Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Angie I had LD recon with implant just over a year ago at same time as Mx and SLNB so don't know about waiting time. In hospital 5 days, 2 of which were in high dependency, my blood pressure dropped after op. I had an epidural pain block in for 3 days which was amazing, catheter , 2 drains which came out after a week. In hospital didn't feel like doing much, games on phone and trashy magazines you don't have to read. Walked around in hospital with my infusion pump (tea trolley in corridor so great excuse to keep mobile). At home V shaped pillow, bed whenever I felt like it, shower with drains hanging on door knob. Walked the dog after a week, drove after 5 (right side, difficult to reverse), work from home for myself so started slowly. Very important to do exercises. Had a lot of swelling which took a few months to go down. Very pleased with result, scar on back doesn't show and I don't think about it. Recon is really nice shape, have cleavage, can wear almost anything. Sometimes still have aches and "pulled muscle" sensations and sometimes still wake if turning awkwardly in bed. Am still gardening, decorating, picking up 2yr old grandchild etc. Also had previous radiotherapy which apparently can affect recovery , scars slower to heal maybe but bio oil is wonderful and plain moisturiser. Have got to the point when I don't think about it too much, was told it takes a year to fully recover and I think that's about right. If you need any other info please pm. Helen x ... View more

Hi Fran, What you are feeling is perfectly normal but don't worry and trust your doctors and BCNs. I was diagnosed with High grade DCIS just over 2 years ago through a routine mammogram, recalled for another scan a week later. Ended up having ultrasound and biopsy at the same time and hadn't a clue what was going on. I had a wire guided lumpectomy a few weeks later, but needed another to get clear margins. Then 15 sessions of radiotherapy. Unfortunately a year later at my next routine mammogram the DCIS was found to have returned so I had a mastectomy and immediate LD flap and implant reconstruction. Nothing else, no chemo, no hormones. I think with DCIS, surgery and radiotherapy are all you need and really it's not as bad as you think. Just take 1 day at a time, cry when you want to and don't worry, you will enjoy your children for many years to come. The surgeons know exactly what they are doing and are trying to prevent the cancer from developing further. You will be looked after for quite a few years. If you have questions for them write them down and don't worry about how silly they seem. This forum is also great and there are many ladies who have been through treatment to give you advice and support. Good luck and stay positive. Helen x ... View more

Hi, I got the antibiotics just in case....haven't had to use them Helen ... View more

Hi LuckyLass, I had a Mx with LD recon and SLNB exactly a year ago and developed lymphoedema a few weeks later. Thankfully it seemed to be a temporary post op blockage and went away in March but I am very aware it may return at any time. I use a gauntlet glove by Town and Country, they go more than 1/2 way up my forearm and are made of a good soft but thick leather. I have used them for a few years with no problems. I saw your post in the other section where you mentioned antibiotics. I got a phone appt with my GP and after explaining what I needed he was only too glad to give me a course. I am also quite aware of insect bites and use a jungle strength repellent on my arm. Maybe overkill but I've been bitten in other places but not there. Hope you find your gloves. Helen xx ... View more

Hi Mel, I'm 11 months post mastectomy with immediate LD flap reconstruction and permanent silicon implant. I remember at the time feeling so confused, overwhelmed and panicking about the decision I had to make so quickly ( I had recurrence of High Grade DCIS and no option but Mx after previous treatment). All I knew was I wanted an immediate recon if possible, and I made the right decision for me. 1 op, came home looking normal, and because it was DCIS no further treatment. What I didn't know and couldn't really find out were the long term implications, everyone I asked said it would take a year. Well, not quite but almost. It is a big operation, it was 5 weeks before I was driving, housework was put on hold, I had help for a few weeks and I was very tired and swollen. The exercises are incredibly important to keep doing , they seem so easy now but at the time it was a real struggle with some of them. I kept reaching "levels" with my mobility and thinking is that it? And then things would improve again. I think in the last 3 months I am finally there. I am as mobile as I was before, I have had no problems with my back other than a seroma which was drained a couple of times. The scar on my back is about 4 inches long and hidden under my bra and I don't even think about it. The reconstruction is a great shape, I was and still am a 36B, have an elliptical scar from armpit to below where the nipple was and again , can be covered. I have sensation on the cleavage side of the breast, the outside where the muscle is just feels like implant. I have reduced sensation in my armpit, part of my back and upper arm but nothing that can't be lived with. I think the main side effect which lasted a lot longer than expected was swelling and even now if I overdo things I get a little. I am active, work part time and look after my 18 mth old granddaughter the rest with all the lifting and crawling about that entails. Even though at the time I said only one operation I have decided to get the other side lifted to match and will be seeing my surgeon next week to hopefully sort that out. As you said, you have to consider the long term implications of your treatment and not just how it feels in the first few weeks. I hope this has been of some help, if you need any more info let me know. Take care H xx ... View more

