One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Thanks for the heads up Fortunate1. It looks like a useful thread!
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Ann, good for you that you're back to riding your horse! Soon after I was dx'ed, a friend put me in touch with a friend of hers, Jennifer, who was 1 yr. out from BMX w/recon. Talking to Jennifer was like taking a tonic to alleviate my fear and anxiety. She lives on a horse ranch and played polo for about 20 yrs. During her convalescence from surgery and during chemo, she said she rode nearly every day. Riding horses is as important as breathing to Jennifer.
Meg, my PS cautioned me not to do the butterfly exercise. It's a machine exercise where you push your arms together. He said he'd seen women relocate their implants to their underarms. I'm somewhat leery about working my pectoral muscles to develop them more than they're already developed. I can make my breasts look really weird by flexing my pecs. At 6 mos. out, I've regained my strength and can work out with 15 and 20 lb hand weights. I don't have any problems unscrewing lids or reaching to high shelves. My only bodily aches and pains are related to taking Arimidex. And related to getting older every year!
Fortunate, hard to imagine a downpour in the San Diego area!
Today was Mamma Day. I took my mother to her hairdresser. Did some shopping for her. And then we had lunch at a little restaurant with a buffet. Meg and Okiegal, I stuck to WW and had a nice garden salad and baked talapia, which was delicious. I did NOT eat the fried catfish and fried shrimp or chicken/sausage gumbo with rice.
Newbride, hope you're doing well.
Ice skating sounds and looks like great fun. I always enjoy the ice skating competition in the Olympics. I went roller skating a few times when I was a child and wasn't good at it at all.
Today was so warm that I had to turn on the A/C in the car. It was like a day in early summer. This morning when Dh and I woke up, we could hear birds chirping away outside. Probably our "welfare" birds demanding someone come and refill the feeders!
Time for the news and a glass of chardonnay. Hope everyone has a good evening.
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hello everyone......alot going on....horse riding, crocheting, delicious home grown salad with arugula...my favorite, down pours in Ca. causing trees to snap. ice skating...hope all is well with new bride and shoshi.....regarding exercise...i've found that so many upper body exercises seem to involve the pec muscles, even lifting 5-10lb wts intended for the arms seem to involve the pec muscles. i asked my ps the other day about exercising, he doesn't seem to make a big deal out of anything, but he did say i should stay away from exercise that builds the pecs, not that i'm exercising at all at this time.i guess it's just a trial and error thing, as okie was fine with all exercises except push-ups. today i did fine at work, no bra, but it seems towards the end of the day my pecs hurt (ache), or feel sore, i know then that it is time for a bath and foob massage, i requested the operative report from my ps and after reading in words all that was done (and that was just the reconstruction part) i see why it would take quite some time to heal. i don't have anything that exciting going on....very busy at work. my daughter is back at college, and i just took my son for his drivers permit test. stay well everyone.....
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Hi. I'm home and doing remarkably well. AnnL, I think you may be right about arnica. I seem to have not much swelling or bruising.
My pain is minimal. I took one Vicodin for the car ride home but that's all. Of course the drain is no fun but I can manage it by myself. I haven't taken any Valium yet but i might tonight just so I can get a decent night's sleep. I also have Cipro (antibiotic) that I will take rwice a day and Compazine (for nausea) that I have not had to use so far.
I feel so blessed. I just know that all of your prayers and good wishes helped alot. Thank you all.
Well, I am pretty tired and I'm not quite used to my DH's laptop so I guess I'll stop for now. I'll check in later.
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WONDERFUL....new bride....i'm so happy for you...it will be smooth sailing for you.....i wonder if that arnica is good post op.
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Ally, just caught your post as I was about to log off. My PS gave me a pack of arnica caps that are marked for pre and post-op usage. The product is called SinEcch, I will continue with it for 3more days post-op. I did also take 30c pellets by Arnicare three times a day for about 4 days pre-op.
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That's marvelous, NewBride. Home so soon. Have a healing comfortable sleep in your own bed.
