Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Coconutbean,  I was very keen to start swimming too after my surgery, but was advised not to even contemplate it until my wounds were completely sealed and healed. Lots of germs lurking in swimming pools apparently! So probably best leave it for now, sorry! x ... View more

Thanks Smash73. I'd prefer to have a nipple of sorts because the front of my foob is quite flat so having something which actually raises its profile (literally) would be great, but if the results are poor and it often or quickly goes flat, maybe it's not worth all the extra messing....would be nice not to have another surgery if you know what I mean! x ... View more

 Tigerfeet,   I had a skin sparing left mastectomy and immediate LD Flap reconstruction last summer. Then I had further surgery last month to correct a few problems such as removal of a large lump at the end of my incision site on my side (called a ‘dog ear’ apparently!), re-fashioning the wound/scar on the breast, and finally some lipofilling  to fill a dent above the foob. So I can tell you about the lipofilling part of your op.    They took the fat from my hips (I have plenty of it there and I did tell them to take more than they needed, but alas I am no slimmer! 😆 )  I was warned about the bruising but even so, I was unprepared for the extent of it. My hips, belly and backside turned some very pretty colours, and the bruising was very painful and tender for a week before it gradually faded.  I wasn’t given or told to wear a girdle or anything,  though I’ve heard some others on the forum mention it after having lipofilling.     I’m now pretty much healed and my other procedures have worked well but the results of the Lipofilling are a bit disappointing.  Now the swelling has subsided the dent is a little better, but actually it doesn’t look massively different.  I think my body has reabsorbed the filling a lot, so they could have been a bit more generous with the filling but I guess it’s hard to predict how much reabsorption will occur  and how much fat is needed. I’ll see what the surgeon thinks when I see him next week for my 8 week check.  I don’t regret having it done though and I hope the results for yours are more satisfying.  Good luck with it all!  xx   ... View more

Hi Jane, Many thanks for that, I'll follow your suggestions! It's difficult because I do feel a bit rushed but on the other hand there's no point in having delays to treatments if they can be avoided...   I'll let you know and meanwhile will be sure to enjoy my last 'intact' weekend away!   thanks, Smodge xx ... View more

Hi Whitelily, Thanks, and thank you for sharing your experience, I really appreciate that. I've heard mostly negative things  on other threads about LD reconstructions from poor ladies who've had a dreadful experience with it, and it really got me worried. I realise that those who've had a positive outcome are less likely to be shouting from the rooftops about it (since they aren't troubled with it and are progressing with their recoveries) but because of that, I'd heard more bad than good stuff which was making me concerned and to be honest I am starting to doubt whether a reconstruction is worth it, given it seems to have caused more harm than good for a lot of people. So it's really good to hear it's you'd recommend it and had good mobility, even if the implant has caused problems since. I'm sorry to hear that and that your long reconstruction journey still isn't over.   Have you had any problems with the TRAM? Any trouble with your core/abdominal muscles which impact your daily movement, life or hobbies etc? My BCN has mentioned people who can't get up off the floor, out of the bath, or having difficulty swiming and exercising etc even after physio. It's not an appealing thought - I'm not yet 50 and don't want to feel like an OAP, that will come soon enough!! xx   ... View more

Hi Jane, Glad to hear the lymph nodes were clear and you have a plan for treatment all set up. My situation is similar, having been diagnosed 2 weeks ago with DCIS in my left breast. I had sentinal node removal op last week and am awaiting the results now. I need an MX and want an immediate reconstruction so I saw my BCN yesterday and we went through options for the recon and I wrestling with that issue at the moment.   Unfortunately I can't have the DIEP I wanted (due to my BMI being a bit too high) so it looks like the best (or at least safest) option is the LD flap with lipo filling, which is what you've opted for. I can have a TRAM but it's much more risky and both procedures come with muscle weakness as a likely long term outcome, which concerns me somewhat. It's hard to know which one would be best. Tbh I like the idea of the mini tummy tuck which comes with the TRAM (some small compensation for the loss of a breast!) though obviously that's not a good enough reason in itself to choose that option! Apparently I need to make a decision in the next day or so, so I'm feeling a bit stressed about the potential ramifications of my decision and my head's a bit mashed. The op will probably be in a week or 2's time. (apparently they act quickly in Chorley, which is great in many ways, but it does feel a bit like I'm on a runaway train!)   Anyway, I hope your op goes well in August. I think it's a good idea to schedule it around the wedding and little weekend get away because It will give you something fun to focus on and you can have a nice break before the other 'fun' starts! I'd had a similar thought and have booked an overnight break this weekend in Llandudno, so I can chill out by the sea and have a bit of quality time with my hubby before it all kicks off! If I were you I'd definately take the time off to relax before your op (it's the least you deserve) but obviously you know what's best for you. Take care,  Smodge xx     ... View more