One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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The ps said to massage it and it would go away. The bruising has gone but the swelling and discomfort are still there.
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i'm massaging now too. ...i think it's probably going to be awhile before we feel really good....even the massaging is painful to me....still feels tender
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Upcreek and Ally, At 4 weeks I was still feeling pain and had limited movement with my arms. I had no strength in my hands. At 6 weeks my PS suggested massaging 2 times a day. I felt sore after massaging, so I did it very gently once a day. I worked up to it. My PS also gave me Mederma cream for my scars...2x a day. For the first 6 weeks I wore a bra day and night. I thought the tightness was from that bra, but I was not. As the swelling went down my breast changed shape, size and feeling. In the beginning my breasts were hard and had no movement. As time went by they dropped some and got softer. They even bounce while walking. The drain site was sore for a long time. It was a long time before I could lift anything.
To help with mobility...I stood in front of a wall and had my fingers crawl up as far as I could go. I also had a little stress ball I squeezed in my hand. Once, after I carried a beach chair a short distance my arm was trembling. All I can say is...it takes time.
I found great comfort here knowing that I was not alone. Okiegal and I had our bmx a couple of days apart. The great thing about this forum is not just the information, but the support and comfort we provided each other. At times we share a little bit about lives beyond bc...friendships have been made here. For all of this I am grateful; and I hope we have helped others along the way.
I hope everyone had a good Christmas! In the morning I am definitely getting back to walking!
Carole, I bet you look really good in those earrings!
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Thanks Meg9. It's input like this that makes things easier for those of us that have lots of concerns/questions during our recovery.
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Upcreek, I wanted to mention that my PS explained that a nerve to our arm is cut during mx. She said it will take time to heal. I know that during my hospital stay, the nurses were careful when taking my blood pressure not to put too much pressure on my arm. I think that was because of the nerve the PS was talking about among other things. Before you use a stress ball..check with your PS if it is OK at this time. I did not have any nodes taken. Any unusual pain, redness or fever should be reported to your doctor. I hope you feel better soon.
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Upcreek and Ally, I developed carpal tunnel symptoms (numbness, tingling, hot flashes of pain at night) in my hands following my BMX. When I mentioned this development to my BS's NP, she gave me a blank response. But I've learned here on BC.org that it's not uncommon to have numbness and tingling in the arms and hands following MX, caused perhaps by damaged nerves. I did exercises and home therapy for carpal tunnel. Also started wearing a brace on my right wrist at night. After a while the symptoms went away.
Hope all those who celebrate Christmas had a wonderful holiday. We were lucky to have a bright, sunny day with mild temp. in the 50's. Five of my mother's six kids were present at our family gathering along with spouses. We had two babies to admire and photograph and two young children, 4 and 6, who opened most of the presents.
Dh and I have a 10:30 tee time tomorrow, but we may change our minds if it's too cold.
This afternoon I packed away the few decorations I had put out. Christmas is officially over at our house!
Everyone have a good Monday evening.
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thanks meg and carol.....i needed that....glad everyone had a wonderful christmas
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As predicted, we had a very white Christmas....a blizzard on Christmas Eve! But it didn't stop my familily's festivities. We all ate too much and enjoyed opening presents. I'm still enjoying the sweets, but will be complaining in Jan. when it's time to struggle with weight loss!
As many of you know, I had my share of pain, tingling, pins and needles. I also had range of motion issues early on. So much of it is a product of swelling and surgical trama to tissues and nerves. The good news is that we heal and everything gets back to normal. My sister and I shoveled the driveway yesterday. I didn't have trouble keeping up and my pec muscles were only the tiniest bit sore today....but it's because I'm out of shape! We have so many questions, concerns, complaints and worries, especially during the pre-operative and healing phase. I was just thinking today how it's all beginning to fade from memory. It's been such a blessing to have you all to "talk" to. I'm grateful and would like to encourage everyone to join in with questions and comments.....no matter your stage of the journey.
I performed the same exercises that Meg9 noted, but also would lay on the floor with my arms extended and slowly inch them up. I started this at about week 8. I'm sure there are yoga poses, as well. The best advice is to take it slow and don't force anything too much. Everything will return to normal fairly soon.
Have a nice night.
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Thanks ladies! Your advice is well appreciated.
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Good morning everyone.
To upcreek and Ally, yes the massage and range of motion exercises really helped me too. I was advised to keep a journal, which I did not do. So I am getting hazier on timing during recovery. I do remember that it was faster than I expected. My only real problem with healing was a little strip of skin that went necrotic and was removed. I was worried, but the PS treated as a little blip in healing and he was right.
To Shoshi and AnnL, you're getting closer to surgery day. I hope you are feeling prepared and confident. What can we do for you?
My Christmas at Dad's house was lovely. He is so sweet and glad to have us there. I'm hoping for the privilege to care for him for many Christmases to come.
