I’m due for surgery next Tuesday. Mastectomy of the right breast and immediate reconstruction with tissue expander. I was fairly happy with this today but after reading things on other sites I’m terrified of it now. Is it really painful getting it expanded as I’m such a wimp with pain. Also will it be completely flat when I wake up from surgery or will it be slightly inflated (if that’s the correct word) I forgot to ask this and they never told me. That was one if my worst fears about mastectomy waking with just a scar there and sounds like this option is going to leave me the same? Any help please. I really just wanted an immediate silicone implant so I was all done straight away but they said this would look more natural. Think I’m changing my mind now!
Hi Melia
I too read about the tissue expanders etc before my surgery and was worried but everyone is different and our bodies deal with pain levels differently, my right sided mastectomy with implant and tissue expander went ahead last September and when I woke up i wasn’t flat but i had a small boob, the first look in the mirror was hard but it was much better than my imagination was expecting.
The expansion was done over a few weeks at my local breast clinic, my surgeon did 100ml of saline at a time but would have done less if I asked, the amount was up to me each time, it does feel tight afterwards and slightly uncomfortable but it was never painful, and it soon settles back down and it is surprising how quickly it starts to look like a boob all be it a smaller one.
Mine is now fully inflated and has been ok through chemo and radiotherapy, I will be seeing my surgeon in October to discuss a Diep Flap reconstruction.
Hope this helps and good luck for Tuesday
Mary x
Thanks Mary. Is it much smaller than your other Boob? Im dreading having to see it already but know I will feel with it slightly better than having nothing there at all. So the more you ask to be expanded the quicker the results and permanent operation is done is this correct? I’m pretty impatient want everything done yesterday ha x
Hi Melia
To start with it will be swollen from the surgery so it will be difficult to see the true results and at first you will need some padding in your bra to balance things out, but now mine is fully expanded and I have a bra on it is difficult to see the difference, and I no longer use padding. as I am 58 my remaining boob is heading south so It is noticible without a bra but I would say it is about half the size of my other one.
My surgeon did the expansion every couple of weeks before chemo, 100ml was the maximum each time and I believe the total expansion, 375ml in my case, is decided on an individual basis, my permanent reconstruction will take place early next year as the surgeon likes to give at least 9 months for your body to heal and recover from chemo and radiotherapy before any more surgery, As well as the forum It may help if you spoke to the breast care Nurses at your clinic they would be able to help with any questions or worries you have, I certainly found them so understanding and nothing was too much trouble.
I know it seems to take for ever but it is now 2 weeks since my final radiotherapy and I look back and find it hard to believe that it was 9 months ago that this all started, listen to your Consultants but also question anything your not sure about and don’t be afraid to ask them to explain it again if needed, I found the BCC information leaflets really helpful as well as Macmillan, all of which can be downloaded.
Hugs and Best wishes
Mary x
Hi Melia, I’m having the mx with immediate reconstruction with expanding implant too. Got to wait until 12 May for mine as no earlier appointments. Maybe we can share experiences of our expanding boob after. But as you’re ahead of me with your op, don’t scare me too much. x
Thanks Mary that’s really helpful. I’m only a c cup so hopefully they won’t have too much trouble expanding to that size. I’m a bit of a perfectionist but guess I’ll just have to accept it’s never going to be that! We can do Carole… but wow such a long wait! I’m having a wobble because my surgery is happening so quick and seems your on the opposite end of the scale. X
Hi Melia
Just a quick line to say I will be thinking of you tomorrow, sending best wishes for a speedy recovery
Hugs
Mary x
Hi Melia I will be thinking of you tomorrow. At least yours will be gone then x