Hi Nicki - I just finished doing a long reply to you and its disappeared! So I'll try again and hope my original reply doesn't somehow end being posted so you'd have 2 for the price of 1. 🤣 I was diagnosed with IDC and DCIS of my right breast in August 2018 and had a right sided mastectomy at the end of September 2018 with a tissue expander implant. Like you there was a small amount of saline inserted in the expander in theatre. I then had weekly 'fills' of 50cc of saline each appointment for 6 weeks, until it reached the appropriate size. At each fill as the skin was being stretched it did feel sore and uncomfortable for a few days, but I only needed to take a couple of paracetomol, and they did the trick. I had my last 'fill' in November 2018 and then had to wait for 3 months for it all to settle into place and went back in February 2019 to see the consultant, at that point I was put on a waiting list to have the exchange surgery - to get the expander exchanged for a more softer natural silicone implant. I was told it would be 3 months to wait for the op but it ended up 6 months! I was at my wits end by this point as the expander never really felt comfortable, it always felt hard and the port was sticking in me and I was aware of it constantly. I was phoning the hospital every few weeks to see if I was any higher up the list to get the exchange done - but as it wasn't seen as urgent I was told it would be when it would be. It was only after I had a complete melt down on the phone that things got moving and i had the exchange surgery in August last year. I was so relieved to have the expander gone and the new silicone implant is much better, softer and more natural The breast still doesn't look too great in my opinion, as I have a lot of puckering and large dent in it - but its better that still having cancer, so I'm grateful for that. I have an appointment next Wednesday with the cosmetic surgeon to see about having a reduction and uplift of my left breast, which will hopefully give me some symmetry - as I'm VERY lopsided at the moment, he might even be able to do something about the puckering and dentin my 'new' breast if i'm lucky. I also want to eventually have a new nipple created or tattoo'd or something - but I'm taking one step at a time. I'm on letzerole, too, and will be for 5 years (well another 4 years for me now - 1 year down and 4 to go 👍 ) It's perfectly normal to feel sorry for yourself - I still get periods like that now - so if you need to cry or rant - go for it - you're entitled to it I reckon. 😍 I feel like its all taking forever, but I'm getting there. If I can help any further let me know and keep us updated with your progress. Take care and stay strong. Lots of love Helen 💕
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