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fortunate1, thank you for thinking of me. Surgery less than a week away. I've been busy doing farm chores that I won't be able to do afterwards! Getting the house really clean. I posted a question on the surgery topic about preventing infection and got some great answers. Am washing everything, and will bathe dogs next Sunday. I got all kinds of disinfectant soaps, wipes, hand cleaners... people will think I am a fanatic but I plan on being one anyway. I got two nice soft bras that close in front at a special store in Austin yesterday, and I've bought myself some other comfy clothes that I am not letting myself wear until post surgery. Mostly now I just want to get it over with. My brother and mom are coming at different times during the first week, and we will play it by ear after that. I am worried about my three horses. I have people to help, but horses can be complicated. They may have to keep their blankies on all day, and their stalls may not be the cleanest for a while!
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okiegal...fortunate1...it's so great to know that you are both back to "normal"...it really keeps me going. i experienced very little problems with range of motion...my problem has always been pain in the pecs...today was a much better day...i think the massaging is helping push the implant down, and my pecs seem less inflammed. survived today on just advil....well, we celebrated christmas/chanukah together...next is new years...every year i go to my friend, lisa...she always has a great party....warm, fun and casual, when she came to visit me in the hospital she brought me these UG slippers that are incredibly comfortabe....AnnL...it's funny, but i think we all prepared the same way, cleaning, getting comfy clothes, had my dog groomed, food shopping....you have the right idea...it was really great being prepared with everything, you'll be able to supervise the people caring for the horses...walking around won't be a problem...you just won't want to strain yourself by lifting and reaching.....take care everyone
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Glad you had less pain today Ally, Good luck Ann (you must find comfort in the knowledge of the other women on this site), and everyone else thanks for sharing that we too will feel back to normal soon. The tightness is already better and physio is helping allot. Have a wonderful New Year celebration!
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Good Morning, pretty day here. Hope you are all well, and that Carole is golfing wearing diamond earrings.
Ann, don't worry about what people will think about all the disinfectants. Make yourself comfortable (for me that's easier to say than do). It sounds like you will be all prepared. I don't know if anyone else has told you this already, but for myself and others, there was a tremendous feeling of elation and relief after the surgery - the cancer is out of you!
I might join you in having surgery. Mine a little one, nipple reconstruction, which has me unreasonably worried. While I'm still unfinished, I can dream all sorts of perfect dreams, but soon I will be what I will be. I'm meeting with the PS today to ask a few more questions, settle on the placement of the silly thing, and look for reassurance about the further flattening of an already flat foob. Unless the insurance doesn't go through, it will be Monday. I'd like it done before classes start up again. Otherwise I think I'll wait longer.
Anyone else having Hopping John for luck on New Years Day?
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Hello Everyone,
Fortunate1, Good luck on Monday! I will be thinking of you. How great to be so close to... finished! I guess, (beside the new ladies here) I'm the only one left without nipples!
Have you or Okiegal found someone to do the tattoos afterward? Now that I'm not working...I can focus on this more.
I've been busy finishing up at the office. Just put my last newsletter in the mail. All of this has me a little down, but it's not the end of the world. My son is healing from his injuries. He has a bad injury to his knee. The cuts on his face are healing, but I think he will have scars. Things don't always go smoothly, but we still have a lot to be thankful for.
It has been freezing and very windy outside. Rain is in the forecast for New Years Eve. Ugh!
I hope everyone is doing well. I am more then happy to say good bye to 2009 and I wish us all a HAPPY, HEALTHY 2010!
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Alas, I've been wearing my diamond earrings, but not on a golf course. Ann, if only I could e-mail my younger sister, Michelle, to you, she would know just what to do with taking care of the horses. She has about 16 or 18 quarterhorses. It's hard to keep up. One brood mare just had a foal a day or two before Christmas. It's a pretty little colt. Cream-colored with blue eyes. Very exotic and unusual coloring.
I experienced the same elation Fortunate describes when I came to consciousness in Recovery. I felt this overwhelming joy as I realized first, "Hey, I'm alive!" The next thought, "The cancer's out of me!" I felt happy the rest of the day as I pressed my little morphine pump every now and then! Dh and my sister Linda kept me company.
Fortunate, I'm excited that you're headed for the "finish" line with nipple surgery. I hope you're very happy with the results. I think being able to keep my nipples was a definite plus for me. I would advise any woman to take that option if it's open.
DH and I had tickets (which we won) to a Hornets (pro basketball) game in New Orleans tonight, but we gave them to our neighbors. DH has been suffering with sinus congestion. I have the same ailment but don't feel as bad as he does. The weather is rainy, and we prefer to stay at home and have a bourbon Old-fashioned in front of the fireplace.
Ally, you'll be feeling better and better as time goes on. Same with Upcreek.
