The expander is stitched to the muscle. That is what was so painful. Gravity pulled on those stitches each time I stood up or got up from my bed. Expansion didn’t hurt. No one talks about the extreme pain of how it’s attached to your muscle.
I agree. The expansions each week actually helped the pain for me temporarily. But I have a constant pain, especially in the sternum, under my breasts, and my back on the side of the cancer. Massage and pressure do help. It's worse sometimes than others but it never is completely gone. I would say my pain is a constant burning sensation, pressure and heaviness with occasional muscle spasms.
I am about to just get mine taken out. I am in so much pain constantly burning and pressure knife pointing/. I have been spiking fevers and needed Iv antibiotics
It’s very uncomfortable to be with. I almost asked my doctor to take it out. And I may have it be for a longer time. If down the road I can’t tolerate it, I have to take out. It’s so unbearable 😢
Hi Chelsey! I am also a breast cancer survivor and have expanders in. Yikes! Thank you for sharing your experience. Wow! you are spot on with the description of the pain/discomfort. It's not always pain. It's not always discomfort. But what an experience! Congrats to you beating this cancer and your journey to a better, healthier future!
Hi Angela! So nice to connect with you! I'm happy to hear the description is accurate to your experience too, but of course sorry you are experiencing it at all! Wishing you a quick recovery after your exchange surgery (it was such a nice feeling to have the expander out)! Sending a big congratulations to you and wishing you much health and happiness moving forward in your life💫🌷🌱!
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with everyone. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all of these unpleasant things, though. My sister-in-law is having a double mastectomy today and she’s also having tissue expanders put in. She’s hoping to avoid any radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She’s coming over to the UK in a couple of months to visit us and I’m worried about her having pain and discomfort because of the expanders. She had booked to come and see us this month, but had to delay her visit because she was then diagnosed with breast cancer. I really want her to enjoy her time here and be as comfortable as possible. ❤
I am three weeks post bilateral mastectomy and these expanders are going to kill me. I wish I could just have them taken out and had gone flat. They filled 200cc at the time of surgery and I’m dreading having a fill if it is going to pull more than it already does. I was a triple D before this and at this rate I will take anything that looks somewhat normal to get them out. I don’t know how you managed it for so long! I’m glad you’re on the other side of your recovery. Thank you for the video.
I'm so sorry you are finding the expanders so painful! I didn't find there was a lot of relief from the discomfort so I'm feeling for you so much as you are tackling this process😣. I hope that over time the pain decreases and the fills aren't as bad as you anticipate. Sending much love, and continued strength and resilience💪💫💕
Such an accurate explanation- thank you. I have been wanting to have. Mine taken out- 4 weeks post double mastectomy with te’s put in at the same time. Wishing the Surgeon had let me stay flat but she pushed for these. One side is way worse than the other. All the best to everyone on this journey. ❤
I'm so sorry you are not happy with how your double mastectomy reconstruction has started out. I hope over time you feel at home and at peace in your body whatever route you decide to go💕🌷
Thank You 🥰 I was thinking of having to have another surgery for tissue expander sinced my first one developed an infection .. I still want to give it a try..
I am having a heck of a time sleeping. I’m thin and small and the expanders aren’t very comfortable. However it is better than chemo so I’ll take it ❤ thank you for your videos!
Agreed! Oh wow! We're you able to get some sleep that way? We propped up my bed so it was more comfortable with pillows... but it was still tough to sleep.
My expander broke 4 of my ribs. I was in a great deal of pain, and my surgeon decided I was "pain pill seeking". I had an unrelated gallbladder attack that prompted an ER trip with a CT scan that discovered my fractures. The plastic surgeon was pissed and said that "CT's lie". Whatever!! I really should have sued, because I endured a lot of unreasonable pain, but I was way too overwhelmed at the time after all of the other cancer stuff and couldn't handle it at the time. What a tool he was, though!!
Hi Chelsey. I love stumbling across this video. I had my bilateral mastectomy four weeks ago and the pain associated with the tissue expanders is pretty intense in my sternum and ribs, as you described. What I’d like to know is, did the pain finally subside when they switched out the expanders for the implants?
Hi💕👋! Thank you for the message. I'm sorry you are having the same experience as me, it isn't comfortable to say the least (as you know!). Good question... and YES🥳! It was immediately gone when I woke up from surgery (which is crazy to think I know). Hoping you are doing ok and wishing you all the best moving forward💫!