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Thank you, Fortunate1. It will be rhe recliner,at least for a little while but i'm OK with that, Thanks for all of the comforting thoughts all along the way.0
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new bide mazel tov!!! i am so jealous of all of u. i c the d again 2morow & put my foot down/ so,ething is not right/ i am waiting 4 my uine test b/c of my back pain/ i have lots of swelling & redness....i should b feelingt lots better & i'm not. i am once again sorry 2 complain......if anyone has any suggestions i'll take em.
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NewBride, Great to hear from you! I am sooo happy you are home and doing well! You mentioned SinEcch...I didn't realize that was the same as Arnica. My PS recommended taking SinEcch the day before surgery. The PS instruction sheet said to continue SinEcch the day after surgery. I had asked the NP about using it and she said it was my choice. I chose not to because I sometimes have a weak stomach. I didn't want to try something new before surgery that might make me sick. She also recommended taking Vitamin C & Bioflavinoids after surgery. I only took Vitamin C. I found in comfortable to sleep in bed with three pillows against my headboard and a pillow under each arm. During the day I sat in a recliner.
Shoshi, Don't apologize. You're not complaining...your sharing your experience and that's why we are here. I wish I could help you. I'm glad your seeing you doctor today for peace of mind. At this time I was still swollen and my scars were red. I think I still had some stitches remaining. Hopefully all your drains will be removed today and you will feel better. Did you have any back problems before?
Ally, I also felt sore at the end of the day. Sometimes I still do. I am avoiding all chest exercises. A friend of mine who had bmx with reconstruction said she did not resume exercise for one year. She also has CC. Did you see the video on Life cell of the one step? I find it amazing that we feel as well as we do after surgery.
Carole, I think your golf playing has you in excellent shape! You lift 15-20lb weights! YIKES! I'm such a wimp!
Okiegal, I think the pins and needles have something to do with nerve damage or nerves not healed yet. My right arm and breast are fine. My left arm and breast are not. I laid on my stomach again and I felt the pop again in my left breast?
It is sunny today and the temp will be in the 40's. I started crocheting...I got one row done! My son will come home tonight with his dirty laundry that will keep me busy! This weekend we are going to an Ice Sculpturing Festival. They will also have artists, crafts, a barn fire and food! Someone said if the weather is good there will be hot air balloon rides! Safe to say I will be a spectator only!
I hope everyone has a good weekend!
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NewBride, welcome home! I'm so happy to hear that you are doing so well!
I've just returned from posting at the "Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome" topic that Fortunate1 reccommended. I am so excited....I think I've discovered that my wierd pain sensations are the result of LE. Now, I'll have to find a doctor to talk to. I visited the "Bellise" website that one of the women recommended and found a description that matches my experience. I've had swelling under the armpit since the beginning. It went down quite a bit after surgery, but remained. It's worse by evening and tingles and aches, even more now that I've began weight lifting. Apparently, this is lymphedema. Months ago, when I mentioned the swelling to my BS, she said I would always have this (what?!) I didn't push her, but felt that I wasn't being heard. I mentioned it to my PS and he said it was lymphedema. I was surprised and replied "But my hands aren't swollen." He didn't say anything else, but did give me a prescription for Neurontin. At least he tried! But I'm beginning to think that our doctors don't have much knowledge about lymphedema. Maybe I'm jumping the gun with my diagnosis, but I really think this is what I'm dealing with. Finally, for everyone that is experiencing pain or unexplained tightness, you might investigate the Bellise site, BCO or other sites to see if this is your problem.
Shoshi, you are right to push your doctor to address your post operative swelling and other pain issues! You don't want to develop lymphedema or othe chronic conditions.
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Carole: What is the butterfly exercise?
NewBride: Glad to hear you are okay.
Okiegal: I hope it isn't lymphadema but if it is I hope you get some answers. Binney on this site knows allot about it.
Shoshi: Thanks for checking in. Hope your back pain goes away.
Hi to everyone else. Off to physio
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Well, here I am 2nd day post-op. I do believe that although my pain isn't terrible, life will be better with Vicodin than without it for a little while. Most of my pain is at the drain site. I can't quite figure out just where else I may or may not have sensation yet. There is definitely some numbness but I haven't worked out the extent of it yet. I also "felt" a kind of buzzing sensation around my nipple this morning. Pretty strange. My DH noticed the startled look on my face and asked if I was OK.
