Breast expanders vs. radiation burns: 3rd surgery
Eventually, the war between the burns and the expander came to a crisis point. Exactly two weeks after my last radiation treatment, a big bubble was protruding out of my breast. This blister broke two days later, and wouldn’t stop draining fluids and thick goop. This was totally gross and very disturbing. The pain was out of this world — probably worse than when I had my double mastectomy. I ended up having to see my plastic surgeon because there was a hole in my breast, and they could see inside to the breast expander.
I had my surgery on Tuesday the 29th of July. That day also happened to be our wedding anniversary (23 years). I guess I have one more thing to celebrate on that day — the removal of my ugly nasty expander. Lol … so now neither of the two expanders that were situated during my double mastectomy on March 10th has held up. (My left expander was replaced on April 4th due to a staph infection.)
I do feel so much better since having that expander removed, and when I saw Dr. Hijjawi this past Monday, I couldn’t stop hugging him. The expanders never really felt that great from the start. I also had the added bonus of having yet another drain installed during surgery because there was so much fluid. Luckily, the doctor was able to remove my drain when I saw him on Monday. I now have to keep my breast(s) wrapped with an ACE bandage for the next week, and I will get my stitches out the following week.
This past Friday we went to our first Relay For Life event in Kenosha at UW-Parkside. The breast cancer support group (Circle of Hope) that I belong to meets up every year to walk the track together. One thing that I thought about while walking with all of the other survivors was that each one of these people has a story to tell. To see all of them there in purple shirts with their families and caregivers, it was really special.
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dear amy,i think you are delightful…i enjoy your blogs so much. i want you to know i think of you often and i wish you all the best!
Sandy thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate your taking time to leave me a message.
Take care.
You make me smile! :)
Amy,
So glad to see you progress still more toward complete recovery. Did anyone contact you to let you know my passed away on Monday? I wasn’t sure how to get a hold of you.
My prayers are with you every step of the way.
Steve – we did get the news that your mom passed away. I am so sorry. I will see you on Saturday.
Love,
Amy
Sweet Amy…you are so strong! I can’t imagine the ups and downs of your journey and you have handled it all with such grace! Love you!
Aw Melissa you make me cry with your kind words. I love you too.
Hang in there Amy. This too shall pass. Blessings and prayers for you.
Thanks Gloria for your blessings and prayers I really appreciate it.
Hi Amy,
So sorry to hear about your recent setback. You have such a positive attitude and wonderful supporting family & friends you to will over come this as well. We think of you guys often and pray for as well. Would love another visit soon. Maybe dinner together with the guys? Keep smiling my friend.
Hugs & kisses
Jeff & Jodi
Yeah it has been a crazy ride through all of this. I am truly blessed with a wonderful family and loving friends like you two to pull me through.
Hi Amy! So glad to hear you have made it past this latest hurdle. You look great! Love your hair! Now I know this isn’t possible, but I have plenty of stomach tissue I would be more than happy to share! Thought of you and Mark as Rick and I headed up to the WI State Fair in West Allis. And on Saturday we had dinner at the Hobnob. The 4 of us should meet there some weekend! Take care.
Hey Theresa – I can’t get used to all the curls I have now. It’s a whole new hair for me.
As for the donation on the tummy tissue you’re not the first to offer some up. :)
Take care.
Your attitude is the best. You give me peace of mind being that way. Thank you.
Thanks Cyndy my dear friend. You always put me in a happy mellow mood. :)
Happy to hear you are doing better,,,again. Keep that positive vibe going! Love the hair! Mark, you are one great guy! Be well my friend
Thanks Linda I am feeling better as each day passes. I miss you!
My dear sister amy, may you keep going forward.Iam so very proud of you and admire your strength .You are in my thoughts every single day. Iam so very lucky to have you and all the other sisters in my life.Just always know you can cll on me.Love ya foever.Karen.
Thanks Karen for being such a wonderful loving sister and friend to me. I love you so much.
Hi, Missed seeing you and Mark at Karen’s for the family reunion. Did ask how you were doing, my prayers are still with you. You really look great. Love, Arlene
Hi Arlene, I missed you too. I just didn’t feel like taking in too much that weekend. I hope to see you next time. :)
Take care,
Amy
Amy, glad both expanders are out, you are such a trooper. I would have myself curled up in a ball by now. Glad you got to Ravinia.
No way Lynn, I do not see you curling up in a ball. You are a beautiful brave woman.
Yeah it had been years since we’ve been to Ravinia, we had a very nice time.
Dear Amy,
We have many works of art and architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright here in Oklahoma. Not too far from where I live in Bartlesville, OK there is the Price Tower where he worked and lived. I love to visit. My daughter went to college at Oklahoma Wesleyan in Bartlesville and lived very near houses that he designed and built. They are amazing.
Terri Christian Reed
PS I wrote you a note on another entry.