Wow. 15 months . I feel for you. I know how e expanders feels like. I had mine for much shorter time and it feels so uncomfortable. It is just there for a purpose but your body knows it should be removed. So uncomfortable.
Right! Something that structured doesn't feel comfortable being pressed up against muscle. It did serve its purpose, but I was so happy when it came out!
I have some in now. They are painful at times..but more like she said " pressure." Especially if I stretch my arms too far and after I'm filled. I'm filled once a month with 60cc. I'm trying to get back to my D cups.
I got them at the same time as my mastectomy which was 2 months before I started radiation. Yeah the drains are uncomfortable (and very weird!). Not so much pain, but just awkward in general life and they made me anxious sleeping. But they didn't stay in too long which is nice...
So I'm considering going flat. After a year with these in, and the pain... I'm not interested in potential issues with implants. My husband I know wants me to go flat. He's concerned with my well-being. Ladies? I'm interested in your take on reconstruction. i don't have the fat to transfer. This is a hard decision to make.
It's such a hard decision for sure! It's been 5 years and I haven't had any problems with my implant, but that isn't long in the grand scheme of things. I hope whatever route is best for you becomes clear🙏💫
Hi🌷:). I found the same thing... It did sit a little lower and softer after the exchange surgery in my experience. I hope you are healing well and doing ok💕💕
Chelsea, did you take a pills for 5 years? I denied the chemotherapy, I just chose the herceptin only and it’s damaged my heart I stopped, so I don’t know what the next step yet.
I am interested to know other women’s experiences too. Does the expander would ever feel comfortable? It feels hard and I feel so much pickling at the muscle and chest area and also at the incision site. Is this normal? How was the exchange surgery like compared to the first surgery? Are the permanent implants much comfortable? And do you have any drains with the exchange or no drains anymore?Thank
I just wanna know that can tissue expandets increase head and face width? As i wanna have this done for increasing my head and facial width? If yes then how many inches per side is possible with it?
@@ChelseyTarnow Does the expander would ever feel comfortable? It feels hard and I feel so much pickling at the muscle and chest area and also at the incision site. Is this normal? How much cc did you get with your real implants? How was the exchange surgery like compared to the first surgery? Are the permanent implants much comfortable? And do you have any drains with the exchange or no drains anymore? I am sorry for having too many questions. Hope you don’t mind. Thank you
I am interested to know other women’s experience too. Does the expander would ever feel comfortable? It feels hard and I feel so much pickling at the muscle and chest area and also at the incision site. Is this normal? How was the exchange surgery like compared to the first surgery? Are the permanent implants much comfortable? And do you have any drains with the exchange or no drains anymore?Thank you
I had mine put in two weeks ago...not had an expansion yet, but i can say that at this early stage, it feels like i am wearing a tight bra i can't remove...not painful just uncomfortable. Nervous about the fills as i have a small frame and know its going to be very uncomfortable 😣
That's a great way to describe it! For mine I'd add in cup underwire into the analogy. Thank you for sharing! I hope the fills don't change your comfort level too much🙏🙏. Sending positive vibes your way💫💕
I can't put a number on it... I did experience some pain, but it wasn't overwhelming amounts.. Definitely very uncomfortable, especially when they were first put in.
@@ChelseyTarnow IM GETTING A MASTECTOMY ON THE 15 OF MARCH AND IM NOT CONVENCED OF GETTING RECONSTRUCCION YET IM SCARED OF THE PAIN THAT COMES AFTERWARDS I HAVE STAGE 2 CANCER AND SUPER SCARED !!🥺🥺
@@rosa24526 I was so scared too! You are not alone. I would continue to talk to your medical team and bring up all your concerns. With the guidance of your doctors, you will be able to make the decision that is right for you. Thinking of you
@rosa24526 I just 3 days out n its painful. I have other underlying back, neck and neuropathy issues so I think I'm maybe more aware with pain. I'd say my worst was the night after n then gradually got better but I have a horrendous burning in my armpit that is sometimes a 10. I try breathing thru n Tylenol, Ibuprofen then pain pills but they drop your meds quick. I feel you should get more pain control right off n I been hurting too much to eat much or walk enough for sure. Ugh hope yours is better. It is all worth it n some folks have much better pain outcomes.
my 5 year old daughter is getting tissue expander in few days in her stomach area. i was advised that she should stop going to school.. ballet lessons..beach.. im so anxious 🥹
I'm sorry, I can't imagine how anxious you must be feeling for your daughter. I hope the surgery went well and the expander feels comfortable for her🙏🙏. Sending much love to you and your daughter💕
The expander is stitched to the muscle. That is what was so painful. Gravity pulled on those stitches each time I stood up or got up from my bed. Expansion didn’t hurt. No one talks about the extreme pain of how it’s attached to your muscle.
