6 or 7 months I developed bilateral deQuervanes tendonitis in my wrists.  I decided today to call Pfizer today.  After speaking to a customer service person regarding the side effects, I was connected to a Pfizer pharmacist who asked many questions regarding length of time on meds, other meds I take,  side effects and I forget what else she asked.  I asked what they do with the information and she said they keep it for their files, send a report to my onc (if I agree to it) and they have to send the information to the FDA.

So please, let everyone involved - doctors and drug companies - know what side effects you are experiencing. It is the only way any changes can come about. 

I had modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection on bc side and simply mastectomy on prophy side.  Expanders placed at time of mastectomy.  I had 3 fills and then I was done - not because skin wouldn't stretch - I had 50cc taken out as I was too sore.  Probably could have put it back and more, but I was happy where I was. My skin did okay. Fills were done before rads. 

My ROM is pretty good - the main difference I notice is that my arms don't stretch all the way up as they did before surgery, but this does not impact me.  I was good about doing the stretching exercises they gave me post surgery for the first few weeks.

Bilat with expanders - stayed 2 nights in the hospital - surgery on Wednesday and home on Friday.  DH took off several days.  We had meals cooked  for  us the 1st week post surgery and that was sooo helpful.   I know for the first several days, I didn't do much except rest.  Didn't grocery shop or clean for atleast a week - till after post-op visits.  Drains came out at one week. After this, I started to do more. By 2+ weeks post surgery I was feeling pretty good and pretty much doing most things (except not lifting much).  Even went out for lunch with girlfriends a couple ot times.  I did not have my first fill till 3 weeks after surgery. I was off work for a month, but the last week was spring break.  (BS said I could go back to work after 2 or 3 weeks). Allow yourself the time to heal, listen to your body and let it be the judge of how much you can do.

As my hair was still long at time of surgery, washing it was difficult. Once, DH helped me up on the kitchen counter was somehow he managed to wash it for me int he kitchen sink.  A few days later, we went to Fantastic Sams and had them wash it - oh did that feel wonderful.  And it was quite reasonable.

Wishing you an easy recovery.

EWB - like some of the other gals - I had my ooph done laprascopically - day surgery.  Fatigue was the biggest issue - not too much pain. 

Gabapentin ( generic Neurontin) has helped with joint pain as well as night sweats and hot flashes.  It did not help with pain from tendonitis.  I take it at bedtime - 1800mg - started on low dose and built up. I haven't taken it for a couple weeks nor my calcium and I find that I don't need my miralax and stool softeners. Ibuprofen did not help my joint pain and I can't take vicodin and other pain meds as they make sick.

I was at a min conference on BC last night - 3 oncs spoke and gabapentin was mentioned as something that helps with joint pain. the onc did comment about taking one med to help with side effects of another and so on. 

Marin and Colleen - I am one of those with successful (relatively) recon following rads.  I had bilat and expanders.  A year later (7 months post rads) was exchange.  Rad side did fall (funny as it was higher with expander).  4 months after exchange PS went in and fixed the pocket and new implant.  It fell again (not as bad but it bothered me non the less) so this summer a year after the first revision), so had another revision. Since I did not like the size of the implants (thought they were too big) I had PS swap both out - and PS did more work on the pocket.  4 1/2 months later, things are looking good and I love (as much as anyone can with foobs) the size of my implants - I feel that I look me. Overall, my skin is okay but thinner because of the rads. From the get go PS said that there are more problems with radiated skin and  said he could not fashion a nipple on rad side, but could do tattoos.  When I talked to him last week he was hesitant and so was his nurse. I'm okay with that - who knows things could change down the road. I know that my PS doesd not do flap, DIEP etc recon, but he was ready to refer me to someone else if that is what I wanted after the first revision. Even before the mastectomy, both PS, BS said I was not a candidate for Lat. But I trust my PS.  BTW, in between the two revisions, I consulted with a female PS who is supposed to be on the best.  She said to me "if that was my work I would pat myself on the back.  She more or less said to get over it and go buy some expensive cami - bras annoyed me. I really appreciate my PS for listening to me and being honest.  So - yes rads does make recon more difficult, but it can be done.  Hugs, Karen

I worked through Tx and my principal more or less left me alone. Once I was done, she was on my a**.  I ended up leaving early this school year due to too much stress and never being able to please the principal.  But that is another issue. After the start of the new year, I will look for part-time or sub. 

You are entitled to FMLA.  They can hire a long term sub. Principal cant force you to come back if you have a medical excuse, but I think she can say if you are back you need to do the job.  Are you a member of the teacher union? If so, talk to one of the reps and find out your rights. Also talk to HR in your district.  ADA is another resource.

For me rads was easy compared to chemo.  The fatigue from rads lasted about 2 weeks post then started to get better.

I sure hope that you can get the leave you need and not have to fight your principal.  You need to be allowed to take the time you need to heal.