TEs. A Beginner's Primer
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Just received my new bras. I ordered 3 non-underwire bras as my husband was getting fed up having to wash the few non-underwire post mastectomy bras that I had every couple of days. (Joys of a modern marriage and house husband!) I got he Bali Comfort Revolution (3488) and they are great. Smooth out some of the asymmetry and lumpiness from the TE. Not quite as sexy and fun as pre-mastectomy bras but comfortable and look ok with clothes on!
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mommychef, dont get too worried. But stay ahead of the pain and take meds on time. They have to cut your pec muscles to put the te behind there, so there is alot of cutting and digging in there. But we each react differently. Find out beforehand what size/brand /shape te the dr is planning to put in- it should correspond to the size and shape of the future implant. Be sure you are on the same page for that. And also find out how much they intend to fill at time of surgery=== go for a small number, as it seems many who have pain when tes are in have to do with large amounts of saline being put in at the time. Good luck!
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I really appreciate having a topic that focuses on the basics of TEs and not on as much of the problems that can develop! I had my "other" breast removed and TEs placed on Feb 25, 2014. My first impression was that the anesthesia didn't hit me the same way that it did when my cancerous breast and sentinel nodes were removed. For this second surgery, I woke up and felt totally awake. The last time (October) I felt like I was in a haze for three weeks. The PS used what she called a pain ball that remained in place for 5 days that had leads that went directly into the incision sites. Because of this, I had very little pain. The ball deflated as the medicine dispensed. I loved it! It's been three weeks since my surgery and I have another 2 1/2 weeks until my first fill. I already appreciate having a balanced look and not having a concave side. I feel like I have taken charge of my life and everything is looking up!
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O.K. In the spirit of keeping this an "Information and Tips" thread, and not a "Scare the Newbies" thread, I have a few more thoughts.
1. Because at the time of my BMX, my skin and pecs were quite lax. That meant I got 180ccs in the OR, and a month later, got fills of 30 - 50ccs every two weeks. I never needed any pain meds with fills, but it did help to take a nice hot shower at night and have DH massage my back muscles to help me sleep.
2. If you didn't get an Information Card at the time of your BMX, call your PS and ask for one. This gives you all the details of your TEs, that you will need down the line when it comes to deciding which implants are best for you.
3. Do not use heat or ice packs on your TEs. During the BMX, all the breast tissue (including fat and glandular tissue) was removed, leaving the skin very thin. Because of the decreased sensation, it is possible to get frostbite from using an icepack, and burns from using a heating pad. My PS said do not ever use either one.
4. Be really careful out in the sun. One day I wore a shelf-bra type camisole out in the yard, being very careful to use sunscreen on all visible skin. Little did I know that I got the WORST sunburn ever on the skin over my TEs, even though they were covered up with the camisole. See above for explanation.
5. Remember that the mechanism by which your TEs are filled are through a metal port. This allows the PS to use a magnet to find the exact location to insert the needle to inject the saline. This is especially important, because you cannot have an MRI with this metal in your body. If for any reason, you need an MRI, you need to notify the Radiologist immediately.
6. Forget trying to find a pretty bra that fits. No bra cups were made for boulders. Try instead a well-fitting sports bra, or even a Genie bra that comes two to a package for $19.95, and is available at Target, Walmart, etc. Trying to see if you are the cup size you want to be by trying on a bra with TEs in is an exercise in futility. Just give it time.
7. It is possible to sleep on your side with TEs. It may take a while, but eventually you may be able to pile up enough pillows behind you and under your arms to sort of sleep on your side.
8. Be on the lookout for infection.... tiny red marks, little pinholes, etc. These are not all that common, but you want to be vigilant. Many of us have experienced "spitting sutures" where supposedly dissolveable sutures actually hardened and worked their way up through the incision line. Just let your PS know. It can usually be taken care of with hydrogen peroxide and Bacitracin.
9. Remember our motto: Just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD. You might find yourself feeling on top of the world and decide to take on removing a tree from the back yard. Don't do it. I once had the weirdest pulled muscle from trying to open a window from a strange angle. I also pulled a muscle getting into DH's monster truck. I hauled my fat butt up by the arm bar, and immediately regretted it. So after that, I used a small step stool. DUH!
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And remember that the size, shape, and location of the tes as you fill will change and move, and really have nothing to do with the eventual implants. So dont freak at the weirdness or movement towards your under arms.
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Thanks for that info Blessings! O did NOT know about the sunburn! Wow the things we learn....
Aviva thanks for that too. Yep that's the type of info and tips we want on this thread.
To all remember as someone else said TES are TEMPORARY! They do eventually get exchanged. This too shall pasd.
Much love!
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fantastic points, Blessings20. I didn't know about the ice packs and was using them whilst in hospital (given by 1 nurse and then taken away in horror by another nurse!!!)