Interesting... that isn't something I remember being told either🤔. I can imagine that being extremely painful! Thank you for sharing🙏
I agree. The expansions each week actually helped the pain for me temporarily. But I have a constant pain, especially in the sternum, under my breasts, and my back on the side of the cancer. Massage and pressure do help. It's worse sometimes than others but it never is completely gone. I would say my pain is a constant burning sensation, pressure and heaviness with occasional muscle spasms.
I am about to just get mine taken out. I am in so much pain constantly burning and pressure knife pointing/. I have been spiking fevers and needed Iv antibiotics
It’s very uncomfortable to be with. I almost asked my doctor to take it out. And I may have it be for a longer time. If down the road I can’t tolerate it, I have to take out. It’s so unbearable 😢
@@Kelly-zv6js I agree with you 💯. I currently have expanders in and you summed it all up on top of what Chelsey said. Thank you.
Hi Chelsey! I am also a breast cancer survivor and have expanders in. Yikes! Thank you for sharing your experience. Wow! you are spot on with the description of the pain/discomfort. It's not always pain. It's not always discomfort. But what an experience! Congrats to you beating this cancer and your journey to a better, healthier future!
Hi Angela! So nice to connect with you! I'm happy to hear the description is accurate to your experience too, but of course sorry you are experiencing it at all! Wishing you a quick recovery after your exchange surgery (it was such a nice feeling to have the expander out)! Sending a big congratulations to you and wishing you much health and happiness moving forward in your life💫🌷🌱!
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with everyone. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all of these unpleasant things, though. My sister-in-law is having a double mastectomy today and she’s also having tissue expanders put in. She’s hoping to avoid any radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She’s coming over to the UK in a couple of months to visit us and I’m worried about her having pain and discomfort because of the expanders. She had booked to come and see us this month, but had to delay her visit because she was then diagnosed with breast cancer. I really want her to enjoy her time here and be as comfortable as possible. ❤
I am three weeks post bilateral mastectomy and these expanders are going to kill me. I wish I could just have them taken out and had gone flat. They filled 200cc at the time of surgery and I’m dreading having a fill if it is going to pull more than it already does. I was a triple D before this and at this rate I will take anything that looks somewhat normal to get them out. I don’t know how you managed it for so long! I’m glad you’re on the other side of your recovery. Thank you for the video.
I'm so sorry you are finding the expanders so painful! I didn't find there was a lot of relief from the discomfort so I'm feeling for you so much as you are tackling this process😣. I hope that over time the pain decreases and the fills aren't as bad as you anticipate. Sending much love, and continued strength and resilience💪💫💕
You are so adorable. Appreciate this video! Thank you!
Thank you🌷. I hope it was helpful!
Such an accurate explanation- thank you. I have been wanting to have. Mine taken out- 4 weeks post double mastectomy with te’s put in at the same time. Wishing the Surgeon had let me stay flat but she pushed for these. One side is way worse than the other. All the best to everyone on this journey. ❤
I'm so sorry you are not happy with how your double mastectomy reconstruction has started out. I hope over time you feel at home and at peace in your body whatever route you decide to go💕🌷
Yes, it’s a painful but it’s worth it!!!
Agreed!
Thank You 🥰 I was thinking of having to have another surgery for tissue expander sinced my first one developed an infection .. I still want to give it a try..
You are welcome. I'm sorry you got an infection in your first one. I hope this was helpful in some way🙏🌷.
Yes they are. I’ve had nothing but trouble with mine.
I'm sorry that has been your experience😣. I hope it gets better for you moving forward🙏🌷.
I am having a heck of a time sleeping. I’m thin and small and the expanders aren’t very comfortable. However it is better than chemo so I’ll take it ❤ thank you for your videos!
Lol definitely better than chemo! I hope they become more comfortable over time and you can get some sleep🙏! I'm glad they've been helpful for you💕!
Thank you for your great advice and sharing your experience.
Hope it was helpful🙏🌷!
I just had my double mastectomies 4 days ago. I also have tissue expanders in. I’m looking forward to having my j/p drains taken out.
