Hi,
post mastectomy and wondering if anyone has had the following as I’m being sechduled for more surgery and to be honest, I’m worried.
Consultant wants to preform the following ; expander implant removal and replace with a permanent silicone, lipofillimg from stomach to breast and mastpexy of roughly 3cm on the other breast. This will be preformed as a day patient and I’m slightly concerned as the pain after the mastectomy, adm matrix and expander implant (80%) filled in surgery, was so painful and hospital didn’t control pain relief very well so I’m very worried about this next stage. Get the feeling the consultant is happy with the aesthetic look and told me recovery is 12-18 months but the feel of it is so horrid and it’s really affecting me.
Does anyone have any idea of how long these procedures might take and the actual recovery to be pain free and start to do things again?
Appreciate any help or advice anyone has ?
Hi Kjbuni
You may find it more helpful to post this question in our Ask Our Nurses section of the Forum where one of our specialist nurses will be able to give more information. Alternativley you can call our free Helpline and talk to one of specialists, 0808 800 6000. It does sound as though you have some very pertinent questions which are naturally causing you anxiety.
Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer
Hi Kjbuni
I had mastectomy with immediate implant in September 2014 followed by chemo and rads. I had problems healing so implant removed after second chemo. After chemo I had expander put in and 6 months after rads had it swapped for silicon. So I hope I can answer most of your questions,
After mastectomy and node clearance, like you I was in quite a lot of pain and restricted movement. I took painkillers and did my exercises like a good girl! I had physio for cording.
I was 47 at diagnosis, very active at gym, horse riding and 2 kids of 9 and 12 at the time. I was driving and back to yoga after 3 weeks and did yoga throughout my treatment.
When I had the expander put in the recovery was very quick. No restricted arm movement, stayed in hospital a few nights with drains as surgeon concerned about drain problems the first time around.
Because I was on a tight schedule to start rads I had the implant filled all in one go a couple of days before rads started. Some ladies report this being painful but I had no problem with it. The attached port was uncomfortable if I lay on my side or knocked but really no trouble.
After rads I had the expander swapped for permanent implant together with mastoplexy on good side. Again very quick recovery, no restricted arm movement and back to normal very quickly. The pain was honestly not bad at all. Just take what you need to allow you to do the exercises. I had to take it easy because I had problems with my pectoral muscle on implant side but from the implant point of view I was up and running as normal.
I was scared that it would be as painful as the original mastectomy and reconstruction but it really wasn’t anything like that.
I didn’t have any lipofilling so can’t comment on that bit but the replacement surgery was a breeze compared to initial surgery.
Hope that helps and good luck x
Riversidedawn, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Certainly by your experience the next surgery is going to a breeze.
Think my consultant was having an off day with me as normally he’s so much better. X
Hi, I’m post double mastectomy with tissue expanders (last Wednesday). I’ve been doing really well but have noticed this evening that my chest is really tight and very uncomfortable, is this normal.
Many thanks
Hi Smorg,
It’s good to hear when others are doing so well. As for the tight chest and uncomfortableness, I certainly went through that stage and the more I started to do things the tightening happened. It does get better but I keep being told it’s a slow process. So I would say it’s normal.
I hope this helps. ?
That does help, thank you. Maybe I’ve done too much today! I’ll take it easy. Many thanks ?