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Exchange City

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Comments

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2010

    My new question for the day is:

    Has anyone gone to a Massage Envy during reconstruction?

    I am thinking about massage as a way to deal with TE pain. I stopped into one of the locations and talked a few minutes with a therapist, but wanted to know what others have done. I see my PS on Monday for a fill and we will be talking pain management as I need more drugs!

    I have not seen a physical therapist because I have excellent range of motion. It is not that I need physical therapy to do stuff, so I can't imagine him sending me to one. I just want relief from the back aches and pains - sleeping at night would be good too.

    I have yet to find a comfortable position to stay in for the night. I find myself comfortable then after 10 minutes I am tightening up. You would think as I relax, I would relax, but no...

    Any and all input is greatly welcomed - thanks!

    Kimberly

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    Hi Kimberly, I just keep running into you. 

    I went to regular PT where they did massage therapy on the muscles, and scar tissue. I did the PT at Memorial and not at an outside PT center, I wanted to make sure the therapist was familiar with working on reconstructed breasts and was in contact with my PS to make sure she was not messing anything up. After the sessions, I really did feel relief.

    Wendy  

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited January 2010

    Kimberley,

    I went to a Massage Envy while in NC just before my BMX.  I wanted to have a massage for the last time while lying on my real boobs!  Well, of course they had me fill out a first time form and asked on it if I had any dieseases and stupid me said I was dx'ed with BC!  Well it took a lot of talking them into even doing the massage after that!  Something about massage therapy spreading the cancer cells around your body!  Ha! In that case why don't we all lie around still in bed for the next 10 years??  Anyway....not sure how your site will approach it...butI will be interested in knowing!  Good luck and I hope you get some relief!

    God Bless!

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited January 2010

    Angel, I too had a massage just before my Mx.  I didn't tell her I had BC and I didn't know about spreading CA cells or I might not have done it.  My lymphedema PT wouldn't do any thing until I had finished chemo because of the spread of CA cells.  Onc wouldn't refer a PT until after chemo either for the same reason.  

    Now, because I have lymphedema, my LE PT said I have to find a masseuse that is trained in giving massages to people with LE.  A regular massage can aggravate LE because of the deep stimulation and cause it to flair up. 

  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 347
    edited January 2010

    I can understand the LE reasoning....but honestly....I don't have the masseuse massage my boobies...that would strictly be a medical PT's role for me! (Or my DH's but lordy knows that hasn't happened since before my BMX, too!)

     Wink

    God Bless!

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited January 2010

    Angel, I just googled cancer and massage and everything I read there says that the spreading of cancer by massage is an old wives tale.  But, people with cancer or undergoing chemo or radiation should find an oncology masseuse that is well trained since the massage will have to be tailored to each clients condition.  That makes more sense to me than just don't do it.

    I guess this is just one more area that the medical community hasn't kept up with.  Altho there are some places like Dana Farber and Sloan Kettering that are more on top of things than the medical professionals by me. 

  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 63
    edited January 2010

    Angel, I'm a Physical Therapist Assistant and when we learned massage the only contraindication regarding cancer is not to massage over the tumor site.  Obviously you wouldn't have had them massage your breasts, LOL!.  I actually had a massage the day before my BMX and I'm thinking about scheduling another one before my exchange this Friday. 

    I can't believe my exchange is this week!  I'm nervous and excited at the same time.  I don't want to go through another surgery, but I can't stand these damn TE's anymore.  I had a few issues in the recovery room after my BMX's and I hope I don't have a repeat again!

  • mbtlcsw01
    mbtlcsw01 Member Posts: 250
    edited January 2010

    I had several massages with TE's i n.  Massage therapist put a pillow under my foobs to help with comfort.  It was the best massages I've ever had.  I've had them frequently for years.  My son gave me a Massage Envy gift certificate for the holidays.  Hope to use it soon.