I hope healing has been going well. Getting the drains out is such a great and freeing day! Take good care🌷🌷
Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome! Happy it was helpful for you🌷
I had the same surgery, very painful for the first week, after just very uncomfortable. I slept in sitting position for 6 months.
Agreed! Oh wow! We're you able to get some sleep that way? We propped up my bed so it was more comfortable with pillows... but it was still tough to sleep.
Sleeping time is suck. For me Couldn’t get good sleep since back from the hospital. Some how couldn’t find good sleeping position though 😢😢
My expander broke 4 of my ribs. I was in a great deal of pain, and my surgeon decided I was "pain pill seeking". I had an unrelated gallbladder attack that prompted an ER trip with a CT scan that discovered my fractures. The plastic surgeon was pissed and said that "CT's lie". Whatever!! I really should have sued, because I endured a lot of unreasonable pain, but I was way too overwhelmed at the time after all of the other cancer stuff and couldn't handle it at the time. What a tool he was, though!!
Thanks 👍it’s a really good explanation.
Oh good! So happy it was helpful for you❤. Wishing you all the best🙏
Hi Chelsey. I love stumbling across this video. I had my bilateral mastectomy four weeks ago and the pain associated with the tissue expanders is pretty intense in my sternum and ribs, as you described. What I’d like to know is, did the pain finally subside when they switched out the expanders for the implants?
Hi💕👋! Thank you for the message. I'm sorry you are having the same experience as me, it isn't comfortable to say the least (as you know!). Good question... and YES🥳! It was immediately gone when I woke up from surgery (which is crazy to think I know). Hoping you are doing ok and wishing you all the best moving forward💫!
Wow. 15 months . I feel for you. I know how e expanders feels like. I had mine for much shorter time and it feels so uncomfortable. It is just there for a purpose but your body knows it should be removed. So uncomfortable.
Right! Something that structured doesn't feel comfortable being pressed up against muscle. It did serve its purpose, but I was so happy when it came out!
@@ChelseyTarnow I wish I can dm you or email you. Your videos were very helpful to me.🩷
I have some in now. They are painful at times..but more like she said " pressure." Especially if I stretch my arms too far and after I'm filled. I'm filled once a month with 60cc. I'm trying to get back to my D cups.
Thank you so much for sharing your 'real time' experience and insights Patty🙏
Did you get expanders before or after radiation? I'm thinking about getting implants after my mastectomy. Not thrilled about drains. Ugh
I got them at the same time as my mastectomy which was 2 months before I started radiation. Yeah the drains are uncomfortable (and very weird!). Not so much pain, but just awkward in general life and they made me anxious sleeping. But they didn't stay in too long which is nice...
@@ChelseyTarnow oh good. Yea, definitely gettin things done during mastectomy. I just wanna feel proportioned.
@@shannonb2817 I totally understand. That was one of my considerations too.
So I'm considering going flat. After a year with these in, and the pain... I'm not interested in potential issues with implants.
My husband I know wants me to go flat. He's concerned with my well-being.
Ladies? I'm interested in your take on reconstruction. i don't have the fat to transfer.
This is a hard decision to make.
It's such a hard decision for sure! It's been 5 years and I haven't had any problems with my implant, but that isn't long in the grand scheme of things. I hope whatever route is best for you becomes clear🙏💫
Hi Chelsey, I just got my first filled yesterday. I wonder if they will drop ? cause mine expanders kinda high right now.
Hi🌷:). I found the same thing... It did sit a little lower and softer after the exchange surgery in my experience. I hope you are healing well and doing ok💕💕
I'm now about almost a year with te's in. Worst pain in my life. Surgeon never said one word.
😬😬. I'm sorry to hear that😔. Do you have any indication when they are coming out?
No. Unfortunately. In treatment.@@ChelseyTarnow
Chelsea, did you take a pills for 5 years? I denied the chemotherapy, I just chose the herceptin only and it’s damaged my heart I stopped, so I don’t know what the next step yet.
I've taken the hormone therapy pills for 2 years so far. I took a break to try for a baby. I'm recommend to be on for 5-10 years.
@@ChelseyTarnow how you feel when you took a pills? How you body was reacted? Thank you
@@SCLana Honestly... unfortunately not great😔. Everyone's experience is different though. I'll link a video I created describing mine.
