Possible Complications, Back to Denver
Hello there!
I hope this update finds you all happy and healthy!
I had quite a surprise 2 days ago when I got undressed. I looked in the mirror and could clearly see a large circle on top of each breast. The circles look like perfectly round seams of the expanders. They don’t hurt, but my worry is that with the stitches that are making their way through my muscle and skin, I certainly don’t want to experience something this large doing the same thing! I little stitch is very different than a 3 inch ring!
I called my doctor’s office, and they explained I’m seeing the ports on top of the expanders. My doctor feels that it is most likely just that my skin is so thin, they are becoming visable, but to make sure there isn’t a problem I need to go down for an office visit on my next day off, next Wednesday.
Hopefully it’s not a big deal. My biggest concern is that the expanders have been in longer than normal because I lost my job and insurance while in the hospital last time. I won’t have insurance until September or October, so if the expanders are wearing through my muscle and need to come out…. Well, you can imagine that won’t be an easy thing to hear at this time.
I do feel fine, and I’m doing fine, and even getting a little bit of movement in my chest. I have been feeling some itchiness under my collar bone, and it seems that some feeling is coming back. That is very exciting. I’m also not as painful under my arms, although I still can not lay on my back and stretch my arms above my head.
I don’t feel totally normal yet, but I’m getting there. Keep me in your thoughts next week, lets hope this is just a little bump in the road, not a true challenge! I’ll try to post a video or photos soon, so those ladies behind me going thru this can see what to look for.
Take care, and keep smiling!
Michele,
Just read your post. I am sending you positive thoughts that it is the port in the expanders and that you are going to be able to make it until you have your insurance back again. When i initially read it i thought that it was the port at the top as they are round.
So glad to hear that you are getting some feelings back on your chest. Mine is still pretty much numb around the chest/skin, but the pain is a lot less than before for me.
Am hoping that you are otherwise doing awesome, it sounds like it.
Do you do any exercises for your arm movements? I went to a physical therapist who really helped me with increased range of motion-but mostly arm exercises. The getting the arms above the head was probably the most important part, but doing much better now.
Take care and talk to you soon.
Jane
June 22, 2010 at 8:30 pm
I hope all goes well for you. I know it must be hard for you to have to hear the new info. but I am sure they will know what to do when you get there.
Keep strong. I know you’ll get through this with ease.
Take care
Heather ((hugs))
June 22, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Hi Michelle, I am so thankful for this site.
Please try not to worry. You are in my prayers. I am going to the hospital today for a bilateral mastectomy. Your site has helped me to calm my anxieties and have hope that this too shall pass.
I pray for everyone that is going through breast cancer treatment.
Tracey M
June 23, 2010 at 7:27 am
Well here it is Wednesday morning and I am playing catch up from my weekend jaunt. Thank goodness for good friends and mini- vacations. I am sorry to hear about your expanders Michelle, I wondered how that worked with the skin stretching et al. I guess now we will see. You have already “seen” so to speak. I am sending you all my energy.
I had my mamm and ultra sound last week, all is well in that department. Tomorrow I go back for the Dr. to do another test for the abnormal papp that came back. I am optimistic, I am thinking so much positive for you and me and the universe that I am hoping it will all come out good in the end. All my love and peace, Kelley Michelle.
June 23, 2010 at 8:18 am
Oh, Tracey. You are in my prayers, and all of here I know will be praying for you too. Please let us know when you feel well enough to check back in, we really want to be here for you. Thank you for writing when you have so much going on. Please let us know how you are when you can.
Take care,
Michele
June 23, 2010 at 9:12 am
Love you Kelley, I’m so glad everything was clear with you two tests. They aren’t comfortable and are very frightening. I also had some abnormal papps, but after retaking them they always turned out ok. That’s nerve wracking too. I’m sorry you have to go through all of this, but I don’t know anyone more wonderfully sweet or positive than you are, and I feel peaceful that it will all be ok. I wish I could be there with you! Even if it was just for a hug.
Love,
Michele
June 23, 2010 at 9:15 am
Michele,
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing what I hope turns out to be a “scare.” I am hopeful that the doctor is right, and that it is something you can live with until your insurance kicks in again.
I am sending positive thoughts your way and to Tracey M as well – we’re all in this together but we’re going to come out okay on the other side.
Thanks again for your courage and openness – you’re helping all of us and I hope we can help you a little in return.
Take care, Marcia
June 23, 2010 at 10:13 pm
michele,
i am just getting caught up and read your blog today. i hope everything is ok with your expanders. i will be looking for the next update to see how everything went in denver. i will be thinking about you.
rach
June 24, 2010 at 3:52 pm
awwww. michele.
i never read your actual profile until today and am struck by how similar our stories are. i am so glad i have a buddy out there that gets me:)
xoxo
rach
June 24, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Hello Michelle:
Well, the surgery was a success! I am so thankful. I am home now with my drains (how lovely they look under my tops (lol). My only problem is pressure from the expanders and trying to sleep at night. Michelle, your website and you are a godsend to me. I use the “courage is my strength” words to keep me going. I go back to the doctor’s on Thursday for followup and I will keep you posted. If I can get pictures, I will be happy to share. Much luck to you as you move forward and I continue to pray as we all fight this battle together.
Love,
Tracey M
June 27, 2010 at 1:31 pm