Shoshi, Don't feel like you're "*&^% @ing". Those are not complaints that you have. They are concerns that you have every right to have. Also remember that I had only a unilateral MX and did not even have a SNB. You had alot more done at one time and it is understandable it would take more time for you to start feeling better. Also it appears that I have a pretty high pain threshold. Actually, I think my grasp of the obvious is just somewhat less than incredible. Basically I'm just too dense to realize when something hurts. LOL. I am glad that you are seeing your Drs. about the redness, swelling, etc. In my estimation the more you have done to you, the more attention you should receive from your Drs. It is their job to help you heal in the best way possible. You know that we're all pulling for you. I will keep you continually in my prayers until you feel better.
Meg, I'm so glad to hear that your WBC is up. On another note, arnica claims to have no side effects and I did not have any nausea. I did gag a couple of times right after I woke up in recovery but I believe that was from the anesthesia. No problems at all in that way since then and I am still taking the SinEcch.
Okiegal, It appears you may have found an answer to your mystery. If it is lymphedema there are specialized therapies to take care of it. I believe there are massage therapists that are acually certified in the treatment of lymphedema. Good on you that you pursued this so tenaciously. Early treatment means better results. Gosh, that seems to be the theme for everything BC related, huh?
Upcreek, I loved your iceskating description, I remember rare days like that when I was a child skating on frozen lakes in AK. It sounds like you continue to do well in your recovery. I hope your friend is coming along nicely too.
Fortunate1, I hope you're not washing away down there. The same precipitation you have has been here in the mountains as well. Overnite the rain turned to snow so I woke up to a real winter morning today.
Carole, I have a couple of welfare birds too. I guess they are really more like social security birds. They are older hummingbirds who can't migrate any more. But they seem to do OK over the winters here. It is a little surreal to see them flying through the falling snow. We bring the feeder inside at night to keep it from freezing.
Well, DH is back from the post office with mail (probably Dr. bills) for me. I guess I'd better check it out. I'll be back later.
I hope everyone is having a good day. Bye for now
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hello ladies....okie...that's amazing, that you figured that out, having reported your symptoms to the doc....a nurse that i work with had shoulder surgery, and continued pain, nerve damage, and other issues....she is now taking lyrica recommended by pain mgmt. she reports that it has helped her enormously. okie ....maybe you should discuss your symptoms with the bs instead of the ps....the ps seem to be more interested in the aesthetic outcome...which is good, maybe our bs docs can help us with this stuff.......shoshi...glad you went to the doc today, i hope he can help you. i know how painful it can be, but redness and swelling should be addrssed by the doc. also shoshi i think you mentioned that you underwent a reduction at another time, that added procedure could be contributing to your pain.....i'm hoping you can get some relief today. meg i did see the video and i also obtained my operative report.....after seeing the video and reading the report, i'm not surprised at all that i have "tighness" and pec pain after a long day. i think it will continue for quite awhile. i don't plan on doing any upper body exercises except daily stretching, walking and slow jogging are not a problem. i'm definetely going to check out that site. new bride..so.glad you are feeling well. have a wonderful weekend everyone.
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okie....i just read the description you posted ....those symptoms seem to be exactly what you've been describing to us.
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Okiegal, I hope you've misdiagnosed yourself and do not have LE. I thought LE caused swelling and pain in the arm. You have to be fitted for a sleeve to wear and the LE doesn't go away. You had only one node removed. It's more often women who've had a large number of nodes removed who develop LE. I'm strongly against your having LE!
Upcreek, the butterfly exercise is usually done on a gymn machine. You're sitting erect with your arms straight in front of you. You press both arms against parts of the machine and force your arms together against the resisting force. Not the clearest explanation. I think you could perform the same type of exercise with free weights in your hands.
Have a great weekend!
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carole, i've used that machine at the gym...good description. you're amazing....i don't think i'll attempt that for a long time....you've healed well....maybe golfing had some thing to do with it.
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Thanks Carole: I haven't been doing the "butterfly" Thanks for the heads up. I have been doing the "sea turtle". Is that bad?
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Hi everyone, so active today! I went to the PS today, who pronounced me a beautiful reconstruction success that he'd be proud to show any plastic surgeon. That was nice to hear from the man who has put up with all my complaints. Next stop, tattoos, a while away. Perhaps relevant to the continuing one-step discussion, he said that it was still "cutting edge". He suggested it for me because I had the right combination of body type, tumor size and type. Now don't you feel like pioneers?
