osufan

I have had 3 fills now - have 450 CCs in each    Want to be a full C size with implant exchange.  Can you guys tell me if the final expander size will equal or look the same after silicone implant exchange.  Also, how many CCs did some of you have for C cup?  I'm small frame. 

 Thanks!

Thanks - good to hear my symptoms, complaints, etc. aren't just mine.  I did take Flexeril last night for muscles but it didn't help much. I'm also taking Percocet.  Any other muscle relaxers that I could ask my PS to prescribe?  So ready to get the tubes out and take a deep breath! I had them with mastectomy and I know what a relief it is when they come out.   

The info. on this thread is very valuable - thanks to all who contribute.  I had 120 ccs put in during expander surgery and I don't look concave anymore about a "AA" cup prob. in case anyone wants to know.  I'm small frame and my chest is not wide  Good luck to everyone on this thread.  God is good and he will take care of us!

Thanks girls for your comments.  I actually went in to see my doctor yesterday and asked her about this.  First off, she told me that I worry too much.  Next she said just said pretty much in moderation.  She said everyone - cancer patient or not should eat well balanced low fat diet, and try to stay away from processed foods.  So I think I will try to incorporate more fruits, veggies, water, and lean meats into my diet (which I've been trying to do before cancer) with a little dairy when I want it (can't imagine going all summer without home made ice cream!)

I too have had enough advice and "reasons" why I got bc. Apparently my deodorant caused it according to a few people.  I'm also a Type A personality and our types get cancer more.  And I've also had enough vitamin and supplement advice to drive me nuts!  One person said I should drink well water to kill my cancer!  I do believe for the most part that everyone means well but if they were so concerned about my health why didn't they tell me all of this BEFORE I was diagnosed?  You are not alone in your feelings.  And I'm also tired of people telling me "I know how you feel."  Oh really, have you had cancer? gone through chemo?  had a mastectomy?  I really, really, really want to say that to them but I hold my tongue and try to remember that they just want to help.

jengoll,

I had bi-lateral mastectomy before chemo.  That was a piece of cake compared to my experience with chemo.  The A/C treatments have done a number on my gastro tract - my doctor says most of her patients don't have the sickness like I've had.  They have changed my anti-nausea meds 3 times now and I can say that Emend and phen. gel have been the most help. I also take Nexium twice a day. I can just think of the "red devil" and gag! And I wonder if anyone else has this same reaction.  I lost my hair but my eyelashes and eyebrows are still there just thinned out. My worst day is day 3 mainly because I take a Neulasta shot on day two to keep my white count up and it makes my bones ache. 

Hopefully, you will have a good experience with A/C (if good is possible with any of this). I'm sooooo ready to be done with chemo and I pray that none of us has to endure anymore of this.  I will start reconstruction in August.  Good luck to you and thank you for your advice.

I haven't asked my doctor about this yet, but plan to next visit.  Have any of you used self tanning lotions or spray tanning during chemo (not talking about tanning beds)?  It would be nice not to look so pasty white this spring and summer with everything else we have to deal with. I will be on Taxotere through the summer months. If you have used self tanners can you please tell me which brands worked best for you? 

I had neulasta shot today also.  This is my 3rd shot. I have to drive back to my chemo doctor the day after chemo for the shot (2 hours away) No smaller hospital in my area will sign for the shot which is not convenient especially considering you don't feel that great to travel and the price of gas!  Achiness and bone pain usually start in with me late the night of my shot but the worst is the next day. I have found if I start taking my pain meds ahead of time it does ease the achy feeling.  Lortab didn't do much for me so my doctor prescribed percocet for extreme pain.  I also take Tylenol and Advil, Aleve doesn't help me with any kind of pain. The worst pain is in my hips, thighs, and my rib cage. Warm showers help me.  Don't plan on doing too much tomorrow but do walk a little if you feel like it.  My pain usually goes away the third day.  The shot is no fun but it's better than being hospitalized for low blood counts or infection.  Hang in there - you aren't alone and I will say a pray for you tonight.

This probably is a crazy question but is it safe to fly with expanders?  I do not have mine yet but will start in a few months after chemo.  I am scheduled for a few trips that require air travel during my reconstruction and I was wondering if the pressure would be too much on the expanders.  I hope you all don't think I'm goofy - but I'm sure you know how many questions go through your head. 

Hi Kerry,

No, I don't have expanders yet.  Thanks for your advice.  I'm looking for a PS to start consultations.

My husband and I have been married for 20 years and our sex life has always been normal. I know chemo can throw me into early menopause (I'm 41). I have heard about hot flashes, etc., but no one has told me about the sexual side effects.  I have very little interest in sex and I feel "dried up" for lack of better words.  My husband has been very supportive but I still want that intimacy with him when I'm feeling well.  Is it just me? Will this last after chemo?  I know I can ask my doctor about this but I would really like to hear from someone who has been through this.  Thank you for your honest comments and I apologize for getting so personal.