TEs. A Beginner's Primer
Comments
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Molly - I would call your BS. My BS is helping me with another issue right now (he's a general surgeon too so when lovely Tricare referred me to General Surgery for backdoor plumbing issues, I figured I'd keep it all in the family so to speak). When I was there he said if I had any concerns before the exchange to let him know because if he needed to he would step in on the exchange to check out my concerns. That's my opinion any way - unless you somehow think it's related to the TE - but from the looks of it, your TEs have been in place for awhile now. Between my last two fills I was concerned about an area and the next fill took care of it. Isn't it crazy how this stuff makes our heads spin?
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jessiejake - I had horrible skin issues for about the first 3 fills. It seemed to clear up almost as fast as it started. I guess it was just shocked to be stretching again. My PS gave me two different forms of ELTA - a light daily lotion and a thick greasy night time version. I've also been using a shea butter mixture with oils including peanut oil and jojoba. A friend gave me this and I think it's made the biggest difference. I don't have nipples so I can't comment on that part. I have found that putting any lotion of body butter on is one of my best times of the day. The light pressure oddly makes me feel feel better and relax more. My right TE shifted more toward the arm pit and the left looks as if it has stayed in place. My PS reminds me that as long as the skin, muscle and scar are being stretched we are good and the implant placement will correct anything weird. I also ditched a bra as soon as I could. I wear the same cami's under my shirts that I did before and they apply enough pressure to feel okay during the day but not crazy like a bra did. Best of luck to you!
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Well, no fill for me today. Last Friday I reached 450 which was the size of my TEs. PS inspected my skin and made the decision that he didn't want to chance it since I was so close to the end. Even though it was a wasted trip, I'm so thankful that he's cautious. So I am rescheduled for this Friday and this one "may" be my last. He's kind of confusing me right now but I think he's a little distracted. He's like a little boy with a new toy. Apparently the clinic has just been approved to carry a healthy inventory of the Mentor MemoryShape Implants. He forgot that he showed them to me on Friday and went through his whole demonstration again today. I just tried to act as excited as I was on Friday!
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LOL Ringelle, I probably would have politely listened again, too. Thanks for the advice. I was leaning toward calling BS. I hate feeling this way! I want to just move past all this worry.
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Molly - I totally get it! Unfortunately, I think some of that stays with us for the rest of our lives. I'm headed for a colonoscopy next. In the back of my head I wonder "what if." I know I won't be settled until it's over and I know. When I started having "issues" my doctor said, "because of your history" we have to take everything seriously now! That's something I definitely didn't want to hear.
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Yeah, I hear you. Last time I saw my BS she said "because you are one of my high risk patients..." ugh just what I don't want to hear.
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I had my second fill today. Again, only 50cc which to me seems like a lot but even the NP (who is a little bit of an odd duck) said it's a small amount. Not for me! I have 100cc now in my 300cc TEs. She asked me how big I want to be. I didn't really know what to answer. I think these TEs already are making me bigger than I was, but I realize that not only will the implants look very different, I also only have 1/3 of the capacity of these TEs filled. I told her I really didn't know what size I want to be except that I'd like to fill out a regular bra from a store. From my PS I thought we weren't talking "size" but look. She did say what others at the office have said: Put on a tight cami and see if you like the look. Again, not necessarily helpful since my implants won't look like these things. Oh well, I'll see another NP when I go back in 2 weeks so I'll see what she says. Do people ever not fill there TEs all the way? If I continue to 300cc they will make me huge! Like truly huge for my body. The PS put in the biggest she could, I think. She originally thought she would have to use smaller crescent shaped ones but during surgery found she could fit these 300cc round ones in. If I do keep going, no one I know will be fooled! Hmmmm........
I still have a bent edge on the bottom of my right TE. I pointed it out because it looks like it's pressing out on my skin, but she wasn't concerned and kind of said it will disappear as I get more fills. Hope so.
I asked for something to help with nerve/skin sensitivity. She offered Neurontin (or gabapentin) but said for all the women she's prescribed it too, most didn't take or stopped shortly after starting due to side effects. Pretty much talking me out of it (which she did once before when I asked for an alternative to oxycodone). Ugh, I feel like I got nothing. Well, I really did get nothing because when I asked if the mastectomy could be the reason my period isn't coming she wouldn't prescribe it to me until I take a pg test!! I insisted it's not possible that I'm pg and she wouldn't believe me. She said to call for the prescription after I have a negative pg test! Well, I don't think I'm going to take the meds anyway. I don't like the list of possible side effects and I do believe there's been slight improvement in the hypersensitivity I've been experiencing.
