It is now 4 weeks following surgery (MX and immediated LD backflap and implant reconstruction) no chemo or rads needed and I have made very good progress with fairly limited pain. Whilst my new breast looks very good I am concerned with the amount ofswelling. I was a 36C pre op and 4 weeks later i am still in a 40C bra, which at the end of the day starts to feel tight and needs expanders for bed time. I do have fluid in my back and under arm, but it is not causing me to much pain or trouble so It has not been drained. My reconstructed breast still looks much wider and bigger than my other breast and i would just like some reassurance as to what is normal for the timescale. I seemed to gain about 7lbs whilst I was in hospital and i am still trying to lose it, which is a nightmare when “allowed” exercise is non existence, is some of this weight gain Due to the fluid? I think as i made such good progress initiially, i expected the good rate of progress to continue and not slow up. When does it all start to feel and look “normal” ? Has any one had similar experiences.
Hi Cheryl glad you are ok. I had loads of swelling too. I was told it was normal and settle over time. Which the swelling overall of new boob has. I think it’s a lot to do with the fluid. Once this lessons you will probably notice it more like your other boob.
I seem to get new symtoms each week as one lesson, as I was very numb undearm but had horrible sensations, I too hope just the nature of the op. as with the weight gain, I didn’t gain weight but I wee ever such a lot and nurse said its all the fluid.boob is a lot softer too but I just think its time
Hope this helps xxxx
Hi Cheryl17 it’s good to hear you’re making progress, albeit slow. It’s still very early days for you and like you my concern was the size of my new boob. I had my mx (LD flap) in August last year. The boob itself seems to have settle down and my weight is back to what it was prior to my op. As your body movement gradually becomes quicker and more agile I’m sure you will gradually start to get back to the weight you were before your op. I religiously do the specified exercises three times a day, but there are different concerns now ie tightness in the back. Reading all the different comments on the traumatic op we’ve been through, I think it’s going to take quite sometime for our bodies to adjust to this massive change, but I feel sure that given time and perseverance and take things gradually you’ll come through it. It’s not easy I know, I just wish I could be like I was before my op, but that’s never going to happen, not yet anyway. I think I read previously that you didn’t need any treatment afterwards, like me! This is a massive bonus, so be kind to yourself and I feel sure you will get through this. Big hugs Kathy xx
Thank you Emma and Kathy for your reassuring replies. Yes I would agree we are all very fornutate that no further treatment is needed. Keep making progress both of you and keep in contact. Big hugs xxxxxxx