@@SCLana th-cam.com/video/CLT_DWmCb-4/w-d-xo.html
@@ChelseyTarnow I watched, I am crying:( what physically was changed? Emotionally I am already crashed:(
I am interested to know other women’s experiences too. Does the expander would ever feel comfortable? It feels hard and I feel so much pickling at the muscle and chest area and also at the incision site. Is this normal? How was the exchange surgery like compared to the first surgery? Are the permanent implants much comfortable? And do you have any drains with the exchange or no drains anymore?Thank
Hi! I hope you got some other responses ans I know everyone's experience is different. I didn't have drains for the exchange surgery🙏👍
Here's a link to a video sharing my exchange surgery experience:)
th-cam.com/video/rNdH3i95Q4Y/w-d-xo.html
@@ChelseyTarnow thank you.
@@ChelseyTarnow thank you.
Were you still bruising 2 1/2 weeks after
I'm sorry, I don't recall my bruising timeline🤦♀️. I wish I wrote everything down!
How do they take the expanders out ?
For mine, it was removed/exchanged in another surgery.
I just wanna know that can tissue expandets increase head and face width? As i wanna have this done for increasing my head and facial width? If yes then how many inches per side is possible with it?
I'm sorry, I don't know anything about this procedure.
How much total cc did you get for your expander?
Good question! I'm sure my surgeon told me, but I don't recall🙈. Sorry!
@@ChelseyTarnow Does the expander would ever feel comfortable? It feels hard and I feel so much pickling at the muscle and chest area and also at the incision site. Is this normal? How much cc did you get with your real implants? How was the exchange surgery like compared to the first surgery? Are the permanent implants much comfortable? And do you have any drains with the exchange or no drains anymore? I am sorry for having too many questions. Hope you don’t mind. Thank you
I am interested to know other women’s experience too. Does the expander would ever feel comfortable? It feels hard and I feel so much pickling at the muscle and chest area and also at the incision site. Is this normal? How was the exchange surgery like compared to the first surgery? Are the permanent implants much comfortable? And do you have any drains with the exchange or no drains anymore?Thank you
I had mastectomy yesterday and a tissue expander in place. I was wondering about the pain in my chest
I hope the video was helpful and you are recovering well🙏❤
I had mine put in two weeks ago...not had an expansion yet, but i can say that at this early stage, it feels like i am wearing a tight bra i can't remove...not painful just uncomfortable. Nervous about the fills as i have a small frame and know its going to be very uncomfortable 😣
That's a great way to describe it! For mine I'd add in cup underwire into the analogy. Thank you for sharing! I hope the fills don't change your comfort level too much🙏🙏. Sending positive vibes your way💫💕
HOW BAD IS THE PAIN FROM A SCALE FROM 1 TO 10
I can't put a number on it... I did experience some pain, but it wasn't overwhelming amounts.. Definitely very uncomfortable, especially when they were first put in.
@@ChelseyTarnow IM GETTING A MASTECTOMY ON THE 15 OF MARCH AND IM NOT CONVENCED OF GETTING RECONSTRUCCION YET IM SCARED OF THE PAIN THAT COMES AFTERWARDS I HAVE STAGE 2 CANCER AND SUPER SCARED !!🥺🥺
@@rosa24526 I was so scared too! You are not alone. I would continue to talk to your medical team and bring up all your concerns. With the guidance of your doctors, you will be able to make the decision that is right for you. Thinking of you
@@ChelseyTarnow thanks!!
@rosa24526 I just 3 days out n its painful. I have other underlying back, neck and neuropathy issues so I think I'm maybe more aware with pain. I'd say my worst was the night after n then gradually got better but I have a horrendous burning in my armpit that is sometimes a 10. I try breathing thru n Tylenol, Ibuprofen then pain pills but they drop your meds quick. I feel you should get more pain control right off n I been hurting too much to eat much or walk enough for sure. Ugh hope yours is better. It is all worth it n some folks have much better pain outcomes.
Thanks
Fhanks for watching! Merry Christmas☃️❤!!!
my 5 year old daughter is getting tissue expander in few days in her stomach area. i was advised that she should stop going to school.. ballet lessons..beach.. im so anxious 🥹
I'm sorry, I can't imagine how anxious you must be feeling for your daughter. I hope the surgery went well and the expander feels comfortable for her🙏🙏. Sending much love to you and your daughter💕
No volume enough
Thank you for the feedback🙏. Working to improve this.
Breast cancer survivor is such a stupid term. You're a survivor until you're not.
Yeah, that's fair