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1960sgirl
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01-05-2016
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15-07-2020
05:14
Hi Jenny, Suspect you may have made your decision by now and possibly had your op. I was diagnosed four years ago and had a long gap before surgery - I had radiotherapy first on my right breast, and then had a left-side mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I had two or three reconstruction options. The two I was most interested in were implant with mesh, and LD flap. I opted for the LD flap with an implant. The recovery time was swift. I was home three days post op and able to do all normal things for myself, even managed to walk into town (albeit slowly) for a coffee (with my drains in a shopping bag over my shoulder!). Some things were tricky for many months - getting out of the bath, pulling the car boot lid closed. Strangely, cutting a loaf of bread felt most peculiar because of the lateral movement. But within six weeks I was ready to go back to work and life was pretty much back to normal. A year later, I'd forgotten about my op as everything felt good. The implant (using LD muscle for the 'sling') has presented absolutely no problems whatsoever. I guess I went for this op because I wanted a good outcome in terms of the shape of my new 'breast' but I did not want the lengthy op and recovery period of some other reconstruction types. We all have our own reasons for choosing the outcome we eventually go for. In my case, some forms of surgery were not an option anyway, as i did not have sufficient body fat to form the reconstruction. But I know that reading other people's experiences really helped me feel confident about the final decision. I hope all goes well with whatever decision you make (or maybe have already made).
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Hi Jan68, Your story is very familiar to me, though in my case it was a left side mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The days straight after were a roller coaster. Being grateful it was all over and I had survived a long op. Then came the desperation to get back home and return to some kind of normal life. Then the sadness kicked in, the loss of a part of my body, the loss of normal sensation in my left breast. The exhaustion from lack of sleep post op did not help. The discomfort from having had drains in my shoulder and not being able to lie on my left side. I was all over the place. But gradually, bit by bit, things improved. And then, many months later when the op had settled down, relief that my new 'breast' was not so bad to look at after all. So here I am, 4 years post op, and pretty much it is something that I rarely think about anymore, though I have odd moments of looking in the mirror and thinking that I wish I had my 'real' breast back. I think it is perfectly normal to feel such a range of emotions. So please be kind to yourself. Accept that for now you feel this way, but that over the coming weeks things will improve. My girlfriends (and this forum) were the biggest source of comfort to me - just talking to them about the usual stuff helped keep me 'grounded', and laughing with them really, really helped, but I could have a cry with them too when needed. You have been through a massive ordeal which for most of us comes with a range of consequences, including feeling pretty pants about the whole thing. Don't beat yourself up for feeling down but do try to 'look outwards' - friends, family, work, hobbies, will all help you regain your poise and help you feel like 'you' once more. Good luck.
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01-05-2017
11:06
So, I went for a nipple recon after much deliberation, mainly because I needed a general anaesthetic for a 'tidy up' on my LD flap scar, so thought I might as well have a nipple too. I did not expect to be so emotional the following day when I looked down to see a nipple projecting from my recon boob. I felt like 'me' again. So, 2 months on and I am now glad I had the op done. I know the nipple will flatten over time, but there will always be a bit of scar tissue there rather than the flat, white smooth patch of skin that had been there before. If I could wind the clock back though I would have asked to have the new nipple exactly where the previous one was, which although it was a fraction higher than my remaining breast, I was used to . What I have noticed is that you don't get so much movement from your recon breast so you can't 'position' your breast in your bra like you used to. So, because my surgeon matched the nipples for position, when I put a bra on I tend to hoik my remaining breast into place so that it feels comfortable but this now means my nipples are not level as my recon boob does not move so much. If you have small boobs this might not be such a problem but I would recommend anyone with larger boobs to give it some thought and check it out with your bra on as well as off. Having said this, with my bra off I have very well matched nipples. I'd thought I would get a tattoo eventually, but I really don't feel bothered about this now. My breast looks so good with it's new nipple that I feel very content with things as they are.
