Has anyone had similar to this.
I have had mastectomy with immediate recon (LD with silicone implant). When I take off my bra my recon side is out of shape and bulges outwards towards the cleavage. By morning it seems to go back to a normal shape but I am left with a small lump of what I believe to be the implant, which pops in and out if pressed.
I am wondering if I am doing any harm wearing this particular bra, but it is the only one I can find that half fits (due to being 2 different sizes).
Jackie.
Hi Jackie
I had the same op Dec 07, I would call your BCN and have her check it out. May be that the bra is not supportive enough in the right area, could be that the implant has moved about maybe?!? I had dents appeared in my recon side and it turns out that the discomfort as I described it to her in my sternum was actually pain caused by the lat dorsi muscle pulling away from the chest wall muscle. I need a 2nd op to repair it later this year.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Carole xx
Hi Jackie,
I think your bra is too tight- when I had my first mastectomy last July, the radiographer told me off as I was wearing a bra that caused a dent in my implant (it dented in almost like a lump of plasticine would and then would slowly reshape when the bra was removed) as I was still slightly numb in the area (and still am actually) I could not feel that it was too tight. I now just avoid wearing any bras which make marks on my skin.
I also have a “poppy” bit on my implant. I have pointed this out to my surgeon who says it is nothing to worry about. I feel it is a small price to pay for the excellent cosmetic result that I gained.
Carole is right- contact your breast nurse if you are concerned
Katyx
Hi Jackie
Snap ! I don’t have an implant but a tissue expander - don’t know why surgeon put this in but can only think cos I was having radiotherapy. But it does change shape with whatever bra I wear AND also I have a part which you can push in and out. I mentioned the shape of it to the BCN last week and she agreed that it will take on the shape of the bra. Overall I am very pleased with the reconstruction. Had it last June but still find it very uncomfie and have just finished with the physio trying to get full movement. I now have full movement but my back is still very tight.
Liz xx
Hi Carole Katy & Liz
Thank you so much for your quick replies.
I have never really been given advice on what to wear and how important (or not) support is. I have my second recon done next month so I am looking forward to being measured properly instead of me keep wasting money on bras that I ‘think’ fit.
Liz, I have been having physio via my employer and I have regained full movement. I was very disappointed with physio provided by the hospital, so will decline it next time and just use the one at work. I think the most important thing is to keep up the stetching to keep the movement.
Carole, how big was your second op and did you have a new scar? I get pain/pulling around my sternum and there seems to be a permanent faint bruise. It feels like by breast is too heavy sometimes.
Katy, I am pleased like you with my result. I think we deserve it!
Thanks again.
Jackie x
Hi all
I have posted the link to BCC’s publication on breast reconstruction, I hope you find it useful.
breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=663
Best wishes
Lucy