December 2019 Surgery Group
Comments
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Welcome jhl!
PTAmomTX, before Ieaving the hospital they gave me some papers with some post-mastectomy exercises. Also, I searched for exercises at Google and I saw that my exersices are very similar or identical to those that appear in this video from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Center : [Upps, the system said to me that I'm not allowed to post links at this time, the title of the video is "Exercises After Breast Surgery With Reconstruction Using Tissue Transfer" at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center web] (although I didn't have a tissue transfer reconstruction but a silicone implants one).
The have another video with exercises post-mastectomy and no reconstruction too, but I've not seen this yet.
I'm waiting for an appt with a physical therapist because here, in the public hospital, is the protocol. After that I'll think about going to a private one.0 -
PTXmomTX: Hope you're feeling better this morning! I would start with consulting your PS about specific exercises for your situation. At my PS appointment this week, I given a specific exercise to slowly 'walk' my fingers up the wall to help gently stretch (which he made me practice in the office - but partly I think for him to assess my starting mobility). BUT, I had direct-to-implant and they are over the muscle, so I do not have the muscle involvement you do. I don't know if that makes a difference but you want to be sure you're doing the appropriate exercises for your situation and stage of recovery. Maybe they can provide you a pamphlet, specific website, or name of a therapist to help you get started (or even just explain what they want you to do over the phone - at least what I've been told to do is pretty simple). (Incidentally, I was working with a physiotherapist for a minor back strain for several weeks before my surgery, and he told me they actually had a specialist there who worked with women experiencing lymphedema or range of motion issues following recovery from mastectomy, in case I would need that later - I'm hoping I won't need it, but good to know it is available). Wishing you the best!
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PTXmomTX - I was given a sheet with exercises from the mastectomy clinic where I was given a comfort care kit. I don't think I can upload on here but I'll try to take a picture of it and send to you via private message.
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HeartShape, I have anemia too, so not sure if fatigue is from that or Herceptin. Guess it doesn’t matter, but curious if once I’ve detoxed TCHP and recovered from surgery, how I will do on just Herceptin. Thanks for your take.
Jhl, even those having the same treatment have different reactions, so it’s great to have everyone’s story.
PTAmomTX, I received a booklet with exercises prior to surgery and my surgeon had two ladies explain each exercise to me at my first follow up appt after surgery. I was told not to start doing them until my drains were out. I asked for a referral for PT, which I learned to ask for on this site. I haven’t scheduled an appt yet, but plan to do so.
My big plan for today is to buy a wig. I was too sick from chemo to leave the house before now, but I’m ready to join the living again and am tired of wearing my husband’s dirty old ball cap. Being flat and bald is a wee bit much. Wish me luck.
TeriJ, funny how certain movements get you. I can do so much and then wiping the kitchen counter is beyond me. Glad you made it through your work day, but worried you will feel it today.
Hope everyone has a good day!
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PTAMomTX
Truly sorry you are in that much pain. My PS did say that the location of my pains is from the attachment of the TE. Mine is over the muscle, so yours must involve so much more healing.
I received a handout from my BS with these exercises:
If the link doesn’t work search for exercises after breast surgery and it will show up https
/www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/exercises-after-breast-cancer-surgery.htmlThey are simple, but I’ve been doing them for a week+ and it has improved my range of motion. Hope this helps.
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Heartshape and Shellgirl, Herceptin is so much easier than TCPH...I've had two Herceptin and Perjeta infusions and the first one I had mild diarrhea for one day and the second one I wondered if they put saline solution in the bags. It was wonderful!! Unfortunately, I am not staying on it as I had residual disease so I'm moving onto Kadcyla. Hopefully it won't be bad.
PTAmom, I wonder whether you are having the same kind of pain I am. My non cancerous side is fine...no unusual lumps, no pain. The cancerous side is extremely lumpy looking from the TE. It is painful no matter what I do and it has a big lump three or so inches down from my collarbone. The lump in two inches round. In other words at the top of the TE. I see my PS next week for my first fill and it will be interesting to see what she says. I'm actually wondering if there is a problem as I can't imagine going 8 months with this pain or why it would be so lumpy if the expander hadn't moved or something.
I can't keep up with everyone so I'll just say that I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. So happy that so many of you have had NED pathology reports!!! Congrats!
Stay Strong Ladies
Julie
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Hello ladies, I'm finally drain free!!!! My output was still a tad high but the care nurse thought my body was sick of the drain. I can't believe how good it feels to have that out, 3 weeks was too long. I have an appointment on Tuesday with the BS to discuss the pathology results, fingers crossed this is the last time I see him. He has never discussed any follow up meds or treatments so I don't really know what to expect. I'm still restricted on my exercises, can't bring the elbow above the shoulder but I'm sure that will change in the next week or so. I'm back to work Monday and I'm really looking forward to it.
I come here everyday, even though I don't always post, you ladies have been an extraordinary wealth of information and comfort to me and I want to thank you all for all you have shared. Happy Friday and I hope everyone has a good weekend
K
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Yay, K for being drain free!