Hope everyone has a good evening.
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I too, was elated and actually joyful after my surgery. Very grateful to everyone who visited, cared for me and helped out. It was nice to have made it over the hurdle and to be on the road to recovery. It all went surprisingly smoothly despite the daily healing issues of (well managed) pain, cumbersome drains, not being able to open bottle caps, etc. UpCreek, I wish I could drop by and help you out. We had horses growing up. I love them. I'm sure there are young girls everywhere who would pay you to help with your horses! I'm used to being independent, but tried to be open to asking for help before, during and after my surgery and being honest about what I needed from people. I was really surprised by how much people sincerely want to help out, especially if they know what you need. I'm sure you'll meet a few new angels!
Ally, I'm glad to hear you are doing better. Only Advil? Very good! I asked for some new house slippers this year and no one came through! I want your UGHS!
Meg09, I'm waiting to see how soft my new nipples will get. If they disappear to my satisfaction, I may go get tattoos. Otherwise, I'll see what can be done to even things out. Maybe I'm being to picky about my results, but I'm not ready to tattoo yet. I have the name of a woman in Dallas.
I'm looking forward to the new year and good things to come. I found a bottle of Champagne in the closet the other day (how did I forget about that?). My sister and I will make a nice dinner, have some champagne and call it a year.
All the best to you all!
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hello everyone.....again, thanks for all your encouraging words. i cannot begin to tell you all how helpful it has been....i am really starting to feel better. fortunate1....good luck with your nipple revision....we'll be here for you. it's so interesting that we are a group of women from all different walks of lives and different places, horses and stables, teachers, artists, retired writers/golfers (with diamond earings)...and we have this common bond, having gone through and awaiting to go through this very sensitve disease process/surgery/revisions/medications and other treatments, and even though we all have significant people in our lives, only we can really understand what it's like....wishing everyone a very happy new year......ally
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meg...i'm glad your son is on the mend.....very scarey...carole...hope you and hubby are feeling better. okiegal....i don't think you are being picky at all....you've gone through alot, and the worst is over, if you feel like you want to do a little tweaking regarding your nips to make them look better...why not.....enjoy the champagne...thats' my favorite.
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FORTUNATE: wow ur almost done yay!!!
OKIEGAL: There is a woman who posts on these forums if u do not know already her name is Judy (Facecrafter) & she does tattoos for us ladies for free (i think) & I also think she is in Texas ( i may be wrong..but just wanted to share this just in case if it helps)
MEG: I too am glad ur son is doing betetr..i hope it stays that way!!
UPCREEK : Our surgery is right arnd the crnr..ia m praying 4 u 2!!!!
Has anyone here ever taken a prescription to help them relax the night b4 the surgery..starting to get a little nervous...
I hope EVERYONE here has a WONDERFUL NEW YRS..a HEALTHY & HAPPY 1 ONLY!!!!! Let 2010 be great for all of us!!!
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Just curious about this procedure. Can alloderm be used if I decide to get implants after radiation or is it still risky with the implants. I would sure like to avoid a long surgery like the flap reconstruction.
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Tweeti:
I had one step they only used alloderm on my rads side. The result on my rads sidewas very different frommy non rads side. If I could turn back time, I would havegone with alloderm and an expander on the rads side. My rads were done in 2003, the mx andrecon in 2009,but that sidecontinued to tighten after the recon and I was scheduled to have the implant out and anexpander put in to try and stretch the skin and muscle a little bit at a time.
Due to a heating pad burn, I wound up with a staph infection and I just lost the implant on the rads side. HOWEVER, the surgical report shows that the alloderm was well grafted.
Because the skin and tissue on that side (which looks like perfect skin) is so tight and thin, we are waiting a few months and then the PS will see if I can just have an expander put in, or he may do a modified DIEP which would attach skin to the lower pole (where the bulk of the damage is) and either use what ever fat they can get from my stomach alone or with an expander to reconstruct that side.
Some people have great results with one step and the alloderm is something that is very helpful whether you go one step or the traditional two step. Without the alloderm I could never have held the implant on my rads side.
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Tweeti, I didn't have rads so can't offer much info. Good luck to you with your treatment and recon.
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Tweeti, I did not have radiation, but I suggest you ask your PS or find one who does the one step with alloderm to see if you are a candidate. I had bmx with one step reconstruction...this is all done at the same time. No expanders or additional surgery. That is why I chose this procedure. Many have a tweaking afterward to fix little imperfections. I have not...just one surgery for me! I would not have chosen Flap.
Shoshi, I was taking xanax a week before my surgery. Also, I spoke to the head of anesthesiology the week before. I had never been under anesthesia. I have a SIL who told me I would get very sick afterward. I was really worried about that. I explained my concerns to the anesthesiologist and he was very understanding. He said he would meet me the morning of surgery...he was going to roll out the red carpet! That morning he met me in the holding area with the anesthesiologist he assigned for me who was great. I think speaking to the anesthesiologist before hand is important. I was given something for nausea and I did not get sick.
