Half Way Through Expanders
Two weeks and two days ago, we were at 1,200 visitors and 13,000 video views. Today we are at 1,600 visitors and almost 25,000 video views! That is a wonderful accomplishment for 2 weeks!
I realized last night, while I couldn’t sleep, that I’m half way through my process with expanders. It’s a little sad, I would be having my implant swap right now if I had not lost my job while in the hospital. Implants will be so much more comfortable, and now I have to wait until September for my new insurance to kick in.
I didn’t have much trouble sleeping in Baja, but we slept so little and were so tired that I didn’t even notice the discomfort. Now that I’m home, it’s very hard to sleep. My stitches are all tight, and my muscles are hurting. Now I remember why I was still on pain meds at night. I stopped taking them in Baja, and won’t start on them again, but I’m almost more tired now than I was on the road because I’m just not getting good sleep. My stitches did not pop out of my skin on the trip like we had feared, and none of my incisions re-opened, so I was safe from infection, but I am very sore. I know that since I have made it half way through, the last half will be no problem, but I have to say I’m getting a little weary of hurting and not being able to sleep.
Otherwise, it’s good to be home. Jamie, at 14, doesn’t really seem to notice if I’m hear or not, but he did love his new shirt. For some weird reason everything is shocking me, if a person or animal touches me I get shocked, almost every time. Don’t know if it’s the dry air or what, but it’s very annoying.
I will be doing another video soon, comparing the 2 weeks post op results with the 3 1/2 month post op results. I will need to go back to visit my surgeons again soon too, just to make sure that everything is ok. After that I won’t need to go back until August, for a pre-op appointmnet for my next surgery. I’m not looking forward to it, although I want the softer implants. They will be re-opening my main incisions and separating my muscles again to get the expanders out and the implants in, and the recovery from that the first time was brutal. They say it won’t be as bad, but I’m doubtful. I hope to have that surgery in early September because I may have the chance to be a co-driver in the Powder Puff race, and off road race in October that benefits Breast Cancer. It’s all women racing, and I really want to be able to make it.
Thanks for checking in, I’m sending you my best thoughts and lots of love!
We may up having our implant exchange around the same time! =D
I know how you feel with the discomfort and not sleeping.My expansion last week has been a nightmare.I have another next week too =(
I will try and email you the video of my 2nd fill but not sure if it will attach or if you’ll be able to play it. Still undecided whether to put in on Youtube yet. Hope your soreness improves soon hun! sending you love and hugs from across the pond!
Kay
xxx
May 7, 2010 at 7:37 am
Hey Kay! I watched your video, and I think you did a great job! I’m sad that you beat me to it!
I have a video of my last expansion, but I just haven’t put it together yet. I need to do that. I’m sorry your last one was a nightmare! Are they not getting easier?? We need to catch up soon, Skype on Tuesday??
May 7, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I had no idea you lost your job. Bless your heart. I think that is a pretty shitty deal, from the little story we have to go on here. I am keeping my energy positive for you. I can not even begin to imagine the re-entry. I will be very glad when the surgeries are done, to say the least. It is painful to read. much love and peace. Kel
May 11, 2010 at 11:45 am
Hello Everyone!
Much luck to everyone that is in the expansion stage. I haven’t gotten my drains taken out, hopefully that will be tomorrow since my Bilateral was last Wednesday. I hate that I am unable to sleep comfortably. It’s more of a backache than the expanders. Does anyone have this same problem or any ideas on easing this discomfort?
Much luck to you all. Your support is what keeps me going.
Hi Michelle!! “I feel like you are a friend in my head” (lol)
June 29, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hi, I did not have reconstruction at the time of my bilateral mastectomies. But It was very painful and uncomfortable I felt as though I was wearing a steel ever tightening bra all the time. The drains were the worst! Yes my back was very stiff as well. I had drains for 6 weeks, because of such large surgical sites, i was a 38 EE all me. Did I say I hate drains!
I am so not looking forward to having them again. : (
Mastectomies in March……Reconstruction in October……Did I mention I hate drains!
Sleep? What is that? More like fussing in between naps!
I eased the sleeping discomfort……..with drugs, better living though modern chemistry! And lay on your back and have someone tuck a pillow just under your shoulder blade and hip. It gives one the feeling of almost laying on your side. Put small pillows under your elbows to releive the pulling of the arms. Pillows are our friends Lots of pillows! Oh and pillows under your knees to lessen the stress on the back, helps with the stomach pulling too.
And then when the pillows are just right……….you will have to pee! Laughing is good medicine!
Thank you ladies, I feel like I have new sisters! Pam
August 24, 2010 at 4:31 am