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One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?

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Comments

  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    oh yeah, I wanted to add that I got the results from the trans-vag/pelvic ultrasound baseline... not great.  There might be a fibroid on my left ovary (I'll have to do another ultrasound in a couple of months) and the right ovary is full of cysts.  Not a great way to start out on Tamoxifen.  Not sure what the implications are. Anyone experience something like this?

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    Hi. Decision was ovarian sup or chemo to reduce reoccurrence rate. Decided to go chemo so I can't say I should have. Decided yesterday. Going to chemo class today. They want to get port in and do first chemo next week. I feel sore, bruised and swollen still. Can't imagine combining chemo, but.... Calling to get wig and schedule head shaving. I'll rally, just down right now.

  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    I would have made the same decision.  My thoughts are with you.  Keep us posted

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    Hi,  I will be going to the PS tomorrow.  After 10 years I have decided to have recon.  I don't have any idea what to do.  I had a bi-lateral in 2003.  Silicone or Saline - what is the easier as far as recovery.   I live alone and am nervous about the recovery.

  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,022
    edited February 2013

    Mary:  I decided on silicone simply because they are softer. Today's silicone is wrapped multiple times so that if a leak happens, it happens within the implant itself.

    I also live alone.  I stayed at my aunt and uncle's house for two and a half weeks after the surgery and this helped alot.  The first week after surgery I was back and forth to the doctor many times. Plus, the first week I did nothing but sleep.  Is there someone you can stay with after your surgery, or can someone come and stay with you.  I know it would have been very, very difficult for me if I had stayed at home alone for the first few weeks after surgery.

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    Unfortunately, I don't have anyone.  Husband passed away 2009 and son is married with new baby (2 wks. old).  I wonder if the PS would help with Visiting Nurse Service.   Just leary being alone.   Were you able to get around by yourself?

  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,022
    edited February 2013

    mary:  i had a visiting nurse service but they only came in every other day and they just would change my bandage and look at things.  i know some folks have done this alone, but i just wouldn't recommend it.  i would knocked out the first week and then after that, couldn't walk far at all, much less get to grocery store etc. everything has to be at counter level.  you need to pre open pill bottles (turning those child proof lids is rough).  no way could i have gotten myself to and from doctor appointments. i was on drugs big time and was not allowed to drive.  maybe can you stay in a rehab facility for that first week or so?  being single, i get really nervous about falling down and then no one knowing i'm stuck on the floor.  i'm a walking life alert kind of gal. :-)

    but maybe others on the board will chirp in otherwise.

    susan

  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    I went with saline but I'd like to switch to silicone.  Saline isn't bad but there tends to be more visible rippling.  Mine is quite comfortable - after about 6 weeks. The silicone cohesive gels are probably your best bet. 

  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    Mary, you might want to see if you could get some post-op home care.  I wouldn't do this alone. I lined up some friends to bring me meals. My mom helped. No DH of BF.  My husband also passed away in 2009.  I wish you a speedy recovery.

  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    Are you planning direct to implant?

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    I just spoke to my sis.   She said she would come and stay.   So I guess I'll be ok.   

    Well, tomorrow is the big day.  

    PS Are there any pre-op tests before the surgery?

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    Mary, best wishes tomorrow. I did silicone gummies. My recon was direct, so I'm not sure about tests.



    I just decided on chemo yesterday, chemo class today, port placement tomorrow and chemo number one next Wednesday. Phew.

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    Thanks,  I did the chemo to reduce chance of reoccurence and followed up with Arimidex for 5 yrs. It hard to believe that I am 10 yrs cancer free!  Good luck to you.  

  • mareluna
    mareluna Member Posts: 275
    edited February 2013

    Hi,

     I am back from hospital. I am ok but I hurt. Itching from post op bra. Thanks for the prayers.

  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,022
    edited February 2013

    Congrats mareluna, on a successful surgery. Glad you're ok.  Mary, glad your sister could help. And Lmimp, good luck with the chemo. It sucks, but is manageable, and it'll hopefully give you peace of mind.

    Susan

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    Thanks gritgirl, Lmimp, and Jocelyne for all your good advice.  