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited January 2010

    Wendy -- thanks for that about the thin skin.  I suppose it could be that.  I am, as I write this, sitting around the house braless!  Hoping to spend the whole day tomorrow in the same state :)  It just feels so much better and wearing a bra right now does not appear to be as crucial as after exchange.  I think the last fill definitely seems to have caused me more pain than any before (on my MX side, below the underarm, I am feeling a higher level of discomfort and even a crampy pain, which sucks).  I have no temp and no swelling, so hoping it is not an infection.  Sometimes I have a sensation on my foob that can best be described as "skin crawling" -- which I think is related to nerves.  None of it is unbearable but it's definitely worse than last week, when after a few days I was able to stop taking advil. 

    That massage thing at MSKCC sounds nice!  Were you able to get the massage after your fill?  I don't live in the city and it would be nice to get massaged after (and keep the number of drives into the city to a minimum).

    Good luck to everyone having surgery this week!  May it be easy and as pain free as possible.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • CyndiS
    CyndiS Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2010

    To chime in on the massage thread - I am a Shiatsu practitioner, and studied this from the perspective of oriental medicines (such as accupuncure pressure points) -- and that is different from traditional massages. There are many types of traditional massages - swedish is the most common. It is basically feel good, rubbing, very surface massage. The one to avoid (I would guess) is the types of massage where the lymph nodes are drained, such as deep tissue. These are more effective and have a longer lasting effect, but they are not recommended for cancer because it stimulates circulation and are designed to remove toxins (which means move them out of where they are lodged so the body can eliminate them through normal means - obviously for the cancer-free population). So, I would caution massage especially if the therapist is not familiar with it and the potential of stimulating the wrong thing. If they are clueless about it, it may be no reflection on their training, but I would recommend to continue searching for one that is. I have never heard of Massage Envy - is this something for breast cancer specifically? If so, I have got to find it!

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited January 2010

    CyndiS   Massage Envy is a massage/spa chain in 42 states. They are not specific to BC.  Just google it and you'll be able to find out if there is one close to you.

  • CyndiS
    CyndiS Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2010

    Okay - I'm not feeling very smart right now. Can anyone help me find the photo forum? I am going to have a unilateral mx (at least until genetics come back) and am trying to get a realistic idea of what to expect. My BS said he can save most of the skin and the reconstruction will happen at the same time (including a life/reduction on the good side). Thanks so much ladies! Excuse the brain fog!

  • juliempw
    juliempw Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2010

    You're perfectly smart, they're just hard to find.  You have to get permission to look at the photos and the person who gives permission is very respectful of our privacy and therefore does not grant access for a while as she needs to feel confident that you are who you say you are.  Send a private message to Timtam and let her know of any way she can confirm you, I gave her access to my facebook page where family and friends had been commenting on my bc for quite a while so I got pretty fast access that way.

    In the mean time there are some photos on youngsurvival.org, and one of the best postings I've seen was a full photo journal at http://picasaweb.google.com/LauraMEllis/Surgery#   

     Julie 

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited January 2010

    Oh Gosh- I got massaged before my surgery. It was by my PT who has a lymphodema speciality.  It is supposed to help FROM getting lymphodema.  It was prescribed by my BS and my PS!!!  I only had to pay a co pay!

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 114
    edited January 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I  have a question for all of you experienced ladies. I believe my last fill will be this coming Monday. Can you tell me what type of questions I should ask my PS concerning the exchange which he said will be  a month after my last fill. -Are there any recommendations re type of implant etc? Yes there is a possibility that this may not be the last but I still would feel better being prepared .I am confident in my PS but still would like to come with some info under my belt.

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.. It is nice to see such an active group of ladies going through similar situations . I have written before and would like to get to know some of you ladies and your stories. We all have stories ...

    Well let's hope this year will be a happy and healthy one for all of us.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2010

    I used to get massages regularly before my MX.  In fact, the last time was the day b4 my surgical biopsy/lumpectomy on July 19th.  I have never had the opportunity to go back because soon after my lumpectomy I was officially dx'd & MX thereafter.  Now that my foobs are soft & I can lay on my tummy some what comfortably I am thinking of going back.  I really need it!  It is so relaxing!

    NAE

  • musiclovermom
    musiclovermom Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2010

    crusader1

    Good question! I have not even thought of questions to ask!