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01-05-2017
10:52
So, I went for a nipple recon after much deliberation, mainly because I needed a general anaesthetic for a 'tidy up' on my LD flap scar, so thought I might as well have a nipple too. I did not expect to be so emotional the following day when I looked down to see a nipple projecting from my recon boob. I
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25-01-2017
10:06
Jayne, that's so kind of you to post. I will search out the link as if I am not suitable for any kind of tissue recon nipple then I would really like a 3D tatoo. I wonder if anyone has used the service and can give feedback? Will defo give feedback if I go down the tatoo route if not suitable for nipple recon. thanks Jayne. cal
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25-01-2017
09:59
Thanks Mrs B, thats good to know. If I am able to have a nipple graft then it does sound like the way forward. I've been reading earlier threads about nipple recon and mostly people are very pleased with nipple grafting. However, I have a feeling that I won't be suitable. We'll see ... cal
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21-01-2017
11:47
Thanks for that riversidedawn, Do you know whether your friend used a hospital tatoo service or someone separate? it sounds like a really good idea to have that done but I'm not sure how you find a suitable tatooist. How long did it take for your friend's scars to heal after the tissue nipple recon? I've assumed I would be able to return to work pretty much the day after surgery, with plenty of dressings and padding over the new nipple. 3D tatooing does sound like a very good option if I can't have a tiisue recon nipple, or decide against it for other reasons. i thought this would be such a straightforward decision after the much bigger decision about whether to have a breast recon after mastectomy, yet so far I'm finding it almost as complex. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences, much appreciated. cal
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15-01-2017
09:16
Hi all, 6 months post MX with LD flap recon it's time to start thinking about nipple recon. My remaining breast also had cancer (small but moderately aggressive ductal) so I've had a successful WLE on that side along with radiotherapy. My query is, will this rule me out for a nipple graft? Does anyone know? Also, those of you who have had a nipple recon via other tissue, how realistic does it feel? I'm imagining that a silicon nipple made from a mould/cast of your remaining nipple will be very lifelike, maybe more so than a tissue recon? Anyone had experience of both tell me which they preferred? I'm hedging towards a tissue recon as I don't want the fuss of having to remember to attach and then detach a silicon nipple, but would probably decide against it if I knew that the end result was not really very 'nipple like'. Any feedback gratefully received. Many thanks Cal
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11-12-2016
10:42
Hi Lynne, i had single LD recon 5 months ago. The only really uncomfortable pain I had was after the last drain came out. It was agony. Could not sleep. Could not sit, stand, walk - hate taking oramorph so just dosed up on paracetamol (which brought only the slightest relief) and just gritted my teeth and put up with it for over a week. I think it was brought about by having to sit and lie in a very awkward position because of the drains. So when the last drain came out my muscles and tendons went into spasm until things realigned as normal. The pain was down my op side - rob cage to hip. Have you spoken to your BCN? Might be worth asking them what they think your pain might be. Good luck. Hope it gets sorted soon. cal
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04-12-2016
11:36
Hi Ladies, I had rads in May/June. Felt nothing for first 2 days but then the tiredness started. Fell asleep anywhere and everywhere. Probably slept 18 hours a day some days, and never less than 12, this went on for weeks after the rads had finished even though I followed all recommendations - exercise, drinking plenty of water etc. Although I'm now back at work full time (went back full time 6 weeks after single mx , 10 weeks after finishing rads) I still feel sleepy and tired at regular intervals. I am also aware that I get really puffed out very quickly if I exert myself for any length of time. But it is gradually improving. Hang in there. It will get better.
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04-12-2016
11:28
Had single mx in July with immediate recon (LD flap). 4 drains. Came home with 2. Put them in a shoulder bag and carried on with pretty much everything as normal - walking, shopping, Costa. Was tricky to hide the tubes as it was summer and everyone in t-shirts. But tucked the tubes under the belt of my jeans and kept them between my body and the bag, so very discreet. Mine drained most before leaving hospital. Really slowed down once I was at home. Good to keep them in whilst so much is draining as helps avoid seroma and haematoma. Bit grim seeing them draining - from time to time they'd splutter a bit. But got used to it. Worst bit was the day after they'd come out. I was in agony from having sat and slept so lopsidedly for 2 weeks - my body took several days to readjust. Good luck with everything.
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20-11-2016
11:27
Hi Debs, i had LD flap and implant back in July. Was not suitable for any other own tissue recons. Did briefly consider implants only but PS convinced me (without any 'pressure') that LD flap would give a much better result for me - 36D bra size and only a single mx so wanting to match my remaining boob. Mine was mx with immediate recon so not the same as you. However, in terms of the recon I am very pleased with the outcome, on many levels. Firstly, in clothing you'd never know the difference. Secondly, even without clothing it's a pretty good match, if still a bit scarred and nipple-less! Recovery was much quicker than I expected. Basically, just went home and got on with life, albeit at a slow pace to begin with, and of course, no heavy lifting or very strenuous stuff. But was back at work full time less than 2 months later ( would have gone back sooner if it had not bernar for radiotherapy). Finally, all my fears about using my affected arm and shoulder were unfounded. I do everything I did before, including heavy lifting. The only thing Zi've noticed is that pushing up with that arm, say when getting out of am armchair, feels a bit odd, but I'm not doing my exercises anymore so maybe they'd help. whatever you decide, good luck. The ladies on here were a great help to me leading up to the op. I'd also offer to share pics of my op results but am not sure how to - will give it a go if it would help you though. take care cal
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15-11-2016
12:07
Hi Coco, i had had same op as you in July. I don't have a creae and think that if I did I would be asking the BC team what was causing it as it does not sound right that you are uncomfortable in a bra. My new boob has drooped slightly too now, but it looks and feels very natural. The only time it looks a bit different is first thing in the morning when I've been lying on my side and then I find the implant can be oddly shaped for a few minutes, but still no creases. Hope you get an explanation and positive solution. Good luck. Caroline
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14-11-2016
11:54
Hi Jo, hope things are improving every day. I managed a shallow bath 7 days after surgery. Getting into the bath with 2 drains in was relatively easy but I needed a hand to get back out again. It was so lovely just to lie in clean water for a few minutes though. My surgeon was insistent on leaving the last drain in until 10'days post op so that reduced chance of haematoma and/or seroma. Once all drains were out and wounds healed I could not wait to have a shower even though I found it very uncomfortable being braless even for a few moments, every day felt a bit better though. I too was a bit swollen under my arm. The bruising and swelling took several weeks to really start to go down. However, I had very little pain. Good luck with the rest of your recovery and enjoy that first post op bath. caroline
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02-11-2016
11:28
Thanks Bel, yes, everything has been amazing. I've made an excellent recovery from surgery and feel completely back to normal really, though occasionally I have some odd tingles around the op site which the BCN says is completely normal and usually nerves trying to reconnect. Not enjoying some of the adjuvant therapies though. Been taking Anastrozole and finding the side effects with muscle and tendon pain really aggravating. Before I had my op I put loads of microwave meals and fruit yoghurts I n the fridge so that I always had something easy to eat. Maybe not the healthiest eating choices but it was only for a week or so. Found this helpful as my appetite was variable in between bouts of dozing! Became addicted to Yeo Valley raspberry yoghurt though! Think the general anaesthetic alters your sense of taste for a while and so the only thing that tasted good to me was the yoghurt! Anyway, best of luck Bel.
