Breast Cancer Now Forum

My LD back flap operation is now 16 weeks ago. I can sleep in any position that I want it's very comfortable. The aches and the v pillow disappeared at about 6 weeks for me. X ... View more

I had a Mx and immediate LD back flap with implants reconstruction 16 weeks ago. It was the best decision for me, 1 am 52 and 38c my new boob looks great, feels like me and I am now back to doing most things that I did before this nightmare began. I go the gym 2 -3 times a week and walk my dogs for an hour daily. It is a long operation, i was in theatre nearly 10 hours and in , hospital for 7 days but I was never really in any pain. You are extremely restricted with arm movement for the first 6 weeks. If you want to know anything else just post again or message me ...happy to share my experiences. Hope tHis helps. Xx ... View more

Emzp1. I am so pleased for you xxxxx Jojo9 I am thinking about you, how did your appointment go? Xxxxxx ... View more

Hi Emma. I had a Mx and an immediate Ld backflap with implant. I am52 size 38c and have 2 knee replacements Now 6 years oLd. I am active and walk my two collies 1 hour every day longer at weekend and go to the gym 3 -4 times a week so like you I wanted the quickest recovery option. I was thinking implants myconsultant suggested ld as ths would give me the best result and needed only 1 major op. the op did take 9 hours I was in hospital for 6 days! 4 drains all were removed before I left the hospital. Your arm movement is restricted for 6 weeks so button through tops are essential. I was driving at 6 weeks, back to work at 10 weeks i am a part time teacer. I have just had my 12 week check up and I can honestly say I am very nearly back to normal. My new boob looks great, my shape is brill and I am really pleased with the result. the best choice fOr me. I will be having the nipple recon and my first tattoo later in the year. Good luck with you op and decision. If you need any more information pease pm me or post. Xxxxxx ... View more

Oh Rainbow444 what a b****r. Keep your chin up at least you will be recovering during the nice weather. So nice gentle walks planned for June. Are you planning on going on a summer holiday? Just re reading your post, like mine the cancer appears to have been caught early, mine was diagnosed as DCIS following my first routine mammogram, not even a lump. With having 3 children under 6 do you have plenty of help at home. I was in hospital for 1 week, My hubby was off with me for the 2nd week and parents in law for the 3rd week I was then ok on my own, you may need help for a further week or so because of the children. Keep me posted. Xxxxxxx ... View more

Hi Carabel, yes the bra size sounds about right but also invest in a pack of bra extensions.Debenhams sellthem for £4.50 for apack of three proved invaluable. With regards to the clothing. Jogging bottoms are ok, but I only used button through tops as myconsultant insisted on no arm over head movements! So i wore button through nighties or Pjs with button tops/camosol tops For the first 24 hours they will inspect the blood flow to your front scars and back scars every 15 mins, so again something easy to remove. Good luck PM or post if you need any more info only pleased toshare my experiences. Xxxxxx ... View more

Hi FhiFhi, Nagging pain is the worst, i had two knee replacements 5 years ago and before the op lived with constant nagging pain for years so I can sympathise. Try the genie bra one size bigger and you should be able to step into the bra to put it on and take it off avoiding the over head arm movement, i still do that now! I am lucky with the recovery and also fortnuate that i didnt need chemo or rads as my cancer was caught very early by a routine mammogram - I am sure this all helped my recovery as well. Good luck with finding a comfy bra. Xxx ... View more

Hi FhiFhi, I had this op 12 weeks ago, so far so good. I have got back to the gym and just started 10 mins on the cross trainer which has really helped stretch the back muscle. I agree massage really helps too. With regards to bras I only use the genie bras and find they are really comfortable. As they have no hook and eyes (pull on/off bra) there is nothing to stab you and the back is very broad so again nodigging in to you. Good luck and I hope you get to a pain free place. Hugs to you x ... View more

Hi Rainbow444. So sorryyou are here and having to make this decision.My experiences are for 1 breast Not two, but thought i would share my experience as i know i wanted to have all the info to hand when i had to make the decision. I had an immediate LD backflap with implant 12 weeks ago on my right side. I am right handed. I was unsure as to what type of recon But went with what my consultant recommended. I am so pleased I did, result amazing my new breast now feels like me and the shape is amazing. I am 52 years of age and a 38c and all of this came about from a routine mammogram, no lump. I returned to the gym at 6 weeks just walking on the treadmill and cycling and now back to cross trainer as well. I have two dogs and walk over 1 hour each day. My operation took 9 hours and I was in hospital for 7 days. I had 4drains, all removed before I left the hospital one 1 urinary catheter in for I day. The first few days are tough, open front gowns onlyup you cannot lift yourarms more than 90 degrees for 6 weeks not even to put on a tshirt so plenty of open tops are needed. Support bras day and night for 12 weeks. Front fastening bras get you independant quicker. Extension packs are brilliant as you are swollen and I was using all three to start with. The back scar surprisingly is not soreunder a bra. Hair washing and drying is difficult, I cheated and had my hair cut short the week before the op so I could manage it myself and not rely on poor hubby to blow dry etc., I was drying my hair with a hair dryer myself around week 3. I showered the day after my op and every day after that, you can't use deodrant until after 6 weeks, I bought some Tisserand deodrant no alliminum and my consultant was happy for me to use that after 4 weeks. I am pleased with my decsion and given the choice again would do the same option. Feel free to PM me or pOst again if you need any more info. Good luck with all of this. ... View more

