Hello Girls
Just wondered if any of you ladies in the Sheffield area have had reconstuction and if so, what was your experience. I’m 12 yrs post dx and just trying to decide whether I’m going to be single breasted for the rest of my life (I’m 52) or to go for it and get a reconstruction. I had right mx followed by chemo and rads in 1998. Any thoughts?
Awadan
Hi Awadan
I’m not in your area at all, but I had a right-hand LD recon in December 2008, followed by a left-hand prophylactic mastectomy and LD recon in November 2009, and I could not be happier with the outcome.
My advice would be to discuss the subject of recon very thoroughly with the breastcare nurses and the surgeon to see what may be the appropriate option for you as an individual. And ask to see photos of patients who have undergone the surgery.
Whatever discomfort I went through to get two breasts instead of one was well worth it. Pain is temporary, remember; the glory of a cleavage is forever!
I hope this helps, and I wish you much luck
Bubs x
Hi Bubs
Thanks for your posting. If I remember rightly I think I read one of your previous posts when you said you were back playing tennis after your op? I just wondered how much physio you had after your op in order to get your movement back. I spoke with my chiropractor last week and she was advising that if I went for the LD I would need to make sure I had good physio support in order to re-train the remaining muscles in my back to regain my full range of movement. If you did get physio, was it provided by the NHS or did you go privately?
Awadan
I did not have physiotherapy as such, apart from when I was in hospital and I was seen by a physiotherapist every day just to see how I was, and in particular the morning after the op when they wanted to get me up and walking about asap.
They did not have to give me any exercises to do (apart from the ones which are recommended in a leaflet - which I would imagine is standard throughout the NHS - to do within a month of surgery and then after a month) because I am very mobile, flexible and strong due to yoga, which I practise 4-5 times a week.
I was back on my yoga mat 4 weeks after the op, with only a couple of postures being modified to take account of what I had had done, and so I consider that that was my physiotherapy/rehabilitation.
I noticed no difference in my back strength at all. The only sensation I get is in certain yoga postures, such as the locust, when I have to take my arms behind my back (like wings, at a 45 degree angle) and it just feels a little “tight” due to the fact that a piece of muscle and skin has been removed.
I haven’t played tennis of late because of the cold weather, but when I do return, I do not anticipate any problems at all.
Hope this helps.
Hi Awadan,
I am now just seven weeks on from an LD flap, so everything is still a bit stiff and tight, but getting better all the time. I too was given the basic exercises in hospital, then I had my follow up with the surgeon two days ago. I asked about further physio, and he said I just need to keep moving & take exercise. I started running again 5 weeks after the op, but had left out swimming until I could check it was OK with the PS. It turns out I could have been swimming as soon as the wounds had healed. I was in the pool yesterday, and could feel that front crawl in particular will be very helpful in stretching my arm and back into shape.
Before the op I was concerned about loss of strength in my arm/shoulder, but can say so far that I have noticed no difference.
Hi Bubs and Roadrunner,
Thanks for sharing your experiences - that’s very encouraging for me. I’m thinking of trying to get to speak with the hospital physio beforehand but judging by your experiences I might be worrying about this a little unneccessarily. Can I ask which hospital you were under Roadrunner - just wondering if you are in the Sheffield area?
Awadan
Awadan,
I’m being treated at Leicester Royal Infirmary, under Mr Graham Offer.
I was getting quite concerned about needing further physio prior to my appointment earlier this week, but Mr offer was very definite about it - all I need to do is plenty of exercise. So I will go swimming regularly and hope that sorts it all out in time. It certainly sorted me out post mastectomy. That was three years ago.
Hope the swimming helps Roadrunner. I would be really interested to know how you’re getting on from time to time. Just delaying my decision for a short while as having some work done at home and my mother is having an important op, hopefully next week. After that I should have a bit more time to concentrate on myself.
Awadan