    I am taking this process one step at a time... chose the BMX w/ implants... now choosing how big to go... My PS is amazing! I love him and so do many of the women at my support group. He has quite the fan club! We compare his work.

    I feel like I am in his hands and he knows what he is doing - MAGIC! We had briefly talked about saline vs silicone. I am trusting him to decide what will work best for me. I think he is leaning towards the gel.

    I am still getting fills and know I will have a 6 to 8 week waiting period before my exchange.  I am so glad that I have not had to make all the decisions at once. This way I am not second guessing my choices as I have plenty of time to decide.

    Kimberly

  • juliempw
    juliempw Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2010

    crusader1,

    We're at about the same stage.  I had my last fill last week--ouch that was a doozy, all my others had been pretty easy.  

    I think the questions you ask depend mostly upon the surgeon you have and how much communication you've had with him so far as well as how much you want to know.  I'm the type that wants to know EVERYTHING and my PS is the type that thinks he does knows everything and I should just sit back let him do his thing.  It's a hard combo.  

    I started by asking him to describe the next surgery step by step to me.  Where will he go in, what extra work will he have to do on me because of some of the oddities/asymmetry of my TEs, what is the long term effect of the extra work he has to do on me (can further expanding or repairing the pocket lead to a higher likelihood of the pocket failing later), will I have drains again, will there be any need to use more of the dermal product and then of course all the basic questions and discussion of which implants you'll have (saline, silicon, high profile, moderate profile, size etc).

    It all depends on what you want to know.  I drive my PS crazy but we do okay anyway.  :-)

    Julie 

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited January 2010

    A New Year's thought:

    May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs, you r foobs, and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count, and  your mortgage interest not rise

    >>

     May you get a clean bill of health from your oncologist, your plastic surgeon, your radiologist, dentist, your cardiologist, your gastroenterologist, your urologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your  plumber, and the IRS.

    >>

    May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere during rush hour in less than an hour, and when you get  there, may you find a parking space.

    >>

     May New Year's Eve find you seated around the dinner table,  together with your beloved family and cherished friends,  ushering in the New Year ahead. You will find the food  better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and  the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you  might ordinarily do that night.

    >>

     May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others  see in you delight them.

    May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until  you finish dinner, may your checkbook and your budget  balance, and may they include generous amounts for charities.

    >>

     May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, and your parent(s). You can say it to your secretary, your nurse, your physical therapist, your masseuse, your seamstress, your  hairdresser, or your tennis instructor, but not with a "twinkle" in your eye.

    >>

     May we live as intended, in a world at peace with the awareness of the beauty in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

    >>

     I wish you with every happiness, great health, peace, and much love during the next year and all those that follow.

    JUDY

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Judy.. that was wonderdul! (((HUGS)))... funny too...hehe...

  • TNLady
    TNLady Member Posts: 219
    edited January 2010

    This is the first time I have posted on this thread, but I would like to say thank you to Jean for starting it, and thank you to everyone else for contributing.  I did not start posting until after my BMX, but I can't tell you how much help you all were to me before surgery. I think it is amazing how much you have shared of yourselves during this difficult time of your life.  You have inspired me to help others by sharing my experience too.  Thank you so much!

    TNLady

  • TNLady
    TNLady Member Posts: 219
    edited January 2010

    This is the first time I have posted on this thread, but I would like to say thank you to Jean for starting it, and thank you to everyone else for contributing.  I did not start posting until after my BMX, but I can't tell you how much help you all were to me before surgery. I think it is amazing how much you have shared of yourselves during this difficult time of your life.  You have inspired me to help others by sharing my experience too.  Thank you so much!

    TNLady

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 114
    edited January 2010

    Hi,

    Thanks Julie and Music lady for your thoughts. I already had a lift so I believe he is matching this one to mine already. I have been told that different PS wait different amounts of times to make the exchange. My friends PS made her wait six months. I am pretty confident in my PS but I do feel comfortable that I can ask him questions. Hopefully tomorrow will be my last time. It's funny that I am thrilled to have this thing called a breast( a filled lat flap mound) after months of nothing that I guess I am just not that particular. This is my third tissue expander and my exchange will be my eighth surgery on my breast. So whatever.