I had DCIS with 2x WLEs in 2012 and radiotherapy, and then mastectomy and recon last year, still due to DCIS. I have recently been on a "thank goodness everything's over I need to get away" holiday to SE Asia and tried several companies for insurance. My previous insurers through my bank wouldn't cover the condition or anything associated with it even though I told them everything was now sorted. I tried Insure pink and they would, surprisingly,only give me limited cover with a hefty premium. I ended up with LV Insurance, bought the policy online and in the initial health screening said I had had DCIS. The following questions were, was surgical treatment more than 3 months ago? Has there been a progression to breast cancer? If the answers are yes and no they will cover you. I also phoned to check because I was so surprised it was that easy and they were really helpful. I got a world wide excluding US annual policy for £80. Helen x ... View more

Hi katytc, I made a phone appointment with my doctor before I went away and he had no problem giving me the antibiotics. I also took antiseptic wipes etc, luckily didn't need to use them. Make sure you wear a sleeve when flying long haul. A strange thing happened though. The temperature on holiday was in the mid 30s and I was expecting the swelling in my arm to get worse. It practically disappeared! 🙂 ... View more

A similar situation to me I think. Diagnosed with high grade DCIS June 2013 with 2 WLEs within 4 wks. Then a course of radiotherapy and I thought that was that. Diagnosed at my 1st annual check up with a recurrence of 40mm of high grade and micro invasions and had to have a mastectomy and SNB with 2 nodes removed. I wanted an immediate reconstruction and was offered an LD flap and had a permanent implant at the same time because of not enough tissue on my back. 6 months on and I am really pleased with the outcome. Two scars have never really bothered me, the one on my back is so neat and out of sight and I haven't really had any problems with it. The implant has settled down and is a good shape. My only problem is because I had the Mx after radiotherapy I have developed mild lymphodaema in my arm which is more annoying than the after effects of the operation. With hind site I wish I had had the Mx after the first WLE, without the need for rads. I also find it interesting how different surgeons offer different treatments. I was told an expander implant wouldn't be right for me because I had had rads, yet other ladies are told they can't have permanent implants for the same reason. I have to agree with previous posts though about it being your choice. Recovery is long, especially if you are going for one of the bigger operations. It's only now that I am feeling more normal and looking back I realise what an effect the operation had on me, both physically and mentally. You have to be prepared to take any help offered, do the exercises and don't be over ambitious. It really is personal because it is you that has to cope with the after effects. I wish you well and hope that you make the best decision for you and you get the reconstruction you want. Helen xx ... View more

Hi K M, I'm in the same position as you, LD flap and implant but mine was done a little earlier in July. I know some surgeons say wait a year before trying an under wired bra but mine said I could wear one if I wanted. I tried a few weeks ago and it was very uncomfortable but tried again just a few days ago and it was much better. I couldn't wear it all day though and I felt it didn't give as much support but was so nice to wear something normal again. I have found a post surgery bra which is a good compromise though. An Anita bra called Nastasja which has a band underneath, gives medium support and shape and is quite pretty. I also got a Bestform padded bra which evens out the difference in size of the 2 sides. Don't throw your bras out yet, I'm sure in a few more weeks you will be able to wear them, I think it takes time for the muscle to relax and the implant to drop. Hope your recovery is going well. Helen xx ... View more

Hi Anne, I had mastectomy and immediate LD recon a few months ago and still have some oedema. Having tried loads of bras in a specialist shop I found the only one that was supportive and comfortable with the sweling was Nastasje by Anita. It has medium support, no wires or boning and comes in black, white and skin colour and is quite pretty. I found it true to size if you can't get it fitted. It has pockets if you want to put some padding in one cup too. They are expensive but shop around on the internet, Woods of Morecambe have a sale on at the moment. Hope this helps. Helen x ... View more