Have also given up with 'pretty bras" but at least some of the sport bra styles come in fun colors. Now have black, blue, pink, orange and fluoro yellow!!
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So glad I found this thread. I had a single Mastectomy on May 29, 2013. The pre-surgery PS I had consulted asked if I was planning to lose weight and I said yes. He then said I should wait for reconstruction. The past few months I've been getting kinda tired of my prosthesis and saw a PS. I explained to him that I had not been able to lose any weight since the surgery and that I suspected this was from the HR. NOTE: I've moved states so had to consult a new PS.
New PS said no problem with me getting reconstruction now. I'm booked for next Wednesday, March 26. I have not seen the TE Troubles thread and I think that's best. Must admit I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. I did heal very well from the mastectomy (physically) and am doing much better emotionally.
I'm 66 yrs old and like Rosebuds, I am overweight weight. Rosebuds, I was so pleased to read your post. Thanks for being open.
Last September I joined the LIVESTRONG program and the local Y and am still working out 4-5 times a week.
However, reading all this, am beginning to feel like I should have done more research, maybe consulted with a few more PS's. My oncologist recommended the PS and I DO like him. He and his nurse explained things very well, but guess I was going in blindly.
The PS gave me a book called "A Woman's Decision" and I've not read all of it but quite a bit.
I so appreciate all of you sharing. However, must admit I am nervous so encouragement appreciated.
Oh, will have TE placed and reduction on other side.
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If you don't get a card that lists your TE type AND your PS is not forthcoming with the info, just get a copy of the surgical report from the hospital. The info is in there.
Also, yoga is so good for ROM after BMx or TE placement. My iron bra disappeared within 1 week if resuming yoga. I did modify a number of poses and had to stop chatarungas for a while but that was no big deal. I hated the arm excercises that my BS gave me to do.
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global gal. WELCOME. A TE placement and reduction will be a bigger surgery than just placement. Many of the ladies have done that and one should be along to let you know what to expect.
Because you don't seem as sure about your decision, we're there any specific questions you need answered? Feel free to ask. Well try to help. Much love.
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Just out of curiosity, has anyone that has posted on this thread had radiation? I'm not seeing that commonality on the 'stats' portion.
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I'm not syre. But rads does make TEs A Bit tougher. You will find quite a few on the TE Trouble board. Not always because they have trouble but because it is an older board with many more stories. Much love.
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When I had my original lx I had them match the new shape with a left side lift/reduction. Was so glad I did that. The recovery was going very well from that, tho I had bmx 10 days later.
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Hello Moonflwr, I wish I could pinpoint what's making me nervous. I have great family support, I like the PS and his staff. I understand I'll be in good hospital. this is NOT the first time I've had surgery. I think I'm more concerned about the filling process. Read many comments on that.
I'm also not sure about the size to select. I'm a 36DD now. Was thinking a C.
Does everyone goes thru this pre-reconstruction. I WAS a mess before the MX, I cried on my way into the hospital. Don't think I will this time. I had felt RX is a good thing.
Susie
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global - the fill process does not have to be painful, or a bad experience. I advocate the "low and slow" method - smaller, more frequent, fills. Mine were 25cc weekly and I never had to take pain meds to handle it. If you do experience any spasm or muscle tightness there are medications that can help relax the pectoral muscles. Talk with your PS about your sizing expectations, but be aware that TE are anatomically sized and have a fill volume - this is why it is important to discuss this - your PS should choose a TE that fits your body while accommodating the volume you would like to achieve. Also, if you are looking at the possibility that you would like teardrop shaped implants (anatomical - or gummie) you need the specific expander that corresponds to that implant.
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Agree 100% with SpecialK. Remember ladies, that this is not a race, and that the PS works for you. Low and slow is the way you will be most comfortable. I did 50cc fills every two weeks for the duration and yes, you can feel the pressure as your skin slowly expands, but keeping the fills small certainly makes it manageable. A lot depends too on what size you were before your surgery and whether they were able to spare any skin. I was left with no extra skin (for reasons that have nothing to do with fills) to start with, so it was slow going. As is said a hundred times a day in here, we're all different. Some of the ladies on these boards who were well endowed naturally could handle much larger fills quite well after surgery. I just wasn't one of them. And please know that there is no shame in skipping a fill here and there if you still haven't gotten past the last one. (There's no such thing as the Fill Police!) Keep in mind that you can also request that they remove some of the saline if you need to go even slower. It all depends on you and your body, but know that this is not something your PS should control. Wishing you all great success and minimal pain through this phase of the journey!0 -
SpecialK, THANKS. Will speak to PS about that at pre-op visit on Tuesday. So forgive my ignorance, what is a gummie?
So much to learn!
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AZ85048 What good advice from you and SpecialK. I didn't have skin sparring, I'm flat, rather concave, now on the right and DD and saggie on the left. I guess the upside of this whole thing is to be better in the end that I was before I started this journey. There has got to be a upside!