Today is the one year anniversary of my mastectomy. I'm feeling good, and indulged in some shopping. Very atypical for me - three(!) little cardigan sweaters just a little too expensive and snug enough to show my curves. I still have curves! Pretty, feminine, (stay away from the clay and the garden) hope DH likes them too.
Okiegal, if it is LE, maybe its mild - no swollen hands or arms - and can be resolved easily. I would hate for you to have something that remained hard to manage. It is a relief to have a possible explanation, though. Knowledge is power.
NewBride You're amazing, treat yourself well. Shoshi, gripe away, its real and very understandable. We're here to listen to the good and the bad. Hope your doc has answers for you. Feel better.
Still more fierce rain, snow level down to 5000 feet which will be pretty if it ever clears up, more trees going down, but not in my yard. Upcreek send me a PM and I'll send some limes, Meg, Ally, Carole, Ann, hugs to all.
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well i got the stupid tubes out but of courenthe ps thinks i need motrin & not pain killer. The urine test came out neg so i need an US for my kidneys i need to talk to the BS. thank goodness for my pvt stash for pain killer. he said its muscle
have a good weekend
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Shoshi, glad you got the drains out. It really helps, doesn't it? This is probably far too simple to help you, but I remember pressing and massaging the muscle up near the shoulder, and the feeling of relief it brought. Try it. Good wishes for an easier weekend for you.
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shoshi....at least everything is going well, the doc didnt mention any problems. have you had back problems in the past?.....glad you have your private stash of pain meds. if you need more and the ps won't prescribe them, call your bs.....it's great that the drains are out....that was a turning point for me......hope you are feeling better this weekend
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fortunate1....it looks like your nip revision went well. are you happy with the results? is your abdomen still tender? .....you're a trooper...no complaints of pain. i heard that lipo can be painful. i'm glad you were out shopping and feeling good. enjoy your new sweaters......
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Ally: What are you doing up so early?
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good morning upcreek.....i wish i could sleep late. i just automatically wake up early.
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Ally
I think it is a Long Island thing, late for me is 6:15, I am so jealous of people who sleep all day.
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hi big apple...you're right, it must be a long island thing......i'm glad you checked in here...i was thinking about you. how are you feeling? have you finalized your reconst. plans?
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I'm still a limbo mama. I should know more on 2/3/2010, I am seeing my PS and hopefully...
Probably going to need a DIEP to get some extra skin, which is fine with me since I had a 10 1/2 pound baby who definitely stretched out my tummy skin a bit. I am feeling much better. I am focusing on getting into good shape now, running every other day, spinning on the other, weights etc, I hear the recovery is brutal so I figure the better shape I am in, well the better.
On the LI Girls thread I was looking at 2/5/10 for a possible gtg, I'm going to the NYC one tonight, one of the ladies also did a flap with an implant so it will be nice to hear from her about the experience and try to be prepared.
In the meantime, I have a "real" silicone prosthetic and the weight and size are great, I am actually wearing sweaters and they look great,much better than when I had the wonky rads boobie.
Thank you so much for asking.
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Fortunate, happy "anniversary" to you! How wonderful that you're in such great shape and in good spirits a year after your MX. Enjoy those sexy sweaters!
Big Apple, if I were younger, I would have considered the DIEP surgery, especially since the NOLA drs. are less than an hour's drive away. One of those drs. (Dr. Sullivan) is the son of a long-time acquaintance. The recovery from DIEP is lengthy, but when the surgery is successful, the results are supposed to be great. My BS prodded me in the direction of the DIEP (she works with the NOLA drs as well as with her husband, my PS) by trying to tempt me with a tummy tuck. I knew I wouldn't be playing golf for months with that incision across my stomach. Priorities.
How nice for you NYC and Long Island BC'ers to get together. I'd love to be part of a local group.
Happy Saturday.
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big apple...glad you are feeling well, and prepearing....on some of the previous posts on this site, some ladies mention arnica, i think an herbal supplement that aides in healing....both women who took it did remarkably well after surgery.....check it out. keep me posted about the LI reunion.
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