Hi
I am the process of having bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I was diagnosed with grade 3 triple negative breast cancer in January 2012. Had wle x 2 and ANC followed by chemo and rads Had genetic testing done as my mum, her sister and my gran all had breast cancer. Was negative for BRCA1and 2 but told it is very possible that there is a genetic link thats not yet been discovered. Due to the family history i decided, with the full backing, of my surgeon to have double mastectomy. Had the cancer side done in april and had ld flap recon. Will have other side done in september (same recon)… I have to say that i am very happy with result. The breast has softened up with just a couple of harder bits but told these are due to the rads. It does feel like a part of me. I will have nipple reconstruction done after 2nd op. I have no regrets whatsoever.
Carabel x
Hi Faye,
I am 4 weeks post op after double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, skin and nipple saving using strattice.
So far so good, yes it was painful, but not as bad as I thought it would be and yes, it feels odd to begin with. However, at only 4 weeks post op I am starting to feel more normal and my breasts are starting to feel part of me again. I have complete numbness at the moment except for my centre line on the chest bone and the side of my breasts. It is weird, especially when you accidentally bang your boob on something but it really is not that bad. In fact, it has been a blessing when I have had to have my dressings changed!
Day by day, I am less aware of them, I am still restricted in what I can physically do, and so that keeps your mind on it but the feeling does not. I have saved my nipples and at the moment I have no feeling but I am starting to get pins and needles at times and sensation when I am cold so I am looking at that as a positive sign that I may regain some sensation.
Already in my sports bra and under clothes you would not know I have had reconstruction and the shape is looking really good at this stage. The implant itself feels natural to press (I had quite firm boobs) and once all the swelling and healing is gone I reckon they will feel good to touch for my hubby or for cuddles etc.
You can feel the muscle at the top of your breast has moved, a bit more pronounced but not in a bad way at all – still feels natural.
Having to wear a post-surgery sports bra 24/7 makes it feel more prominent but once I am out of that I think I will soon forget they are implants.
If you want to ask questions that are more specific or want to see any photos send me a private message.
Take care and good luck.
Mema
An update: I got home yesterday after having a double mastectomy on weds. I felt immediate relief after the op about having had the operation and having both done. My mind was buzzing for the weeks beforehand so waking up with a clear head & the feeling of relief has been amazing. Im not in too much pain and do have some sensation (had skin sparing with mesh and silicone implants). The surgeon said they used quite alot of the mesh as my pectoral muscle wasnt that big and so it all feels quite natural. I am very swollen and feels really tight but I am happy with the result at this stage as was expecting alot worse. I can imagine they wilk settle down nicely in a few months so feel optimisitc about it all. So im totally hapoy with the surgery…its the drains that are horrible at the moment. Having to carry them around with me and hope my little girls dont pull them out! Cant wait til I can have them removed! Oh and the stiffness is annoying in my arms but that will be short lived. Its amazing what these surgeons can do really.
Laura c I’m so sorry, due to my technical incompetence I lost this thread and have only just found it again! Yes, I did consider a double mx. My surgeon said if there was even the vaguest hint of anything in the other side he’d “just do them both at the same time”…however the team decided somewhere along the way that removing healthy tissue was unnecessary so I just have one bionic boob. Tbh sometimes I wish I’d fought for the double, I’m amazed by how normal the implant side feels to me now.I’ve just read your update- I really can understand your relief, I think its an excellent decision! Onwards and upwards now Hun, the drains will be removed soon, the implants and scars and swollen areas will all settle over the next months (don’t expect over night wonders, it takes time) and the arm stiffness eases if you keep up with the exercises…boring I know but they really do make a difference. Well done you xx