    I leave on Tuesday for a few days in Puerto Rico. Tuesday is the anniversary of my mastectomy ..The beginning of all this stuff. I told my husband I had to get away. My stepson works for an airline so this makes travel easy.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited January 2010

    TNLADY!!! WELCOME!

    We are glad you are here... just like all the new gals and OLD TIMERS like me...:)... Actually.. NONE of us "want" you here... but.. since we all have this BC over us.. or in our families.. we ARE here.. so we might as well help eachother... make best friends... and do SOMETHING GOOD WITH IT!

    Wahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

  • CyndiS
    CyndiS Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2010

    I need some opinions... Genetic testing or not? I have no family history - but if I am positive, I will have a BMX. If not, I will just go for the one. I am going for genetic counseling, but I don't understand the big deal. It's not a difficult test. Why the big question? What's the downside? Anyone have any ideas? Why wouldn't I want to do it? I already can't get life insurance because of the cancer diagnoses (now I have two types). Just wondering what your opinions might be. Thanks!!!

  • Bigapple09
    Bigapple09 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2010

    I did it, but I have a very strong history. The upside is knowing and being diligent. The downside is knowing and feeling a little doomed. I have a daughter, so knowing if I had the gene was important to evaluate her risk of inheriting the gene. I do have the BRCA1 gene and there are days I wish I did not know,but the reality is that I have a better chance of getting old because I know.

    The law was changed recently and genetic testing results cannot be a basis for an insurance denial.

    Without a family history will they even do the testing.

  • fairportlady55
    fairportlady55 Member Posts: 152
    edited January 2010

    Hi Girls! Thanks to all of you: Kimberly, dani,TCK, Deliah, Julie....more Im sure! Jan: Fairport is actually pretty close to Buffalo, its a suburb of Rochester, just an hour away

    Peg: thanks so much for sharing with me: yes we sound very much alike. I am waiting for a surgery date for the mastectomies, should hear this week. I am hoping ASAP: once you decide you want to get on with it, ya know???

    Thanks to all: sooooo glad to have found you!!!!!

    Kathy

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited January 2010

    TNLady--Glad you came over, I was hoping you would! Welcome!

    Judy--That was wonderful!  I just returned home after seeing "Up in the Air," which I found to be totally depressing Clooney or not, it wan't worth the downer, for me anyway, but your post made me laugh and think about good things.  Thank you!

    CindyS--I didn't do the testing.  I met with a counselor, and I'm the only female in this generation and my boys are the only two in the next.  Since I was opting to have a full hyster/ooph anyway, she felt there wasn't a need to do it.  My mom and her cousin are the only females in their generation who had bc (my mom's little sister who is 80 smokes like a chimney and is still moving around 100mph!) and my grandmother had 5 sisters, none of them got it, so the counselor felt for now not to worry about it and discuss it with my boys when they are older. 

    Well, vacation over back to work and school tomorrow...

    Hugs--Karen 

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited January 2010

    Cyndi -- Yeah I think the reason to do it is if you are in the two risk groups which are: women who are Ashkenazy Jews by heritage and/or women with a famiily history of breast cancer.  I agree with Wendy that unless you ARE in one of those groups it's difficult to get insurance to pay for it.  I had the tests because of my Ashkenazy Jewish background (no one in my family has ever had breast cancer) and was negative for both.  It's just a blood test so not a big deal from the test POV.

    Judy -- thanks for the great New Year Post!

    Karen -- Aw I liked UP IN THE AIR (though I agree it was not uplifting, it was entertaining and the ending was, well, surprising).

    Lilah

  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 266
    edited January 2010
    CyndiS: I had the genetic testing done. As Lilah said, it was just a blood test. The genetic counselor talked to me at length and diagrammed my family tree. I do have a strong family history of bc. I did not have BRCA1 or 2 but did have 2 "variants of unknown significance" and it was recommended for me to have bilateral mastectomies. If I were you I would verify that your insurance will pay for it because it is expensive. The company that does the testing does try to make it more manageable for someone whose insurance does not cover it though by having a financial assistance program. Love you avatar with the big smiles! TCK

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