carollyn

Hekko Ladies....well I made it through the exchange all right.  I was scheduled first of the day but got bumped when I got to the hospital.  I finally went in at 3pm, and made it home around 8pm.  They gave me an extra moriphine in my i.v. just before they took it out in the recovery room, so I was more or less rolled out of the hosp and heaved into my vehicle.  I ended up having mentor smooth round moderate profile salines put in.  They were 325cc filled to 350cc's.  This is coming from a 5'7', 125lb thin and small chest framed woman.  I had not body fat what to speak of on my chest or rib cage or under arms.  My cresent shaped expanders were 100% of the time under my arm pits making work a challenge, plus my right one was on a nerve.  I had 14 nodes removed and never had a symptom of lymphodema.  I continued to take 1 vicodin a day to get me through work, and took it easy at home.  $ days prior to my exchange on the 11th, began to see my first symptoms of lymphodema.  My ps had ordered a compression sleeve for my arm.  My pain is moderate, as I can feel all of the stitching inside,  I had Alloderm placed at bi-lat surgery, and then another $23,000. worth at exchange time.  So I probably am equal parts alloderm and saline implant.  I don't know if the saline implants "fluff" like everyone talks about?  But if they do fluff some from where I'm at today then I will have gotten more than I bargained for.  The reason why I say bargain for is I quit doing my fills at 330cc's.  For me, it was just to much and I wanted my quality of life back rather than quantity.  I was a B before, and now (without any fluff) I am a 21 yr old B.  See life is good!!!!Are there any other gals out there that needed tons of alloderm?  If so did you experience internal discomfort right after the exchange?  Also, I haven't worn a bra or garment since my bilat 5 Jun.  Should I be?   Thanks everyone Carol

I have also developed 'elbow' symptoms, as well as wrist, thumb etc., in the arm that I had 14 nodes removed from.  No lympho for me, but sleep on my back due to small frame, recon can't move in night, and arm just 'lay's' there??????  Feels almost ;ike my blood 'pool's' there and creates a mild pain area?  Don't know? 

Good luck to all the ' 3'rd ' ladies.......this count down is great for the mind and soul.  8 and counting for me.  I was kinda thinking about asking my surgeon if I could keep one or both of my expanders with the " most comfortable " metal ports in them.  I would save these, and when I was having a rough patch with ' dear hubby ' I could look at them/think of him and say "whom was I most displeased with" during that time in my life.  Then I could laugh and move on!  Life is to short but memories are forever.............

I am scheduled for 9/11....yeah I know, but I'm not into numbers.  Needless to say I am a small 5'6" woman of 125'ish weight, age 47, full blown menopose, cervical cancer , ovarian cyst ealier in life (like 20's) in the early 80's, now 1 lumpectomy in 2006, bi-lat now in Jun 2008.......Knowing what I know now, wow-oh-wow.  Would I have done things differntly.  But I am here and now.  I now that the expanders on little woman (i.e. no body fat) around the sides are painful during the "fill's".  That's a no give-me!  (Wahine, what I wouldn't do to sleep on my side) You cannot do it without (and go to work) a script pill.....only one a day though would get me through, Do not take more than that.  I figure most moman stay out of work 1-2 months, after bi-lat, recon, lymph's (all), 1 week for me).  Yes ladies I'm stupid.  It has been hard, but, there is a silver lining.  Thank you.  The metal beasts are coming out and in just less than a month I will have my life back.  So for all you woman that don't think they can take the fills anymore, neither did i.  I took one on one and said it was enough.  I will be happy with what ever they can put in me.  END of STORY! 

Bilat surgery was 5 June and was filled at time with 60cc's, plus had r/total lymph removal.  My first and second week were mainly  lymph recovery, so breast expander pain ws unknown.  My second fill of 60 cc's at 2 weeks out was at same time as drains out.  BIG NO-NO. Don't do a fill at same time.  Had 60cc's next week while I'll took some left over pain med's (highly recommended).  Went 2 weeks, and then 1 week inbetween, because I ttok pain meds before felt like I could handle everything.  Woops, no.  If you are small in frame, and small in breast, you must know that the expanders push both upwards and inwards on your body.  My last fill of 30 cc's was almost as painful for 1 week as my first fill.  I am at only 360cc's and 5'6'' and 125lbs.  These fill's look like they may be a montraous C cup to me, but I put on one of my Vicortia Secrect bra's of b+ and it still had "room" to be desired.  Remember the smaller your body frame and breast the smaller the fills.  Take meds to get you through your day if you are at work full time.  My team knows my life style and business for work.  Stretch, excerise at all times.  It helps.  Carol

Nicole....I haven't posted in about 3 weeks for to many silly reasons.  For one I went back to work 1 week after my bi-lateral w/expanders and lymph nodes. Stupid me.  Working full time and dealing with PS appt's, oncology appt's, fills and regular home life got to me.  Last week I had a melt down and told my sister I didn't care what my chest looks like for the rest of my life, that I just wanted the expanders out.  I too have cresent expanders, and was getting tired of having things growing out of my armpits.  By the end of my work day the outsides of the breast area and pit area were screaming at me.  Then my sister suggested I take the pain meds they gave me in the hosp to take home.  What joy. 1 oxycodone would last me the day, and I decided 1 a day was okay to lead a somewhat normal life.  I had 60cc on surgery day, 60cc 2 weeks ago, but here is the great news, I had 60cc again today and what a difference it made.  My foobs aren't in my pits anymore, it actually looks like I have some breast's, and best of all, I had no pain today.  So I went from wanting to quit so bad, to now knowing that I can do this.  That is why i haven't been here lately, because of my negative feelings.  But I'm back on top of my game.  So my point is, don't quit. 

P.S.- my creasent expanders are 350cc, I am 5'6", and 125lbs.  I was a previous b/b+, am hoping for the same or maybe a c- if I'm brave.

Perhaps you misunderstood, I'm post menopause, and haven't had these feelings for some time.  So why now, after a bi-lat?

I have a few 'bizarre' questions for any peri/meno, or post menopaus woman who had bi-lat mast's.  i need to know is it me, or is it alien's?

1.  Did anyone experience feeling's of anxiety like when they were in puberity?  Like didn't know what sex was, but had a weird 'feeling' all-over?

2.  Has anyone experienced a ' hey, how are you doing' welcome from either ovary, even though you haven't known them to exist in your body in the past 1 1/2 years?  Like a " fooled ya!  Think I might give you a menstral after all this time" feeling?

I am only out 12 days from bimast/recon, but these overt feminine feelings have me guessing as to what comes next.  Has anyone else experienced these?  Thanks....Carol (FL)

Girls....just because some of you 'cheated' doesn't mean I'm going in to take a shower right now!  "  See she did it, why can't I? "  Think I'm going for another (3rd) sponge bath today!!!!  You all excite me to much!!!! Carol

Yes, I use my DH's bathroom as he has a very high basin in his.  Man I love it everyday when I wash my hair (while I still have it).  I compare it to a fine glass of wine.  Very enjoyable.