Hi,
I was diagnosed with BC & had a mastectomy in Nov. 2007 and had an immediate reconstruction at the time with a Beckers tissue expander implant that is saline filled. I then had chemo and radio and shortly afterwards had a tightening/hardness around the area. I now have a lot of discomfort with backache that is getting worse and am shortly to have an op. to sort this problem out as apparently the impant has become ‘encapsulated’ which means it has fibrous tissue around it. I am thinking of just having the implant removed and leaving it at that as I don’t want similar problems again if I have it replaced. Can anyone give me advice? Has anyone else had this problem and what did they do? How is it wearing a prosthesis? I have never been very comfortable with the Beckers so am thinking that comfort is what I am aiming for. Any views? Napier
Hi
I am awaiting breast reconstruction, Tram Flap has been decided. I hope it is going to be this year but as yet have not had a date. It is a very personal choice. I wear a prosthesis and I hate it. In the warmer weather (I am on Tamoxifen so that is all the time) it is horrible I feel hot and sweaty. I never find their is good match between prosthesis and breast, and the fitter always puts me off the lightweight one. I end up wearing a bra with a damp pocket which isnt nice. When I am abroad its even worse. These are just my views though and as I said everyone feels different.
Take care
Carolyn x
Hi I had a mastectomy with implant immediate recon in 2007.I am 38. I am now having the diep free flap recon in november after having probs with the implant/not liking the result. Anyone out there had one of these diep free flap things? I have seen people who have had great results from this but wondered about anyone’s experiences re pain/hospital stay etc. I am a teacher. Am I likely to be able to be back at work after christmas? I have exam classes to teach! My op is on 29th november. All the best to everyone else having reconstruction.
I didn’t find implant of any sort worked for me, but know loads of people who have been great with them. I didn’t want that type of recon. in first place, but seemed like the easier option. I told surgeon wanted to have diep free flap surgery and now, after waiting 7 months to see a plasic surgeon, it;s all happening! 29th november. I am excited and nervous, but keeping everything crossed its the right decision. Go for it, I say!
I had DIEP / Free Tram Flap in July.
I am very pleased with my new breast despite a few problems. I got a flat tummy into the bargain too.
I have a long e-mail about my experience that I am happy to share with anyone who would like it … but it is just my personal experience so the surgery.
I am having rads at the moment and hoping it won’t change the shape of my breast too much.
Jacqui
HI
I would love to hear your experience. Please private message me.
Thanks Carolyn x
Hi i am in the same boat had 3 inplants with not a very good result so going to ask for Diepfree flap would love to here your experiance all the things I have heard so far have been good but would like to here someones experiances.
love rubyruby
Hi all.
When the diep free flap op happens, how long will i be in hospital do you all reckon? Also, what happens to your stomach? Does it shrink enough to change clothes sizes, like will I have an excuse for a whole new wardrobe?! ANd what bra types are needed post surgery? A sports one? surgery in November so starting to panic and don;t see the consultant till 2 days before op!
I had my sugery on Tuesday and was out on the following Sunday, but was expecting to be in a day or two longer, but recovered well.
My tummy is lovely and flat and lots of my clothes were loose on the waist but as my hips are the same size I didn’t actually loose a clothes size (but I think alot of my clothes were really too tight beforehand!)… it looks great though 
I hate sports bras so have used the nonwired Maximum Support range from M&S. The specialist BCN gave me a list of suitable bras which included high impact sports bras and the Triumph ‘Doreen’.
Jacqui
Just out of interest, did any of you who had an implant initially also have muscle taken from your back at the same time too, i.e. the LD flap. I had an immediate LD reconstruction with an implant in 2008 and have really struggled with understanding what my options are in replacing/removing the implant. I’ve complained of upper/lower back ache, as well as been told, reluctacnly, that I have mild capsular contracture to being told that there is nothing wrong at all.
I am intending to ask for a second opinion - not sure whether I will ask for a second opinion by another (woman) consultant at the same hospital or at another hospital altogether - but any insight you could share would be really helpful. In particular, I’m interested to know what would happen with the muscle that they removed in the first place, if anything is possible at all anyway.
Many thanks
Naz
It is nearly five years since I had my immediate LD flap reconstructions without an implant. I had the LD flap taken from my back and used in the front to make my complete" breast".
I have posted before because I have found it very difficult to understand what has happened with the surgery. I have had the tendon cut and the nerve cut in two separate operations. I still feel very uncomfortable on times around the upper shoulder area and have a pulling, tightness and ache between my back and front after quite minimal activity.
The surgeon is now offering to remove the breast and leave me with a scar on a flat chest. He does not do the DIEP Operation so I would have to go elsewhere.
I am 61 and more surgery does not appeal However perhaps if there is someone who has taken up this option or something similar or knows where I go could go to talk to someone I would be grateful.
I am quite happy with how every thing looks
Thank you
Sally Ann