Ringelle, can I ask what the ELTA was exactly for? Is it store bought lotion? I forgot to ask about that specifically today. I looked it up yesterday and it seems like a great product but lots of options. I did ask if I should use lotion and she said really any kind without added stuff. I use Cerave currently which she said was fine.
This lady seems nice enough, but maybe not completely in tune with me. Although, the funny thing is I bet she thinks we are in synch! Ha, she showed me her chest (through her clothes) because we are of similar build and she had implants a long time ago. LOL
Thanks!
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update: I saw the plastic surgeon and he is having me come in tomorrow for a breast washout/scar revision. He said it looked better, but I've been having a lot of fluid from the drains coming out in my bandages. It will be outpatient, twilight sedation and last 45 min. I was expecting to go back to work early (I'm out thru 4/1). Did anyone have this procedure? What can I expect?
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Chicago - I have had this done six times - it is pretty easy, and shouldn't complicate your recovery too much. I am wondering if your PS has said anything about this complication stemming from the over the muscle placement - the skin has less of a new blood supply to adhere to with this approach.
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Chicago I think I'm having a similar thing done tomorrow. I have over the muscle TEs. Had the BMX with TE placement 2/25 and one of my original drains is still in on the left. A few days ago I had to have a seroma drain put in on the right . The day before yesterday my left breast started hurting badly and I woke up in the morning with drainage on my pajama top. The wound edges had started to pull away from the scab. Tomorrow I'm going in and they're cutting away the old wound edges and sewing me back together again and they're going to look inside and "clean things up" and see if they can do something about the drainage.
Jessie you're going to look hubba hubba
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yes, Stacey-Sue, this sounds very similar to what I understand will be happening. I will be sending positive thoughts your way tomorrow for a smooth procedure. I'm anxious because I was thinking I was going to be cleared to return to work and instead have to go back to the hospital tomorrow to have this done. I just need this part to be over. I meet with my medical oncologist on Thursday. I keep telling myself that I'm not always going to feel this way.
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I was planning on having DIEP, but after these little complications and the frustration they're causing, I just don't think I have the patience to deal with DIEP. I want this over and done with. What plans do you have for reconstruction?
I'll send positive thoughts your way too!
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Jessie - I did an amazon search - this is the one my PS gave me for during the day (Elta Lite) and this is the one I put on at night. (Elta Creme) I think the one at night was the one that was the most helpful. The PS just gave them to me - I think it's something they keep on hand. I wish I knew what product helped me the most because I once I started using the Goats Milk Body Butter, I was within days of looking better.
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StaceySue - Hoping all went well today!
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thanks, StaceySue! I was a 42G at the time of my mastectomy on 3/14, and had always wanted a reduction. I will have the fills once the skin is healthy enough and during chemo, assuming my medical oncologist is on board. I don't have a size in mind - my goal is to look good in clothes and be proportional. I think I'm a C now, so maybe a D? Not too much bigger.
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Anyone have experience with Remote Port for their tissue expander? I was shocked to see that my port is external, basically hanging by tubes from my sides (similar to drains). The discs that were placed on the exit site were removed yesterday and now the tubes rub in and out every time I breath. The little metal part that is attached to the tube is basically sawing my skin. The nurse at my PS office said this is normal, yes painful, and will only get worse with expansions. Yippee! (NOT).
Anyone else have these ports? Experiences? Tips? Thank you!!!
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How DidForgiveocedure Go, Chicago? IGotAdmitted And Will Be Here Again Tonight And Possibly Tomorrow Night. I Have An Infection And The Culture Is Not Done Growing Yet. They Won't Let Me Leave Until They Can Figure Out Which Antibiotic Will Work. ForegIve The Odd Caps, I'm On My Phone. I'mGoing Smaller Too. Was A DD, maY Go With C
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Sorry StaceySue2U! I hope they take very good care of you and this is taken care of quickly.