I too woke up feeling surprisingly good...no pain and happy not to be nauseous! It was over! No more cancer! The pain pump made me nauseous. I did not eat a thing at the hospital. My sister slept in a recliner in my room for the two days and nights I was there. On the second day I was allowed to get out of bed. I went to use the bathroom and fell into the shower that I did not notice. The shower curtain was closed and the same color as the walls! I stepped back to wheel the IV out of my way and down I went. I cut my elbow. So, be careful walking when under pain medication!
AnnL - Growing up my parents had a summer home next to a farm in upstate NY. I loved the horses. My friend owns a horse that she boards in a nearby stable. We have two in our town. I'm sure if you have one nearby and explained your situation they will come and help you. You will be surprised how many people are willing to help. Even strangers.
It was snowing this morning...it's a winter wonderland! DH and I are going out with friends to dinner tonight. Family will be coming over for dinner tomorrow.
Happy New Year everybody!
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Tweeti, I understand that alloderm/implant reconstruction done before rads has good results, but after - that seems to be much harder, with Bigapple as an example. I don't think that alloderm would contribute to any problems, probably the opposite. I do have a friend that had reconstruction done years after rads with tissue expanders, no alloderm. The docs were worried, but she was going for a small size, the skin stretched enough and she's happy with the result. Good luck, ask lots of questions, pick your doctor carefully.
Happy New Year everyone, you have made a big difference in my year. I have been thinking that I will be very happy to close the door on awful, horrible 2009, full of fear and death. But it certainly wasn't all bad and you friends were a bright spot. I thank you. I will toast you at midnight, and wish for a wonderful, extremely healthy 2010 for all of us.
I will be starting out 2010 with what I hope will be my final step, yes, the nipple. The insurance finally came through today and I am scheduled for Jan 4. I am unreasonably scared, but am marching toward that finish line anyway. And then on the 5th, Shoshi and AnnL, perfect results to all!
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Happy New Year to all my sisters on this thread. I echo Fortunate's sentiment--you have all come to mean a lot to me. Thank you for the support and caring. Here's hoping we all have a healthy and happy 2010.
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fortunate1,Shoshi and AnnL, I'll be thinking of you on Monday and Tusday.
Happy New Year to all wonderful ladies!
I thank you all for information, support and comfort, but most importantly just for being here when I needed someone who understands.
I wish you all the very best, happiness and health for 2010 and years and years to come.
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So much to agree with here. I thought when I signed up on the BCO website that I would read a few posts and receive a few answers to some of my strange questions. Little did I know that I would find so many friends and so much caring and support...and answers! I want to thank you all...for everything and I will join Fortunate1 with a heartfelt toast to you all!
Shoshi, I signed on tonight because I was thinking of you and UpCreek and both of your upcoming surgery. I will keep you both in my prayers and look forward to hearing from you when you are able to type. My PS gave me a prescription for Valium before my Ductogram. I think I took one the night before my surgery. Mostly, I stayed busy and took care of myself and hung out with family. It kept me distracted.
I didn't think I would get nauseous, but after surgery my throat felt really dry (because of the tube). I was thirsty and hungry and I guess I drank too much ginerale or ate too many graham crackers. A few hours later, I asked the nurse for something to help with the nausea, but it was too late. I really didn't get to the plastic tub in time...ick. The nurse came back with something for nausea and I didn't have any more problems. My advice, complain early if you get nauseous. No one wants you to be sick.
FaceCrafter is a great advisor to us all. She PMed me with some names a while back. Fortunate1, I was unbelievable nervous too. I think it's a control issue more than anything. Made worse because we are artists and want to art direct? I'm excited for you none the less. It's nice to have a nipple again. I'm sure it will go well for you. Make sure your PS puts it where you want it!
BigApple, it's been such a long road for you....Here's hoping 2010 is a good one and that you are able to complete your reconstruction to your satisfaction. Ally, you are right. We should "tweek" if we really want. I will be doing some tweeking in the coming months...and then tattooing!
To you all....Happy New Year!
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Thank U all for ur good wishes..depending on how i feel i will see if i can update on how i am doing..i wish i could reply easily w/out going on the web thru my phone when i get e-mail notifications...but if anyone wants to e-mail me..my e-mail is shoshijk@gmail.com that i can answer directly....lol
Fortunate ! Yay!!!!! i am so happy 4 u..please see if u can post by Mon evening so i know b4 Tuesday how u r!!! My thoughst & prayers are w/ everyone..i hope everyone enjoyed their evening & only the best for all us in 2010!!!
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BTW ladies..b/c of ur advice I got xanax from my dr & i slept well last nite!!! Hugs to all!!
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