Hi ladies,
Just thought id put feelers out as to anyone that has had a skin saving MX, plus ANC and a tissue expander in while they had chemo, rads etc.
I am 2 weeks post op, and waiting on chemo dates, my expander seems to be quite “inflated” already, could this be retained fluid?. My BC nurse didnt seem to think it was anything to worry about, but it feels heavy and tingly although not red or inflamed.
I am just interested in hearing from anyone who had an expander in for a while and did it ever stop feeling “alien”., as mines going to be in for a good few months, so im hoping it will feel more comfortable soon.
Appreciate any info from anyone,
Many thanks
xx
Bringing this to the top for artemis17
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Artemis,
i posted a day or do on another thread re expanders so you might want to have a look to see if there have been any other replies. Yes it will feel less alien but I am always aware of mine. I had 2 ‘top ups’ which is a strange sensation, not exactly painful but strange seeing your boob grow before your eyes! It ached for a day or so after as it felt tight but again you will get used to it. My hospital put 200 ml in each time but I know some do it more slowly. Altogether I think I’ve had about 600 ml of saline. I’ve had mine in since March 2012, just over a year and am due for recon (hopefully, waiting list keeps growing!) in September. I will be pleased to get it out as it never feels like you, think its because its so hard and doesn’t move. I find lying on my front quite difficult, so rarely do. I’ve recently started having pinging pains in my armpit but ps said its probably rads as we shouldn’t underestimate how long body has to repair itself from the effects of rads.
sorry I’ve rambled on, but in a nut shell, it will become less alien, you will be able to live with it for a year or more and I’m hoping when it’s out it’ll feel a bit like when you were a kid and your mum tied your hair back too tight, oh the relief when you took the elastic band off!!
take care,
Gaynor xx
Sorry me again, cos I had rads now having to have recon using a flap, not just implant as was original plan. Having pedicled tram when it finally happens.
Gaynor xx
Hey Gaynor, many thanks for your reply. I have only just started this whole process, so its great to have some “been there done that” advice.
When i woke up after surgery, there was a breast shape but it certainly wasnt as prominent as it is now, so not sure i will need much expansion lol. As i am slim with natural c/d cups, i have been told i will need to have the healthy side reduced, and a recon from my back muscle and try to harvest fat from somewhere, as an implant wont sit right. It seems a big op with the same restrictions/recovery as the original Mx/ANC.
Theres just so much to be juggling, getting used to a new body shape, all the ongoing treatment and trying to look ahead to when its all over…seems like at least an 18month journey.
Thanks though and any other advice or thoughts will be most welcome.
Take care and good luck for the op when the time comes.
Vicki x
Hey Artemis
I had tissue expanders removed on Friday and replaced with silicone implants and Gaynor you are right, it’s just like someone let the pressure band off. I was a B cup prior to MX and very slim build. I was very anti implants but there just wasnt enough of me to warrant a long tissue op. Everything is very raw and new for byou right now, but the expander will settle down but mine always felt a little Mrs Doubtfire. my first mx was April 2012, second March 2013 and final op was on friday. Settling out it seemed forever away, but looking back it seems to have flown. I wish you well.
Hi ladylizzy
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get some good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Thank you ladylizzy, sounds like youre almost there re ops…I like having something resembling a breast, but its just the tightness and the port that are uncomfortable rather than painful. I guess once the Chemo starts the side effects will take my mind off the cricket ball feeling.
Take care andgood luck with everything
x
Hi Artemis,
I must admit while all the other treatment were going on, chemo and rads, the expander went to the back of my mind. It’s as if your brain can only cope with one upset at a time! Unfortunately I broke and displaced 3 ribs in my back on my mastectomy side on a skiing holiday in Feb. this brought the expander the forefront again and I had serious doubts about my recon. But a few months on I’m looking forward to my recon, unfortunately I’ve still got a few months to wait, need to get on with it NOW!
You will get used to it, just occasionally you’ll want to rip it off, but it does get easier. Good luck with all your treatment.
Gaynor xx
Oh Gaynor, ouch for the broken ribs, but hey amazing that youre back being so sporty!!. Good luck with it all and i look forward to a years time when i can be rebuilt like the bionic woman…showing my age now lol…
xx