Hi Cassie
I had mastectomy with free flap recon in May 2006. My PS said she always makes the new breast a bit bigger because sometimes it shrinks and if I needed radiotherapy sometimes that makes it shrink too. But she also said I could have an adjustment if needed when it was all over. I then had chemo from June to December and radiotherapy in March, and although my new breast softened and dropped a bit, it was still a bit bigger than the other one and firmer. So I have just had my ‘old’ breast lifted with a small implant and the nipple lifted to match the other one - oh yes, I had my new nipple constructed at the same time. I am a bit bruised and battered but it is all looking very good. I could have had a reduction on the new breast but I’ve never been THAT big!!
When I had my original surgery, I was advised to wear a certain sort of bra and a high waisted girdle, day AND night, for 3 MONTHS! It was not much fun, especially when I was having chemo and feeling rough. But I persevered and my tummy is nice and flat and my scar is flat and really faded now. My new breast is a very good shape so it was all worth it.
I originally opted to just have the sentinel nodes removed but because the cancer had spread to the nodes, I had axilliary clearance in January. Both times I was given exercises to do to gradually get my arm and shoulder working again. The first time it took a couple of months to get back to normal - it was quicker in January. I also had exercises to do to strengthen my tummy.
I did recover quite quickly from the surgery - I was told it could take up to 3 months, but after 2 months I had healed well and started laying flat again. However I was having chemo so that made me feel dreadful. I did feel I was being held back by the treatment. I was fortunate in that I did not have any infections or setbacks and my blood count was always back up when the chemo was due.
I felt fit enough to go back to the gym in May and I had a personal trainer supervising my programme to slowly get me back into exercising. I then returned to work in July and was phased back in - until 2 weeks ago when I had my final surgery!
I don’t feel quite as fit as I was before being diagnosed with cancer - my tummy feels tighter and the numbness under my arm still feels strange sometimes. I don’t ever expect to feel exactly the same again, but I am just getting used to it now.
Its been a long trek but I have learned that you just have to go with it and not try to rush anything. It is a terrible thing to experience and you must look after yourself and take all the time you need. Get all the help and support you need , both personal and professional. Accept it may take some time and if you have ‘off days’, put a posting on this site - there is always someone to cheer you up!
You will get there, hopefully quicker than I have, and it will all have been worth it. Take care.
Best wishes
Pam x