      I just got back from the PS.  He said I wouldn't need drains!  Can you see me smiling?Smile

    However, he did say because it has been 10 yrs. he will have to fill very slowly.  He said it may take up to 6 months.  Does this sound right?  He said "we're in no hurry."     Oh, and he told me he is going to keep me overnight and that it will be 3 weeks before I will want to go anywhere.   Surgery set is for February 25th.

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,261
    edited February 2013

    mary653 - I had healing issues from BMX and ultimately lost my left TE which was out during chemo - it was out for 7 months.  After it was replaced we proceeded very slowly, mainly to preserve the integrity of the damaged skin.  I waited for several weeks to start fills - until I was fully healed.  I had weekly 25cc fills, then waited a month for exchange surgery.  From the time the TE was replaced until exchange was 7 months.  I found that "low and slow" produced less discomfort, I never had to medicate with pain relief during fills and found that a warm bath was enough to relax the muscles.  Good luck!

  • mareluna
    mareluna Member Posts: 275
    edited February 2013

    Hi. I slept in my recliner with a foot stool last night.to get out bed in the hospital was murder.





  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    that's terrible.  Did they help you? Did you have a catheter?  I couldn't move either but they came in the middle of the night to get me out of bed and walking but I also had a catheter which was uncomfortable but saved me from getting up to go to the bathroom.  Hope you're feeling better today

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    Mareluna - baby steps. Just take it slowly. I'm glad you are home.



    My pt found cording on my ribs and under right arm. Very little but we are stretching it. Got port in yesterday. Didn't realize it was two incisions. I was nervous about my chest but it's my neck that hurts the most. Adding that to the concrete foobs - i also have a hematoma - is a little defeating.

  • gonegirl
    gonegirl Member Posts: 1,022
    edited February 2013

    I got into physical therapy as soon as I could.  I also have concrete boobs and was in a lot of pain for 3 months.  The diazepam my ps was giving me wasn't working for me.  So I asked her for Flexeril.  She has me also taking 800 mg of Motrin 3 times a day for the first week and I'll be going down to 800 mg of Motrin to just at night (helps cut back swelling).

    I had necrosis on my right breast and fixing that took time so couldn't mobilize the breast.  My doctor had me doing something calling phluffing my breasts (only do this after the drains are out and you have clearance on this one).

    Here's a diagram of basic phluffing of the breast

    But my doctor had me do a little more.  I take my hand and press against every side of the breast, moving the implant down, up, sideways, etc.  After I do that, I put my whole hand around the breast and move it around in a clockwise or counter clockwise motion. This helps to loosen things up and prevents scar tissue from forming right up against the implant.

    I cannot say enough about doing PT and massage for recovery. Necrosis prevented me from getting started earlier, and I paid the price in pain.  Don't be like me.  :-)

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    Thanks for the phluffing exercises. I will do those. :)

  • mareluna
    mareluna Member Posts: 275
    edited February 2013

    Hi. I am doing better now. I take diploid every four hours. I took shower yesterday. Ugly looking boobs. Scar if front and swollen. Misshaped but they have to settle. Feels better than my real ones did. Drains don't bother me much. I have them in pouches in cami.

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    I'm glad you are doing well. Are yours not hard?

  • lilithmoon
    lilithmoon Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2013

    My boob was pretty ugly at first as well.  The swelling takes a while to go down. Take care, glad you're okay!

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    Tnx, SpecialK.   Glad to hear that this is not that unusual.  

    Mareluna, Great that you are feeling better.  

    Gritgirl, How come they feel so hard in beginning?  I guess PT and massage is another question to put on my list.  My PS said not to worry about choice of silicone or saline until later.  From reading on this board you girls seem to agree it is important b4 surgery.  I will be going back Feb. 14th for pre-op testing and he said bring in any question then.  

  • mary653
    mary653 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013

    Lmimp, Good luck again with the chemo.  If I could do it anyone can.  Just eat healthy.   Tip the nurse gave me was to eat red beets once in a while - suppose to help with blood count.  Can't hurt as long as you like them.

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    Thanks, Mary. I will try that. :)

  • Lmimp64
    Lmimp64 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2013

    My implants are still hard and don't move at all. Due to bruising and swelling they are different shapes too. Very limiting in choosing what to wear. I have to say, that if I had it all to do again, I think I would go te.

  • mareluna
    mareluna Member Posts: 275
    edited February 2013

    Hi. I think it takes months for them to soften. Mine are so swollen. Feel like I am in a noose.

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