Hi Penguin 68. My op was on the 11th Jan, first 6 weeks are very limiting, e.g. No housework, ironing in fact anything that takes your arm above 90 degrees evenputting on a tshirt is out of the question, all button through tops. I did start at the gym exactly 6 weeks after the op just the treadmill and cycling. cross trainer was out until 11 weeks. So much progress is made between week 6 to 12. I have no pain and seem to be able to do most things that I did before. I think physio really helps and following the instructions entirely. Pm or post if you need any more info. Good luck x ... View more

Hi Rieswans and Bimble. I was told just before christmasthat I would need a MX and immediate reconstruction, following a routine mammogram. I am a 38C and decided to go for a LD back flap with implant. A difficult decision to make as I am active and was worried about returning to a normal life. I was thinking about Implants but after speaking to my consultant we went for the LD Back flap. I had the operation on the 11th Jan and have just had my 12 week check up. Fantastic results i am back to the gym for aerobic exercises 3 times a week including the cross trainer, i am walking at least for an hour every day and returned to work just part time after 10 weeks I am a teacher. I do have a big scar on my back but it does sit within the bra line. My next step is to have a nipple recons and the tattooing. My shape is just the same as before and my new boob looks and feels amazing. I am so pleased with the decision. If you decide on this op please feel free to PM or post again happy to share my experience with you. Good luck on your decisions. ... View more

Voyager, how did you get on, been thinking about you? Lazybird, waiting around, whetherfor appointments or treatments are the worst. Breast clinic appointments should be offered within 2 weeks so fingers crossed your appointment will be before Easter, try giving them a ring in the meantime lots of chocolate, films and pass times. Maggie is right, this forum is amazing and the help and support really helped me through the dark periods. Big hugs to you both. Xxxxxxxx ... View more

Hi Kimir. Please try not too worry I know it's difficult. You should be seen by the breast clinic within 2 weeks, try giving them a ring directly explaining how worried you are, you may get a cancellation appointment. You could also try calling the surgeons secretary again explaining yourconcerns. The waiting around whether for treatment or results is the hardest andsometimes feel like they are taking forever. In the meantime try to continue as normal with your little one, how old is he/she? Do you have anyone close to you that you can talk to. Big hugs to you xxxxxx ... View more

Hi Angiee, the waiting is horrible. fingers crossed for good results on the 08th. Big hugsx xxxxx ... View more

Hi Sue62. I had my slnb Nov followed by a a MX and immediate LD back flap reconstruction on jan 11th. I have just started physio two weeks ago and now have full movement in my arm. It is still a little un comfortable to stretch up and my physio says that the taut area is coming from my SLN not my MX, so yes try and get as much movement and flexibility before the op. Good luck with your op. What sort of reconstruction are you having? ... View more

Bigjil. How did today go? I have been thinking about you, the waiting for results and appointments are so scary......big hugs xxxxx ... View more

Hi Angie, I was also diagnosed after aroutine mammogram. The rapid breast clinic staff were great, professional and armed with lots of information. I had another mammogram, saw a doctor who explained to me their concerns with the problem area of the breast, this consultation was followed by a stereotactic core biopsy which was not painful as they inject local anaesthetic first. It does take about 30 to 40 minutes so can be uncomfortable. It took one week for the results to come through and I had to revisit the cLinic as they do not give results over the telephone. I was diagnosed with multi site DCIS, I was fortunate as the cancer had been caught very early. I am now 8 weeks post operative from a mastectomy and LD flap immediate reconstruction but don't need any further radio or chemo or hormones. Its good to hear that you have someone close to take with you. Whatever the outcome it is an emotional roller coaster aswaiting for diagnosis, treatment procedures is always an anxious time and i think the hardst part of the journey. I turned into a nervous wreck who thought about every aspect of cancer 24/7. Do stay positive, your lump may not be cancer, most lumps turn out to be ok but you are doing the best thing in getting it checked out. Please keep us posted and i will check back after the 20th. Praying for good news for you, Good luck and cyber hugs winging it's way to you. Xxxxx ... View more

Hi Storm 1, Thinking about you. How are you feeling? Big hugs to you xxxx ... View more

That is wonderful news, Thanks for sharing .......Go party girl......xxxxxxxx ... View more

hi Tigerpig and hibald. I had a mastectomy and an immediate ld back flap and implant, 5 weeks ago, I know it's early days but I am really pleased with my progress and the look of my new breast. The operation took 9 hours, I was in hospital for 6 days. I had a cathetor in for 24 hours and 4 drains that were all removed before I left hospital. I left hospital taking only paracetomals and codeine. Now 5 weeks later I am walking a couple of miles at the weekend with my husband and dogs and hoping to start driving next week. My physio starts on the 07th March. I can honestly say, since the operation I have not really been in pain, my new breast just feels different and uncomfortable. Please feel free to ask me any more questions or PM me, I am only too happy to share my experience. The support of others on here really helped me when I was making this important life changing decision. I am really pleased with my decision it was the right choice for me. Big hugs to both of you xxxxxxxxx ... View more