Hi Ladies
Had chemo, masc and then rqadio finishing August 2010. Am on Tamoxifen and don’t even get me started on my weight gain and aches and pains. Wanted to ask ladies in similar positions about his reconstructive procedure and any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.
Hi Mrs Mc
While you are waiting for other users to come with their reconstruction experiences I have put for you below the link to BCC’s animated guide to reconstruction, also BCC’s leaflet which I hope helps.
Animated guide:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/treating-breast-cancer/surgery/reconstruction/breast-reconstruction-animated-guide
Breast reconstruction:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/breast-reconstruction-bcc7
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Mrs Mc
I am not sure exactly what kind of information you are wanting… and my experience is different as I has an immediate LD (back flap)reconstruction when I had a mastectomy. Although it is quite major surgery, and you need to work quite hard afterwards on the exercises to get your arm movement back, for me it has been worth it as I have a superb reconstructed breast. Nearly a year on I still get some discomfort/tightness in my back and still have to do the exercises at least once a day, but I have no regrets at all.
I’m sure there will be someone on here with a delayed LD recon along soon to share their thoughts, but if you have any more specific questions maybe you can add them?
Take care and hope all goes well for you
Bumping this up for you as my post would be identical to RevCat except I’m only six months on. Not without problems - but overall worthwhile! Happy to answer any qs (on here, or pm me)
Sue
Hi Mrs Mc,
I finishes my chemo etc end of 2007 after mastectomy etc but lived with my prothesis for quite a long time as I was just happy to be alive. By the middle of 2010 I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror any more and went for LD flap reconstuction which was done in April last year. I had an expander which took some time to complete and this was followed by nipple reconstruction in November. I am seeing a PS tomorrow for info on uplift to the other side and due to have the nipple tattoo next week. All I can say is GO FOR IT, I feel so much better about myself, there is only a small amount of discomfort, no where near the pain etc of the mastectomy. I would NOT be afraid - these surgeons are so clever…GO FOR IT, I’m sure you won’t look back.
Love Burnie xxxxx