I was diagnosed in November 2005. I had a mastectomy, six months of chemo and am on tamoxifen - which only gives me a few side effects. I consider myself to be very lucky and I was adamant that I didn’t want a reconstruction from the start. I did speak to the team at the hospital about it and listened to what they had to say but it was still a definate no in my mind.
I know my consultant would like to give me a reconstruction, although he’s stopped asking me every three months as he knows how strongly I feel. He says if I change my mind just to ask him. (He’s such a lovely man.)
Anyway in the last few months I’ve been wondering about it. I’m having trouble finding a comfortable prosthesis and when I was on a sunny holiday in the summer I thought how nice it would be not to be wearing one.
Can any one give me any advice or tell me their experiences, please. I’m a fairly young 47 year old experiencing empty nest syndrome (my son has just gone off to uni).
I was diagnosed in November 2004 and at first just relieved to be rid. However, as time progressed I realised that maybe I should have a reconstruction. I didn’t want a serious operation and had an expander implant inserted in August 2007, inflated to slightly larger than my good side and a permanent implant in July of this year, nest I shall have augmentation on my good breast and a new nipple. All I would say is go for it. Of all the decisions in my life, I’m 56, this has been one of the best.
Empty nest syndrome is awful I fully understand but now its time for you, make the most of it before the grandchildren arrive.
Anything you want to know just post and I’ll do my best.
Thanks, it’s really good to get someone else’s views. My husband is great, and really doesn’t mind what I do so it’s good to hear from someone who’s been there!
I don’t know much at all about the expander implant - how it works etc. I seem to think I was just told about tram flaps etc (!?!) which meant having a big op on your shoulder or stomach to move the muscle round.
Any more infomation you can give me would be great. I assume this isn’t such a big op. What exactly happens?
I have posted below for you the link to BCC’s publication on breast reconstruction. You can either download a copy or order a free copy to be posted out to you. If you wish to discuss any aspect of the surgery and recovery, our helpline staff will be only too happy to have a chat with you. The calls are free, lines open Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm on 0808 800 6000. Hope this is all of some help to you.
When I had my expander implant it was an operation of about one an a half hours. A bit painful afterwards getting out of bed or chairs. One night stay in hospital. Quick recovery but that could be me. Permanent implant in July went in to hospital at 8.30 in morning they didn’t operate until 4.30 (I was starving) went home 9 pm. same day. Even quicker recovery. Its great to have a cleavage (I never had one before) and not to have to worry about prostheis or if anyone could see down the front of my clothes. I can only recommend this course of action. Having said that I don’t have enormous breasts I think its an operation for smaller breasted women.
Hi there, I just thought I’d add my two penn’orth to say that reconstruction isn’t always straightforward. I’m 8 weeks post-op following bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders. The discomfort isn’t really lessening, in fact my Consultant increased my pain medication 2 weeks ago and started me on Tramadol and Lorazepam which makes me feel sick so I’m now on anti-emetics too!!
I went back to the Royal Marsden on Tuesday and it turns out the pain is being caused by my left expander moving!! Can you believe that? I couldn’t when the Consultant told me but she was able to move it with her hands and that reproduced the pain I’ve been getting in the ribs. She doesn’t know why this has happened and quite honestly told me that she doesn’t have any magic solutions for me. She has suggested I try wearing a tight fitting sports bra 24/7 until my next appointment in 4 weeks and see what happens.
The right hand implant is nicely in place where it should be but for some reason the muscle on the left hasn’t contracted around the expander.
At least I now know why which is something but if it doesn’t settle and I’m unable to live with the pain the only option will be to take the expanders out. I hope it does settle. Otherwise I’ll just have to live with prostheses.
I had an immediate reconstruction in July and am delighted. It was a DIEP flap which is just taking fat and skin from your tummy and so doesn’t involve moving any muscle. It’s only suitable if you’re relatively small breasted, which I am, but it avoids having to have the muscle transplantation which is a much bigger deal post operatively. The op itself takes AGES (9hours+) as it is a ‘free’ flap and so they have to sew the tiny blood vessels back together rather than having a ‘stalk’ from the original muscle site. Not everybody does it as it is quite a specialised op but it is great. I had been told by the plastics nurses that I would be in for 10-14 days, but the PS said 5 days and he was right. It wouldn’t suit everyone so sorry if you are a woman blessed with more that I am and I’ve gone on unnecessarily! All the best with what you decide, your BCNs should be able to give you info and show you photos. Amoena magazine is also helpful I found.
I had a LD reconstruction last August, a Mastopexy to my healthy breast last week and hopefully a new nipple by Christmas. Despite any discomfort I have felt I am so pleased with what I look like bruises, scars and all. Also I can wear what I like and swim, play badminton etc without any worries about my prosthesis falling out.
I am 55 next week and am determined to put all the trauma behind me as soon as possible. As for empty nest syndrome my youngest left four weeks ago and hubby and I are having a lovely time bonding again.
Like your husband mine was happy for me to do what makes me happy, but I suspet my two pert breast make him very happy!
HI icemum I had a LD reconstruction in January on one side and then went back in march for the other side to be done. I have recovered well and am back at the gym and swimming. I have two scars on my back where the muscle has been moved round to the front but in my opinion and friends and family, they look great. I went up one cup too as I used to be quite small. Last week I had my nipple reconstruction done which again looks very natural and am waiting now for the final colouring to finish it off! Im not very good in hospital and to be honest the worst thing for me was missing the kids and husband and the drains… the drains are in your back and one out the boob they are abit unpleasant but not in for ever!! Id say explore all avenues… my surgeon only offered me LD reconstruction as it gives a very natural appearance as the implant is wrapped in your own muscle the body is more likely to accept it too!
Good luck with your decision.
bakers
Thanks to everyone for their comments. I’m new to this and it seems to be a great way to get advice and hear other peoples experiences. I think I will mention it to my consultant next time I see him just to find out a bit more. The are so many alternatives. Although I think the expander may not be for me as my breasts are not small! The thought of swimming etc without a prosthesis is rather appealing. I’d welcoms any more comments or suggestions.
Merlyn - I was told by my lympodeoma nurse (I don’t have it she just talked to me as a precaution) not to play badminton as I’ve had all my lymph nodes taken out. I mentioned it to my consultant who said it’s ok - I think perhaps one is being over cautious and that my consultant always seems to say go for it!
Not sure what I should do. I did ask specifically about badminton.