TEs. A Beginner's Primer
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Holy Carp! 620cc! that sounds very painful! I'm only headed to something in the 400 cc range. I'm at 190 now. My PS prefers to do fills slowly and in little steps. Largest fill so far has been 50 mils. That was enough! So far, My pain after fills diminishes within 24 hours but can be pretty uncomfortable for that first day. By day 5. I hardly notice a fill was done.
I'm currently pain med free for two days, but am probably going to take a OTC Tylenol to reduce the discomfort I'm feeling at the drain sites.
Grandma3x
I'm glad the lumps are smoothing for you! My left breast is also smoothing well but my right is not. The bulge seems to be trying to make a point, like a knuckle poking out just under the skin. I'm worried I have a thin spot in the muscle that is herniating a bit. I'm anxious to have the doc take a look at it and reassure me that it is not a problem. I have not seen my PS since the surgery, only his PA's. I hope they have enough experience to make a call in this case.
Does anyone else only get to see PA's and nurses at their follow up appointments?
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LRGO - same here, I only saw the nurse practitioner until about 6 weeks postop, then had an apptmt with the PS so that she could check the incision and make sure the fills were going ok. I guess that is the norm?0
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Depends on the doc - my first PS did everything - he had no PA, NP or nursing staff at all, was very hands on. This was nice because there was total continuity throughout. My current PS has no PA or NP, does have nurses, but saw me at every post-op and the first several fills until she was satisfied that things would go smoothly. I have seen many post that their fills are done by nursing staff, with periodic checks by the PS, and I think that is common.
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Thanks for the feedback ladies. My PS is in high demand as our medical group he is attached to is a center for BC research and treatment. He has done thousands of these procedures, has two PA's and twice as many NP's and associated staff working with him. He is part of Baylor CM and apparently teaches as well. Busy guy.
Given that I'm not having any other problems (and we know this procedure has many very scary possible risks and adverse reactions), I'm happy that this is my biggest worry at the moment.
My best news so far is that I no longer need pain meds! The occasional OTC tylenol is sufficient to control the discomfort I feel at my drain sites. I see them Tuesday so I'll get their opinion at that time. Plus another fill!
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My PS does everything. No NP and he does all the check ups and fills.
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Hey Molly, I bet it is reassuring to have face time with your surgeon. My lack of it is a bit frustrating. Glad you are in good hands!
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Update everyone:
At my checkup today, we had to leave the drains in for one more week to let them diminish in output... that will mean 5 weeks. Argh! Although I'm disappointed the good news is they will pull them no matter what next week as they don't want to risk leaving them in any longer. So I'll be drain free by this time next week! I will need to watch for signs of seroma if output remains high... come on fluid rate - SLOW down!
I got 60 mils added to each breast today, no problems! I'm at 250 mils each. I have 200 mils more in each breast remaining. (I have 450 TE's). Should give me nice C cups when we are done. I'm really starting to look like I have breast mounds again. This part of the process is amazing!
My right pec muscle flinched when the needle was inserted, indicating the nerves are regaining some activity. It ached a bit - sort of felt like a deep bruising pinpoint ache for only a moment as pressure was applied to the needle. Then the discomfort went away as the fluid was injected. It is a good sign that the nerves are healing so I don't mind at all! I took a Tylenol 3, muscle relaxer and antibiotic before the procedure. Funny how that now that I've been off T3 for about two weeks, I really noticed the impact of the codeine. Made me a little loopy and sleepy! Won't be using that med when I drive!
I took another muscle relaxer, antibiotic and a regular tylenol this afternoon and feel fine now. Just tight! So this bodes well for me returning to work soon. I'm anticipating going in to the office for the first time, as early as late next week on a trial basis. Guess I've got to get myself back in to a normal sleep pattern!
This is totally amazing to watch, you can see the breast mound round out and lift with each procedure. Mine are actually starting to look like real boobs again. (Minus a nipple)... but that too will be replaced. It is a miracle what can be done! I'm feeling great today! Ready to celebrate when these drains are no longer attached!0 -
I got my surgery date! July 22nd.
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Hi All - my surgery is 2weeks away and I am beginning to think beyond my surgery and onto the recovery process. I will have a UMX with TE placement. The PS says not to worry about bra for right now but what should I expect once I am okayed for a bra? How long did you go without a bra (I can't remember ever going out in public braless so this could be new territory for me) I have read no underwire bras. I am a runner so I have a plentiful supply of sports bras but thought I should consider purchasing a front clasp. Will it make a difference having a single rather than double mastectomy as far as bra choices? Also will the surgery side need extra padding or protection in the bra cup during the TE phase. Sorry if this has already been addressed but I slowing processing all of the information coming my way.
