Hi Patten60,
I had a left mastectomy with left LD flap last September and like you, I was told the only things I wouldn’t be able to do was climb mountains. With hobbies of church bell-ringing and sailing this hasn’t proved to be true. The plastic surgeon also failed to mention that the scar would extend from my spine across the half of the back and under the breast. (He must be so busy with this work, he must have forgotten to mention this!). All I got was “it’ll be under your bra line”. Since surgery I have been sore and tight. I had initial physio, but the back remains tight and pulls my posture down. I have been told to massage the scar and rub in moisturiser or Double base gel. That works for the rest of me, but being single I cannot reach the back scar. No one can help with an aid to help with this and I have resorted to a gauze pad tied to a window blind cleaning tool to help. As I’ve got stronger from surgery I’ve been more mobile, almost back to normal running around. The back however is the thing that is a constant nagging “pain in the back”. I am wishing I’d gone flat. Having had to change back to NHS care as work cancelled my contract on sick leave, I haven’t seen the same person twice and think the CNS breast nurse has been abducted by aliens. I was told this was the original surgical plan for breast cancer and is now used for patients who are unable to have a tummy tuck. Of all my historical surgery (Bowel surgery in my youth), this is the worst outcome I have had. It’s slowing how I get over this “cancer thingy”, as I always have the tightness reminding me. I think the solution is to badger for more physio as this can break down scar tissue, find a singing teacher and learn to sing/ join a choir. I’ve been singing all my life and getting back to it after surgery was useful and I found that breathing was not impeded after the first few weeks of having to stand up straight and hold up a music stand! It was good to be making some noise! I’m hoping to return to an adult ballet class but as I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet will not be dancing at Covent Garden any time soon. I just want to be moving normally whatever may have happened to my boobs. I’m happy to forward any information I obtain in how to get some action on the matter. Don’t give up advocating for yourself. Best of luck.