Hi there
Hope someone can help. I waa diagnosed with Pagets and DCIS in April and was advised to have a left side mastectomy. I am not so old and have the rest of my life to live so decided to have reconstruction in the same op to get it all over and done with. I discounted the tummy operation because it’s such a big op and had trouble deciding between the tissue expander and the ld flap. Eventually, with the help of my Surgeon, I decided on the ld flap because the tissue expander op requires injections of saline every two weeks and ongoing maintenance in the future etc and another op. The Surgeon advised that with the lp flap operation it is a big undertaking but then the longterm results are good and you can then go on to have a normal life without further operations apart from if you choose nipple reconstruction. I am now on week six and after making an initial good recovery I am swollen bruised and have had several saroma drained. I am still uncomfortable and my movement is not so great. I have only just been referred to a Physio and just need to hear if there is anyone out there who can give me some light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks.
Hi Soosie Soo
Welcome to the BCC forum. I’m sure other members will soon be along to give you some support.
You may also be interested in our one to one support service. You would be put in touch with a trained volunteer who has experience of a similar procedure or treatment. Here’s the link for more information:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/someone-talk/one-one-support
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Thanks very much Janet!
Wow I am finding things tough mentally as well as physically and the hot weather at the moment is making me want to throw off this surgical bra that I am wearing! I think what I am finding difficult is playing the waiting game as well and being stuck to the house whilst hubby and kids are at work and school is extremely boring. I just want to be better, up and running, looking after my kids and back to work NOW lol! I have already contacted you for advice from a one to one trained volunteer and am just waiting to hear. I must say that when I spoke to Breast Cancer Care the lady I spoke to was so helpful and helped me formulate a plan of action for the way forward. I have lots of family, friends and work colleagues giving me support but because nobody has been through this personally it is hard for them to empathise. Today, I am going to be chasing a date for my physio treatment to commence, speaking to the Breast Nurse and requesting another app with my Consultant. Oh and I have just found out that because I have not been in my job very long I am going on to half pay! Grrrr. I so need to see that light at the end of the tunnel! 
PS I have never done this sort of thing before and am just getting used to this website. Should I have introduced myself first before posting?
Hi Soosie
No, no need to introduce yourself again- your post was fine!
Thank you for your comments about the Helpliner!
I hope you will also find this forum supportive and helpful.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Dear Soosie Soo. I had the LD flap done when I was 39 years old and I am 63 now! I still have the same implant and it looks as good as it did from the beginning. Hope this helps yu to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs, Val
Thanks Janet and Val much appreciated! I am on week six after surgery and because of all the seroma, swelling and bruising I am still on Tramadol. As I am bored at home, I thought ‘Ooo I’ll just google it and find out a bit more about it’. Well, I have just scared myself senseless on reading how addictive it is!!! Yikes. I am still taking one Tramadol and two paracetamol four times a day but am thinking/realising/pondering/panicking that maybe I should be weaning myself off it but on the other hand I don’t want to be in pain!?!?! Oh I am finding the trials and tribulations of recovery very difficult and to think I thought I would be back to normalish by now. Very misguided of me. 