Hi
I’m having a bi lateral mx with immediate recon next month. Its implants only. Would love to hear from anyone whos had this done… Experiences, advice etc
Leesa x
Dear Bella1977
As well as the support you will receive on here about your forthcoming surgery, you may like to consider getting in touch with our one to one support service. They could put you in touch with a trained volunteer who has had the same procedure. I have attached a link for more information about the service:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/someone-talk/one-one-support
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi Leesa
I had left side mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction on 8th October. I was in hospital for 6 days due to the drain
Hi Leesa
I had mastectomy to left breast with immediate reconstruction and reduction to right breast. I had an implant that is to be filled with saline until it matches my other breast.
I was in hospital 4 days then was allowed home for the weekend but then discharged Monday morning when I returned.
I had 3 drains in and had two out within 2 days of surgery then the third out day of discharge.
There is discomfort but painkillers took regularly help a lot. I am now 7 weeks down the line and feel great. Even managing to sleep on my tummy which haven’t been able to for a while.
I do have a small wound to the T junction of suture line to right breast which is annoying but it is healing slowly.
My implanted breast does not feel as soft as my other breast but is not too hard as some muscle surrounds implant and skin feels soft.
There is still sensation to the skin and although not as sensitive as a real breast it is a good alternative.
I think the results of the implant look great but I am a bit lop sided at the mo as it still needs a few saline fillings. Of course every experience is different but I am pleased with the result. I wish you all the best with your operation.
Hope this helps Janey xxxxxxx
Hi Leesa,
I had a bilateral with implant recon on the 16th October. I’ve not regretted the decision as it was something I’d thought long and hard about having had breast cancer 10 years ago.
My left breast ( the side with the recent cancer) has healed well and just has a scab at the t junction. The right side where I had a lumpectomy and radio before hasn’t behaved as we’ll due to a damaged blood supply. I have a small post op infection below the implant but it’s healing now.
The surgery wasn’t as bad as I’d feared, in fact the staff made me very comfortable. I’m less than 2 weeks post op and home, with 1 drain to be removed tomorrow, but getting about fine.
I’ve been pleased with how I look, possibly a bit smaller than we’d discussed due to having to remove some saline to aid healing but that’s all.
Speak with your Brest care nurse if you’ve any doubts but I can truly say it’s the best decision I’ve made.
Hope it goes well x
I had a bmx with implants only on the 14th October and it was definitely the right decision for me - no regrets. They look pretty good but are currently quite hard until they settle down. The worst part for me was the drains, I had 6 in total (3 in each breast) and was in hospital for 2 days. 2 drains were removed on the Wednesday that I came home and the 4 other drains were removed within 10 days. As I said the drains were terrible but I had no further swelling or infections etc. I’m now nearly 3 weeks on and doing most things like as normal. Ribs are a little sore / pulling when stretching but otherwise doing well. Remember to do your exercises which really help with arm movement. Good luck with your surgery
Tracy XXX
I too am having a bilateral mastectomy, implant only, on the 21st November so am pleased to read some positive experiences. I think I’ve read up on every single thing that could go wrong so to hear that some people do not regret their decision is good news for me!
I would love to join this thread.
I am having mastectomy with immidiate implant reconstruction on my left breast on Wednesday. I’m a little anxious but reading these posts have really helped.
Thank you.
Sharon
Good luck with your operation on Wednesday Sharon. XXX
Hi ladies
I had my mastectomy / reconstruction permanent expander implant on my right breast on 1st July and had my last saline fill 2 weeks ago, i am very please with how it has gone and the surgeon is very please with the shape and how it has healed.
As long as you keep the impant well oiled and massage it when you put the oil on it should be ok, also remember to do your exercises that helps, but got to be honest cant wait for the port to be taken out as that can dig in a bit, now got a 3 month wait for everything to settle down and then the big choice of wheather I want my other breast reduced and lifted to match my now new perkier one, always said i did not want no more operations after what I have been throught, but the more I look at myself the more I am thinking maybe yes I will as I can now see I am lower and larger on my natural breast than the other one.
Dont regreat having it done, I am very please with it and have been very lucky up till now and not had many problems.
Would love to hear from anyone that has had a reduction/lift on their good side breast, to help me make my mind up.
I had this done 6 days ago. My pain has gone from horrendous to manageable already. I’ve got stretching exercises and am pretty perfect posture. Get some post op bras, move your mugs etc down to counter top level and don’t try sleeping on your side!
Hi I had my mx and implant recon on Saturday afternoon and came out the following day with drain removed before I left. Feeling fine and I’ve been out and about, the only problems I seem to have is that I seem to get really swollen when I first get up in the morning which is painful and trying to find a comfortable position to sleep is difficult…any suggestions would be appreciated along with suggestions on dealing with the swelling. Apart from these little nigggles I’m pleased with the surgery and now know having the other side done later on will be the right choice to put my mind at rest and to even me up…wax xxxx
Hi thanks for the pillow advice i’ll try that…would seem better than juggling with the mounds of pillows I have at the moment. I ended up back at the doctors on saturday as I had a nasty yellow leakage coming from my wound, although the doctor was reluctant to take a close look I was given antibiotics incase of infection which has helped with the swelling… Wax xxxx