I was wondering with your typing if perhaps they had given you some really fun pain meds or something
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(((HUGS))) StaceySue2U: I hope they get your infection under control quickly. I'm glad they're taking good care of you.
Strange, to me, the odd caps made your post look like titles of songs.
I had an infection with my implants, but we got it under control quickly.
Hope to see you back soon.
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hi StaceySue! I'm feeling better, thanks. They called me this morning to change my antibiotic due to the cultures. I wasn't exhibiting any infection symptoms and the procedure went smoothly, so I'm hoping they caught it in time. I'm sorry to hear you're in the hospital - hopefully they will determine which meds will knock out that infection and you'll be back home soon! Sending positive healing vibes!
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thanks For The Thoughts, Prayers And Vibes (Hee Hee That DOES Sound Like A Song Title). I'M Not Taking Many Pain Pills At All But Quite Light Headed, Probably From Antihistamine. Staying A Few More
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Got my last fill today. My 450s are filled to 510. PS says he does not feel comfortable with anymore. This is fine with me as I was already on the fence if I wanted to do this one but I'm afraid of the implants looking smaller than the TEs so I wanted to see what one more looked like. I'm perfectly happy now. This last fill is extremely painful. After all my other fills I've felt fine all day and have been sore that night and the next day. This one is so much pressure and has a burning sensation. Immediately I took a muscle relaxer and pain meds I'm hoping it settles down soon. I'm also so glad he didn't fill me on Monday. I could not have handled that So now I sit for 3 months with a follow up at 6 weeks. So glad the fills are done
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Congratulations, Ringelle. Glad you got through fills.
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Congrats Ringelle. Squishies here she comes!.
Chicagigal, I'm glad you're doing better on the abx. Fingers crossed it keeps getting better!
Staceysue, dang. I hate that you are in the hospital, but I've been there. Much better to get it take care of safely. I will warn you that if the abx don't help you may lose your TE. Although most PS TRY to keep them as long as abx do the job. If they do come out its not the end of the world but it can be done. Just look at my profile. LOL Hugs.
Spiritual, I've never heard if that particular TE. Interesting. I wonder if the padding they use around the port a cath could be used around your tubes? And then covered with tagaderm or even just gauze? I can't believe there isn't anything they ca do to help. They do have things they use for a PICC line cover so ask. Hugs to you too.
Much love to all on this board..
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Hi Staceysue - so sorry to hear you are in the hospital! Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way !
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Thanks, Everyone, For The Emotional Support. Do Any OF You Know If Implants Are Less Likely To Get
Infected Than Expanders? Good Grief, I Hate This
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Hugs to you StaceySue, I hope you get out soon.
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Staceysue, i think the expanders put so much pressure on weak skin that it might make a difference. Also, drains are in much longer when you have TEs placed after mx and that can cause infection. My longest drain stayed in almost 6 eek and I got an infection less than a week after. But correlation is not causation, so who the h*ll knows. Just bad luck. And it SUCKS. Hugs. Hoping it clears up. I needed IV abx for 3 weeks, followed by oral abx for another 3 weeks. And my chemo was delayed until i was off.
This is me during my second hospital visit for infection. It was my birthday -4 years ago. that's why the whole family was there. Look familar? It does get better. Hugs
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Something kind of cool I think . . . for the heck of it, I tried on bras I had at home this morning. The ones I wore pre BC were way big - which I knew they would be - I never had the desire to go back there again! But - the bra that went with the prostheses I had picked out fit nearly perfect! My PS and I never really talked size or anything. I kind of went into this process with very few expectations other than wanting some shape back and not wanting to go back to as large as I was. I know things will change once I have the exchange and PS said we'd talk more about desired projection and all that but I think it's kind of cool that I ended up the size of my prosthesis without much planning.
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I'm home! No more drunk-looking cell phone messages!
Congrats on your last fill, Ringelle, and totally awesome about the bras!
Moonflower I'm a little worried I'm going to lose the tissue expander. They took my drains out when they did my wash and there is some fluid accumulating in the breast that had the seroma and infection. I was sent home today on oral antibiotics. The redness has nearly resolved. To tell you the truth I hadn't really even noticed the redness. I was paying more attention to the other breast - where the incision was opening up. Yes you picture DOES look familiar. That's definitely what all my nurses looked like!
Thanks Heathet and Molly
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