[Joanne S]

Brenda, Thanks for your input. What's the difference between breast massage and lymphedema message? Arm only? UGH! I don't look forward to having those darn JP drains again.

Margerie, Thanks for your input. Congrats on your successful diep surgery. The diep procedure was my #1 choice (I could especially use and like a tummy tuck outta this deal) and I was willing to travel, but I felt if I had any complications once I got home, I wouldn't have anywhere to go or perhaps no one would know what to do with me or agree to touch me.

Up front, I really had no idea that so many woman experienced problems with their reconstruction, expanders and implants. I may not have gone this route had I known.

Thank goodness I have not had any fevers this past week---that's a good sign for me. At one point, in March/April, when I had to be hospitalized, it was definitely an infection. I don't think it is now unless it is contained behind the implant or on the surface of the expander. I've had x-rays and CT scans to check for leakage/rupture/cancer and bloodwork; everything checked out fine. I have no signs of infection that's why this is such a mystery. I see my plastic surgeon this week so I'll see how and when she wants to procede. Maybe it's an OK time to take the expanders out and get the implants in since I've been done with radiation for about 8 weeks now. Hopefully I will get a call from Physical Therapy this week about an opening for me. PT really helped me before; and my arm and shoulder are suffering now too. I sound like such a whinner.

And Sheila, Yikes, auw awh! ouch-eee! What's worse than a titty twister? A hurricane? NO, A vice grip! Now I know I must be losing it---I'm getting a warped sense of BC humor.

Take care ladies. Hope for continued improvment for all of you!