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Hi Lunderwood, I suppose it really depends on your PS. Initially, I was not allowed to wear a bra. I wore shelf camisoles and a tight cami during the fill phase. Once he okayed it, I wore bras without underwire that purchased at Target. I think they are Bali. I am a uni as well . I could not return to work without support so I waited until my fills were done to return to work. I am getting ready to remove the other side prophylactically. At least this time I won't have one TE and one saggy boob, lol. I bought a front clasp last time and didn't like it. If you can, wait until you are ready to wear one to purchase. That way you can try them on and find what is comfortable.
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Thanks for the good advice Molly! How long did your fills take? I know that also depends greatly on the person and the PS. My PS tells me that I will have the TE's in for no more than 3mos. Do they generally do the exchange soon after the fills are completed? I was planning on returning to work as soon as I got clearance from PS - not sure I can be out until the fills are done. I will definitely check out Target once I get the okay.
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My PS said fills typically take about 6 weeks or so depending on your tolerance and how much your TE holds. My first go round was quick because I needed to get to radiation. This time he said 6 weeks and then 2 weeks until exchange surgery. I can't wait. I've had this TE since 9/4.
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Calling all TE ladies:
I have posted my own solution (<30$) for a comfortable and adaptable bra to get us through the TE phases or to allow uni patient to approximate a matching foob to their remaining natural breast. I include pictures and a step-by-step description of the materials and sewing steps to complete modifications to a Walmart, front closure bra.
Link: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics...
Hope this helps anyone who is struggling with this issue. Even my surgeons nurse was amazed at how realistic I looked with my rigged bra!
LRGO
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Hi, all. I'm sorry ive not been available as muchbut the darn kidney stoneshave me down. Sorry. You can always PM me if you have an issue and no one is around. I get notification tions for PMs. Much love
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Moonflwr912 - Take care of yourself! Hope you feel better soon!
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Get all the rest you need Moonflwr, we will be here when you are feeling better. I'm praying that you will be feeling much better soon!
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My ps told me to massage my (tissue expanders) everyday and I said yes I would. Should I rub in small circles around the edges of where they are or towards the implants? Just wondering, I hate to call him with such a stupid question since I acted like I understood when he told me:)
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Feel better, moonflwr!
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moon - you have been quiet across our shared threads - how are things? No resolution to the K stones as of now?
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Wishing you a speedy recovery, Moonflwr.
much love, Madelyn / Mominator
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Thanks all. Went to urologist today. I'm on a med for prostate problems. LOL its suposed to loosen things up to help things pass. Lets just say I'll curse someone with these things when i really, really, really, hate that person...
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I hope it works. Feel better.
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Everyone doing ok? Just checking in.
Much love
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is anyone sering any posts on here? I havent seen any since June 7th.
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I see yours Moonflwr. How are you feeling?
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just quiet I guess
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Moonflwr I have wondered why the posts were so quiet lately. I love to read them even if I don't post. It helps me feel less isolated fighting this cancer thing. Sometimes I have to resign in and I see new posts then. I use my phone to read them on the go
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I had UMX with tissue expander placement on Wednesday. Everything seems good so far minimal pain and mainly tightness in the chest area. I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at my chest after surgery and already had a little mound. (approximately 30% the size of my remaining breast) When I mentioned this to the PS he said that due to my very thin skin and how little skin he had to work with he was not able to add any fill at the time of surgery. I wonder how much of the mound is tissue expander and how much is swelling from surgery. Both surgeons had concerns about the thinness of my skin. Has anyone had a similar experience? Will they just slow down the fill process to allow gradual expansion? Are there times when tissue expanders don't work? I had requested that the tissue expanders be placed over the muscle but in the end the PS surgeon felt under muscle was better choice for me. I am a small person so the tissue expander is only 250cc. Is there anything I can do to help the healing and expansion process?
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I've been quiet due here as I don't have much to say right now. I was lucky to catch the express to reconstruction. I only had TE's for just shy of 10 weeks.
I check here often and try to offer any wisdom, encouragement, and prayers.
Lunderwood, I suggest taking it slow with the fills and ask your PS for other suggestions.
Best wishes to all,
Madelyn
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Lunderwood- I too have a surgeon who was worried about my skin. I had a previous mastopexy and reduction 2 years ago on my non cancer side because 10 yrs before I had lumpectomy and wanted the girls to match more. Little did I know I'd end up with cancer again and would get a bmx. The skin was doing right so he takes time. I have one fill a month but recently it's gotten too painful so I'm gonna stop. My skin actually has compensated, it's the muscle that hurts so much. I've been going through physical therapy to loosen the muscles which has helped a lot. You just have to be patient and go slow.
I have expanders below muscle too. To me it seems it would be easier to find a recurrence earlier if we happen to have one. Instead of covering up remaining breast tissue, it me panders would push out the tissue. Just my thoughts.
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