Hi everyone,
This is my first post and not entirely sure I’m looking in the right place as the tightness, discomfort and cramping feelings I am experiencing feel like they’re on top of the implant rather than underneath it.
I had a bi-lateral local flap mastectomy with implant reconstruction and removal of a couple of sentinal nodes. That was on 9 November and I have since found out that the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes which should have been removed 30 November but due to the weather I’ve been rescheduled for next Tuesday.
The small lump I found was on the right side but I decided 10 years ago when my mum had breast cancer that if I got it I would have a double mastectomy. I opted for a B cup but have the option with the implants to expand to a C cup. I’m perfectly happy to have shrunk from an F cup to a B as I hated my large breasts but there is no way I can live with the cramping tightness for ever. The left side occasionally tightens up a bit and is bearable but the right side is uncomfortable about 65% of the time. I’m hoping that it will settle down but if it continues like this I will have the implants removed and live with a flat chest.
I also keep having minor panics thinking I’m going to die under anaesthetic next Tuesday - is that normal ??
Any advice will be welcome - thanks xx
Hi all,
I had bi-lateral mastectomies with expanders 2 weeks ago. Like someone above, it was my only option as I am skinny. It was essentially risk reducing due to family history, but prompted by the discovery of DCIS in the summer at yearly mammogram. I did a lot of research and I agree,that the people who are happy with their reconstruction are probably not posting as they are not thinking about it! I have been pleasantly surprised so far! I too was scared of not waking up from (my first) anaesthetic. Thinking if I woke up (!) I would freak out and think ‘What have I done?’ I had drains for only 12 hours and not much pain. I have free arm movement and can honestly say that the majority of the time I forget I have had it done. I was a AA before, and have 150ml fill each side which is about as I was, but am going to have a bit more put in. Yes, they do feel hard when you touch them, but hope the silicone ones will be a bit softer. I have no regrets about what I have done and am lucky that I don’t have to have any more treatment. My surgeon recommended an Amoena Bea post surgery bra, which is like a front opening sports bra and very comfortable. The only things I miss are having a deep bath and lying on my front. I can lie on my side now without discomfort. So my rusty Ford Fiestas are doing OK so far!!
Just noticed others had posted, but 66 jack to you especially I’m sorry I didn’t see your post. I think you’re having your op tomorrow, so wanted to say will be thinking of you. It’s totally normal to feel panicked - you’d be a bit strange if you weren’t! Soon be over though, and then you can get on with whatever treatment and be done with it all. I’m right at the end of the process, and if I can do it, well so can you. xxj
purplehorse, how brilliant that yours have worked out well. Thanks for letting us know that. Hope it keeps on being positive for you.
Hi ladies, I am hopefully having second mastectomy and bi lateral LD flap reconstruction in January, 16 months post initial mastectomy.
I too am worried about the effects from the anaesthetic as I tend to suffer a little afterwards.
I am wondering if anyone else has had the same procedure and what their recovery time was? I was hoping to be fairly independant once I left hospital, 5 days, but have heard from someone who had same procedure recently and 15 days post op was only able to eat cut up food and hold a drink!!!
Help, I am not good at being unable to do things for myself and this fills me with dread!
Hope someone can help. I realise we are all different and our pain thresholds are diverse, but hope someone can reasssure me, or not, please be honest.
At least if I know the worst scenario I can prepare myself.
Thanks.
Debbie. x
Debbie, you’re ahead of me. I’m still recovering from Rads, but was wondering about doing as you’re doing, so having another mx. Hope you get some answers. Be interested to hear what others say. Good luck. x
Thanks for replying Julie. Please inbox me and I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again. Debbie. xx
Hi Julie
I had a mascectomy, with a muscle taken from my back and a silicone implant inserted straight away. I’m having muscle spasms all day long, and the breast is as hard as a rock. I know its only been a few weeks. {10th of november the operation}but its causing me great discomfort, every time I move the muscle spasms. I am really concerned about this. I have spoken to the surgeon and he says the same as your consultant. I am thinking of asking them to remove it I wonder if this is normal are other people experiencing this ?