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01-11-2016
11:35
Hello Bel, i had a single mx with LD flap recon and small implant in July. Was in hospital for 3 days. Was expecting to have various people at home most of the day helping but in the event it seemed like a waste of their time as I was dressing, washing etc independently, making tea/coffee no trouble at all and cooked a simple meal for myself when hungry on my first day home. In between doing 'stuff' I slept a lot on the sofa. So I just had people pop in once or twice a day, and phone to check if I needed anything. District nurses came in daily to check drains etc.i walked to the shops a week after the op ( with my drains in a bag). I tried to just get on with normal things so long as it felt comfortable. Getting in and out of the bath was the only thing I needed help with as I just could not get enough leverage on either arm to pull myself up and as I could not shower for a couple of weeks due to the drains that was a frustration. i think everyone is different though. I am fiercely independent and resent being unable to do things for myself so it was no surprise to friends and family that life went back to normal pretty quickly for me. don't know if this helps you? I'd suggest you need to have someone around at night time as getting in and out of bed with drains in can be tricky. Sleeping in bed was uncomfortable for me so I sent my other half off to the spare bed until after the drains were our. Good luck with your op and wishing you a speedy recovery afterwards.
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22-10-2016
11:21
Hi Jo, i'm 3 months post surgery - LD flap and smallish implant. Everything has healed up amazingly well. Scars fading. New boob is good size and shape match for my remaining breast. Life went back to normal very quickly after the op. .happy to answer any questions you may have if it helps. caroline
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21-09-2016
12:43
Hi Milasmummy, it's such a personal decision, isn't it. We're all different in how we feel. For me I could not imagine being without one breast so knew from the outset that I wanted a recon. I was very concerned about DIEP - length of op, length of recovery, complications etc but in the end asked to have the op. Mother Nature then intervened and I was told I was not suitable. To be honest, I am now relieved not to have put myself through such surgery. However, I then had to choose between straight implants (with supporting mesh) or LD flap. I wavered for a while - LD flap sounded terrifying what with moving a muscle and most likely also needing a small implant to match my new boob to the remaining one. But I eventually decided that as I would be getting an implant either way I might as well go for the better looking end result of the LD flap. So pleased I did. I have a very well matched new boob. It's only just over two months ago that I had the op, but everything is settling down so well now that for most of the time I am not aware of my new boob or the scar on my back. All the scars are so well healed and I've been back doing everything as normal now for at least the last 4 weeks. As you say you have a smaller bust you might not need an implant at all if you keep to your current bust size. Anyway, hope you settle on a decision that feels right for you and that everything works out as well for you as it has for me. caroline
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21-09-2016
12:25
Hi Debbie, i had LD flap recon just over 2 months ago now. My 'new' breast felt hard for several weeks but is now much softer and has dropped slightly so is a very realistic match for the remaining breast. I've still got a haematoma on my back near one of the drain exits, but it's shrinking now. I've been back to work for several weeks and doing everything else as normal too so am very pleased with the outcome. If your scar site is swelling best to get the BCN to check it out for you. Good luck. Hope things soon settle down for you. Caroline
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13-08-2016
12:26
Hi powdow, what a dreadful story. Can't believe that you breast care team are giving you such a rough time. Waiting for any op is agonising, but cancer intensifies that. Had something show up on mammogram in Jan 2015 but despite several attempts could not get a positive biopsy. Had further biopsies at start of this year. My diagnosis was at the end of January - breast cancer in both breasts. My first ops were a month later - two WLEs and one SNB. results showed invasive ducal in one breast (with clear margins) and DCISin other breast (without clear margins). SNB clear. I needed radiotherapy on one side and a mastectomy on the other. The MX was 5 months post diagnosis and I was okay with this as I needed to get the radiotherapy completed on the invasive side first and whilst this was happening could work out whether or not I wanted a recon on the other side. Have now had my op. Have been lucky that although the DCIS has increased it has not changed to an invasive cancer so the delay has not been a problem for me. But guess this all depends on the type of cancer you have really. Hope everything works out well for you. X
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