My pain has lessened, but I have a new bruise on the top of one breast. Not sure how that happened. I went and got my nails done today. It was a nice treat, especially the leg massage. I called my BS and they are going to write a prescription for a compression sleeve and a referral to a physical therapist for the exercises. With my hyper mobility, I’m worried that I will stretch in a way that I shouldn’t go, even though it may not hurt. I did start doing some of the exercises from the links you all shared. Thank you. Here is hoping that helps. I’m going to try napping flat on my back this weekend. That is my goal for tomorrow. I’m so grateful for all of you here. Hearing your stories help me and make me feel less alone . Especially when I can’t really explain what I’m feeling to family. They are very supportive, but not having been through this, they can only empathize so much. And I have a really bad habit of always putting on a happy face when really I just want to climb into bed and be left alone for a few hours. Something else I need to work on.
Hope your Friday is going well
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Thank you for the exercise link, Rhodygirl. I cringe thinking of stretching my underarm area, but I guess it’s got to be done. My range of motion is very good, but those sudden shocks of pain when I reach just a tad too high are enough to make me not want to reach anymore.
Do any of you who had lumpectomy have any strange, sudden, intense pains in the affected breast? I find myself let out an “Ow!” Several times a day as the pain occurs with no movement or no significant reason. I can only describe it as the inner sutures feeling like they are suddenly unraveling.Hurray to those of you who are having drains removed and feeling better.
PTAmom: it sounds like you do need some time in your house alone, just to do whatever comes to you... relax, cry, yell, sit in quiet. Perhaps your family can go to the movies tomorrow and give you some time. I had today all to myself after 2 wks of no alone time. It was much needed!
Good night all,
Teri
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PTAmomTX, I’m 6 days out from you and last night was the first night that wasn’t bad. I haven’t taken the pain pills in a long time, but did two nights ago because I realized I was miserable. It was great and I hate medication! I think from what I have seen, it’s definitely the expanders and not the mastectomies. I’m sure you know that, but I’m just hoping it’s worth it in the end.
I’m ready to at least walk as I’m steadily gaining weight which doesn’t help with everything else. My PS said NO until 4 weeks. I never thought I would be irritated with laying in bed😂
Congrats Kjl on being drain free! Life saver! I just want to say thanks for all the good advice. I told my husband a few hours ago, “think of what we were planning on October!”. Life changes in an instance.
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Good morning! Can anyone tell me what to expect with my first tissue expander fill tomorrow? I’m a little nervous.
Thanks
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It was described to be that I would be fine for the first 45-60 minutes after the fill, but then would be sore. They said to take ibuprophen or valium right when I get home and then to take it easy. I haven’t had one yet, so I’m just going on what they said
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Thank you
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How long after placement of the expanders do the fills start?
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bdaygirl, I have one TE on the right, I've had two fills of 60ml ea. The fill itself isn't bad at all, I really couldn't feel it. I have taken ibuprofen beforehand. It gets tight for 1-2 days and you can feel that it's different over the next few days . It is strange as it's kind of hard at first and then loosens up over the week ( but I think that is the goal to stretch the skin).
I'm still have pains where it is attached, but I think I tend to overdo it when I'm feeling good, and I've been doing the stretches every day.
Hope it goes well
And sugar77 my PS would have started filling at 10 days, but I had some swelling. So he held off and itwas @ 2.5 weeks.
But I think as we’ve all seen here, every situation is different.
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Sugar, I think it depends. My PS said he could fill last week after he pulled my last drain (just shy of 3 weeks), but since I’m only doing 4 fills and can’t have my next surgery until March, I opted to wait one more week to feel more healed. These TE buggers have been the worst part for me. I’m getting my first fill tomorrow🙄. I’ve been feeling a little bit better each day and decided to walk on the treadmill today. I went pale a few hours later and felt like I was going to pass out. What gives? I was walking slow😂.
Rhody and PTAmom, that is good info to know. It sounds like it is different for everyone, I just assumed I’d be up and running a lot sooner
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There are times that I feel good. Minimal pain, happy, able to spend some time with the kid. Then other times, not so much. I got dressed this morning. Jeggings, button down flannel, and a little makeup. That was it and I feel I am done for the day. I feel like it would take all my energy to just get up and go to the bathroom.
And hair.. I’m not doing radiation of chemo, but I was warned that the stress on my body from the surgery could set off one of my other fun conditions and hair loss is a possibility. Yesterday’s shower and running my fingers through my hair this morning came away with large quantities of hair. Not sure if I will just have patches or if it will fall out evenly, or entirely. And I’m just too tired right now to even worry about it. I threw on a buff and called it done. Buffs are my new best friends.
Thank you for letting me rant a bit this morning. I hope everyone’s fills who are going today are painless and what you hope for. Keep me posted! I can’t wait to hear about it.
