expander pain and discomfort

Hi Ali, I had the Lyrica for the first week after returning home from surgery but now just the nurofen, panadol and endone. I also get cold shivers and then really hot and it lasts between 2 mins-20mins. I was having a preetty good day until about 3pm then came the pain and swelling today on my left side yeaterday on my right very confusing every day is different. We must tell ourselves that each day is a day closer to becoming better. Tonight I felt a little better about 6.30 so my husband and I went to the Italian restuarant close to our home for a nice but quick Valentines dinner I am pleased I made the efffort because I fell I have something happy in my day too.

If you are still having trouble sleeping maybe you could get a U shape cushion (mine was about $12) I have found it to be good. You too take care and we must remember that we will get through this. I have a plan and wish to feel good at my birthday party that I would like to have this year on 15th October I turn 50. Keep a special thing in your mind to look forward to. Bye for now and you too take care. Nicole xo

Hi Nicole, I'm almost at the same stage as you having had bi-lateral mastectomy and expander surgery on the 19th January. Initially I was just happy to finally have the cancer gone and in the early stages also happy to have my small shape. I dont usually sleep on my back either and found that really hard to do so now I am sort of twisting to one side so that I can bend my knees which have been aching. The expanders are hard to get used to, some parts of my breast are so numb, but about two weeks ago I finished the prescription of Lyrica that I came home from hospital with. That's when the nerve pain started. I was getting burning stabbing pains and panadol didn't do anything. After a week I saw my GP and he's prescribed Lyrica for me to take for a month. It really has helped me. I know what you mean by the creepy crawly feelings. I've did have a little of that and some fizzy feeling but now mostly just a tickly feeling inside. 

I wish you well with your recovery and the treatment to come. There is so much support here and it's a great place to put yourself out there on the good days and the bad days that we all seem to have. 

take care, Ali x

Thanks Chris it does help alot knowing there are people there for me and although I am struggling most of the time I am also here for you all too on this big scary journey. I am also so greatful I have a beautiful little miniature schnauzer puppy in my life, her name is Lainey and she will be 1 year old on 25th February. when I feel I am slipping down emotionally I spend more time looking at her and watching her play which really helps alot to keep me smiling and picking me up because she needs me (her mummy) too.

I am so pleased that yesterday is over as it was a horrible day with the pain, tingles and discomfort. I finally feel alseep about 12pm and had a pretty good sleep only waking up once to go to the toilet and have a drink then straight back to sleep. I am not a back sleeper normally but have been since finding my lump 7 1/2 weeks ago I am fortunate that I can sleep ok although I do sleep better on my rightside which I hope someday I will be able to again. I have found my big U SHAPE pillow to be very comforatble and also a 1/2 roll cushion ($20 from the Physiotherapist)  under my lower back.  I woke up quite puffy and stiff this morning but after a shower and breakfast I am feeling ok. I hope you all have a good comfortable day. Bye for now Nicole xoxo

 

Thanks Chris it does help alot knowing there are people there for me and although I am struggling most of the time I am also here for you all too on this big scary journey. I am also so greatful I have a beautiful little miniature schnauzer puppy in my life, her name is Lainey and she will be 1 year old on 25th February. when I feel I am slipping down emotionally I spend more time looking at her and watching her play which really helps alot to keep me smiling and picking me up because she needs me (her mummy) too.

I am so pleased that yesterday is over as it was a horrible day with the pain, tingles and discomfort. I finally feel alseep about 12pm and had a pretty good sleep only waking up once to go to the toilet and have a drink then straight back to sleep. I am not a back sleeper normally but have been since finding my lump 7 1/2 weeks ago I am fortunate that I can sleep ok although I do sleep better on my rightside which I hope someday I will be able to again. I have found my big U SHAPE pillow to be very comforatble and also a 1/2 roll cushion ($20 from the Physiotherapist)  under my lower back.  I woke up quite puffy and stiff this morning but after a shower and breakfast I am feeling ok. I hope you all have a good comfortable day. Bye for now Nicole xoxo

 

It takes a while to get used to them but it does settle. There are a lot of changes both emotionally a physically and I imagine some of the pain would be nerve pain and some expanders. I found that one I got into the fill routine that it was only the first few days that were uncomfortable and I alternated nurofen and panadol 2 hourly and that kept on top of it gradually spreading it out as the pain lessened. Also if you are not sleeping properly ( I am not a back sleeper so I found this really difficult ) that will impact how you cope too. I tried a variety of different positions till I found one that allowed me to sleep. I think initially I had about 6 pillows arranged so I was sleeping at a 45 degree angle. I imagine that you will need to complete chemo before your exchange so you can take the fill process really slowly so that it is easier to manage around your other treatment. Do you need radio too. It does get better, the first 6 weeks were the worst for me and then I adjusted, it is not only the expanders but the mastectomy as well in addition to all the other issues that a BC diagnosis brings - one day at a time - it is a long journey but you can do it - we are all here for you. Sending hugs Chris xx

It takes a while to get used to them but it does settle. There are a lot of changes both emotionally a physically and I imagine some of the pain would be nerve pain and some expanders. I found that one I got into the fill routine that it was only the first few days that were uncomfortable and I alternated nurofen and panadol 2 hourly and that kept on top of it gradually spreading it out as the pain lessened. Also if you are not sleeping properly ( I am not a back sleeper so I found this really difficult ) that will impact how you cope too. I tried a variety of different positions till I found one that allowed me to sleep. I think initially I had about 6 pillows arranged so I was sleeping at a 45 degree angle. I imagine that you will need to complete chemo before your exchange so you can take the fill process really slowly so that it is easier to manage around your other treatment. Do you need radio too. It does get better, the first 6 weeks were the worst for me and then I adjusted, it is not only the expanders but the mastectomy as well in addition to all the other issues that a BC diagnosis brings - one day at a time - it is a long journey but you can do it - we are all here for you. Sending hugs Chris xx