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A gummie is the nickname for anatomical implants. They are kind of teardrop shaped as opposed to the round ones that are most commonly used. The gummies were approved last year by the FDA for use in the USA. Here's an article that talks a lot about them and explains it better than I could: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/4/prweb10655368.htm
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And speaking of fills, your TEs will probably fill wide before they fill out, so they tend to push outward under your arms and what you once knew as your arm pit becomes - the bat cave.
My arms hit those things all the time and they were hard and unforgiving - but thankfully that wide feeling goes away after exchange when 'the new girls' soften up and settle into place. (YAY!)0 -
I need help TE hurt so bad but it 9 days post and had tongi back in 2 days ago. I guess I was doing too much and didn't take meds we'll today that all changed. Had to take pain meds but hate them so I take 1/2 to get me thru. Please this round circle things laying on my breast bone Wtf
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hi Jarmir1, how much saline did they put in you TE at insertion? And what did you go back to theatre for? My TE are still uncomfortable at 6 weeks post insertion but not excruciating. There are no prizes for not taking pain relief when needed. I have been taking paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly through-out. The oxycodone knocked me out a lot (sometimes a good thing!)
There are however prizes for not over-doing it. I haven't done anything too physical to risk things going wrong, including no clothes washing or cleaning for last 6 weeks! Feeling a bit blobby but can work on that done the track!
Remember the wise mantra: "just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should do it!"
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Susue, Sk and AZ give great advice! And yes. WE ALL GO THROUGH THAT SOMETIMES. It hits us all at some point, and no, not at the same point for everyone. As akways, everyone is different! As for sizing, Whippet Mom on Implant sizing 101 can help if you give her your information. I'll have to post a link as soon as I can get on a real computer! LOL
Jamie. HUGS! I wish we had a magic wand. Take it easy as much as possible. If your PS filled you a lot to begin with he may have to take some out til you adjust. Did you have a mastectomy? Both sides or one? Or is all that done before and you just got your TES implanted. Cause if you just had a mastectomy 9 days ago NO WONDER YOU HURT! Take the pain pills. It's why they prescribe them!
Much love to all.
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AZ85048 and Moonflwr912… thanks again. Very helpful to know about wide instead of out.
Sounds like one needs to be young and fairly firm to get a gummy. Any older gals have any experience with this.
Am 5 days from surgery and finding new questions. UGH.
Am going to look for Whippet Mom
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globalgal19 - Go here: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/746448?page=1 This is whippetmom's thread. (BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101) Read the header completely and then post your question on the last page. Good luck to you!
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Thanks again AZ85048.
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moonflwr, I went to the doctor on Thursday for the TE problem I told you about and I didn't get filled. It actually turns out that my dr is still pregnant and was there and I got a visit in with her..thank goodness. I was a bit shocked! but she said I didn't need anymore fills after all and my skin looks great. YAY........but I did find out that the reason my TE is moving around is because there are tabs attached to border of the TE and those tabs are supposed to be sutured to my ribs so TE don't move at all. After my doctor examined me while moving the expander around she has determined that the TE tabs have detached from my rib cage and it is causing the TE to move around freely. She said it is not supposed to move at all and I have to wear a thong bra until my exchange surgery which I found out is in June or July. She did say that the alloderm seems to be a bit out of place and because of the combination of the problems,the TE is trying to work its way to the middle of my chest. that's another reason why I have to wear the thong bra ( she said the alloderm needs to be free from trauma so symmastia doesn't develop all the way). So I cant sleep on my side....or do much of anything. I refuse to let it get me...its just a little curve ball. But honestly I am so excited that I will be left alone for months! (I hope anyways) SInce my surgery, I have always had so much pain in my left boob and it just wasn't getting better and I knew something just didn't seem right. But oh well. I am glad it I can relax now and know I don't have to get those awful expansions any longer!!!!!
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good for you Mindy. Glad it will get better from here on out. I've read that about 8 weeks from last fill to exchange. Mine said 8 weeks original, then said 6 was ok, then I ended up with 4 weeks instead. He had a cancellation so it worked out really well. I think I'm still stretching a little because they've been a little itchy. But that's gotten a lot better this week.
Behave, read, watch tv, favorite movies if you can. Be careful about getting sunburned since the weather is getting nicer. Good info on the tab info, it explains a few things.
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Smaarty,
My ps said probably 3 months after last fill. Guess it depends on the person and the ps.....
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mommyathome - It depends on a lot of things - some of which are not always predictable.
Ironically, I ended up having my exchange 10 days after my last fill because someone else got sick. (It seems that the cold and flu season is rife with cancellations and postponements when it comes to surgery around Christmastime!) It was the end of the year, I'd met my insurance deductible, and she had an open slot in her schedule, so it worked out great for me... I don't recommend it that soon for everyone, but in my case it worked out fine. 0