Erin
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PTAmomTX,
Feel free to rant anytime! I hope each day gets better. My hair is already thinning and not sure why so I hope I don’t lose more🙄
I got my first fill yesterday. It didn’t hurt, but was a really strange sensation. My PS gave me 100cc’s in each side and there was soooooo much pressure. He said he could do a little more I am said, um no! I found out he put in 220 during surgery. It just seems like a lot. I am sore this morning, but each step is one step further in this crazy process.
And, damnit, I enjoyed some red wine last night.
I hope everyone else is feeling better.
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Thank you for posting pictures. This really helps in feeling like we are not alone.
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Birthdaygirl- yay on the fill! I get my first one next week and am very excited about it. Right now I am lopsided. I had a double, and guess I just assumed that the expanders would be the same size and increase at the same rate. But good’ol leftie Frankenboobie just had to be difficult. I’m hoping they will get evened out at the first fill.
I ordered a bunch of temporary tattoos and have been having fun putting them where my nipples would/will be. I’m kind of liking the roses. I will most likely go with a traditional nipple tattoo, but I want to add a small breast cancer ribbon and ovarian cancer ribbon on the edge as a reminder.
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PTAmomTX, one more step in this crazy process! I do feel better knowing I’m that much closer. You will do great
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PTAmomTX- I love that you’re playing with temporary tattoos!! We have to make the best of things!
Kjl hammie9- I hope you got good news from your pathology report.
I drove for the first time today and I was so sore afterwards. I’m slowly trying to get back to real life. Unfortunately, it’s been almost four weeks and I still have one drain!
Has anyone got back their Oncotype score yet?
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PTAMom you are bringing some humor to this- thank you! I hadn't thought about a tattoo but this would be the perfect time to get one, why not?! Mine was dubbed the bloob since it was black and blue for quite a while after three biopsies.
My TE does not seem to be filling in a symmetrical manner wrt to the left side. But it's all part of the journey, right? Luckily it’s winter and layers and bulky clothes hide the obvious
I meet my medical oncologist and radiologist both for the first time on Thursday and I'm pretty anxious about it. At first it was just surgery, now definitely radiation and possibly chemo depending on the results of the onco test, which they wouldn't share over the phone...plus the estrogen therapy. Hopefully I'll have a schedule laid out soon, I really hate limbo
And yes, I had some red wine tonight.
I try to check in here every day to see how everyone is doing, and my heart goes out to each of you as we fight through this ❤️
Christine
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I’m having a hard time trying to imagine what it must feel like to get your expanders filled. I’m not having reconstruction and it feels like my skin is too tight for my chest. It’s like my surgeon used a vacuum seal food storage system on me and pretty soon my shoulders will be touching.
Praying for healing and peace for those having procedures this week.
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Texasmama, I hope your Onco test comes back okay. I’m going to ask that my MO give me one (right now my BS apparently says she’s not) on Tuesday. Especially since they found more at surgery and I qualify. I also hope you get that last drain out! Game changer.
Christine, I raise a glass to you. I’m trying to slowly change my diet, but a little wine has helped with the rollercoaster or nerves lately.
How is everyone else doing?
My boobs felt like they were on fire last night and can’t wait to get these aliens out!
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I’m just checking in. There is a pollen explosion going on here, so I’ve been sneezing. I also got the hic ups yesterday. Those were not fun. I’ve been able to dial back the pain meds which makes me happy.
Showering today didn’t drain my energy. I was also able to (sort of) blow dry my hair. I set the dryer on the counter and held it in place while I stuck my head at that level with a brush and put a small mirror on the floor. It worked well enough. All things, I am in a much better mood today.
I hope you are all having good days too
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Hi,
I had my first fill on Tuesday. When I had surgery my PS said my muscles and skin were so tight she decided not to fill at all then so I’ve been completely flat since then. She is only filling one side now since I’m starting radiation in February. She put in 100cc and I haven’t had any pain at all which I’m happy about but wondering if she couldn’t have put in a bit more. How fast and how much are you all having fills? I am also not scheduled for another for two weeks. I’m wanting to get the fills done fairly quickly since I can’t have my CT scan for radiation and that can’t be doneuntil I’m completely filled On a good note, I thought I was going to have to have 30 sessions of radiation but was told yesterday I only need 25 Celebrate the small victories!
I hope everyone is healing well.
Julie
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Hi PTAmomTX, sorry to hear about your allergies. I've unfortunately gotten a bit of a cold, and sneezing HURTS... even though the coughing while not fun doesn't make me feel like my new 'boobs' will fall off (I went direct to implant). Still having pain when hitting bumps while riding in the car too (and not just because of seatbelt, for which I have a very padded seatbelt pillow) and I can't imagine trying to drive this way - but most other times I have little pain, although I've had some wonky tingling and itchiness as I guess nerves are trying to regenerate.
Wishing continued healing for everyone!
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Yes! Sneezes and potholes are the worst!!
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I’ve been sneezing as well and it does hurt.
I hope all the December girls (and boobs) are healing. My question is do you all still hurt a good bit upon getting up each morning? I’ll be 5 weeks out on Tuesday and have had only 1 fill and still hurt a lot in the morning and ache during the day
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