Hi Gilly, In answer to your question how long after? My mx and recon was 9 months after rads. My skin has healed beautifully and 4 months on my scar is beginning to fade. The only problem I have had is with lingering fluid retention which I was told is a problem with irradiated skin but that is also now going. I think from what I learnt and what everyone else has said, moisturising well is essential, at least twice a day. And it also lessens the effects during rads, maybe some surgeons are reluctant to do corrective surgery on irradiated skin whereas a mx is classed as essential? However if surgery wasnt possible I wouldn't have been offered an immediate recon and as mine has definitely worked I don't see why anyone wanting any type of surgery shouldn't get it. Helen ... View more

Hi Mary, I also had WLEs x 2 and 15 sessions of rads last year. After recurrence this summer I have had a mastectomy with immediate LD flap and implant. My skin is fine, I did make sure during rads that I kept it really well moisturised with aqueous cream, before, during and after treatment. I was told that I would have been able to have DIEP recon too ( but my hospital doesn't do it) but wouldn't be suitable for expander implant because of rads. Hope this helps, Helen x ... View more

Hi RevCat, thanks for replying. I think I was at a very low point the other day, thinking I was going backwards rather than improving. A better day today, have been discharged by the physio because arm movement is back to normal so I am heading in the right direction again. I am actually very pleased with my recon, the side that isn't swollen (luckily cleavage side) looks great and I saw it immediately after my op when it was the right size and it was amazing. Hopefully everything will settle down in a few weeks. Thanks again, Helen x ... View more

OOLONG ( just found this thread, never looked at this bit of the forum) ... View more

Hi, I am 3 months post op and mine has started to drop. I am expecting it to settle further but I still have some swelling so that may affect it. I was told 6-12 months for it to settle properly and not to consider getting the other side lifted to match till a year. Is looking very good though, I am very pleased so far. ... View more

Hi San, I had mastectomy and LD reconstruction, you didn't say what type you were having? I stayed in hospital 4 nights and would agree with Poemsgalores list. I took 2 lots of pjs with a baggy t shirt top ,short sleeves because you will constantly be giving blood samples or blood pressure cuffs need putting on. I also had a nighty with buttons right down the front, Primark and Tescos do them, just make sure they are loose enough. With drains in though pyjamas are best once you start moving around which is fairly soon. Slippers, dressing gown, juice, something very easy to read or word puzzles. I found my concentration lacking for a couple of days. Face cloths and soap, I couldn't have a shower because of dressings and drains and the nurses washed my back for me, apparently was covered with something pink from theatre so needed to get it off. You won't need towels, they will give you those. Loose change, dry shampoo, hairbrush, moisturiser. Stretch crop top bras are good because they are easy to get on and don't interfere with the drains. Something very comfy to come home in , you won't be able to put your arm high to get clothes on. A small cushion for the car to pad the seatbelt. I also took my phone and played mindless games on it. And take a sense of humour and some patience, it can be so boring, you will sleep a lot. As to how I felt afterwards, surprisingly good. Plenty of pain relief, difficult to move myself around the bed because I couldn't lean on my affected arm. I did have an issue in that my BP dropped and I was being constantly monitored for that and on a drip but after 24hrs was fine. And once you get home you will feel so much better. You just have to remember to take it very easy at first and do nothing strenuous. Good luck with your op. Helen xx ... View more

Hi ladies, last year after my lumpectomies I told my insurers ( policy through my bank ) about my surgery and they were very inflexible. I didnt even have the option of paying an excess, they just said that everything relating to cancer of any description, side effects from treatment and surgery weren't covered. Tried explaining what DCIS is and that having had clear margins i was clear but they wouldn't budge. I have since cancelled that policy and will get another when I need one. I have seen the thread about insurers and it seems there are some very understanding companies out there. It's a shame most insurers use a standard health questionnaire. ... View more

Hi Nally, I had two lumpectomies last year and didn't really have a problem with either of them. Both were day cases and after a few days felt fine. Driving by 2 weeks and doing everything normally. I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy at a hospital 30 miles away and drove myself there every day. Towards the end of the treatment I was beginning to feel tired and a week after it finished I definitely was, but it may have also have had something to do with the driving? I have since had a mastectomy and recon and look back on my lumpectomy experience as relatively quite easy, although it obviously isn't. I think you will be ok with 2 weeks off especially if you can get lifts to the radiotherapy. Hopefully you have an understanding boss? Good luck ,Helen xx ... View more

Dear Denise, don't worry, it really does get better. I had right mastectomy with LD flap recon and implant, and SLNB 8 weeks ago having previously had 2 lumpectomies last year. I can sympathise with not being comfortable, for the first couple of weeks I kept trying to find the best place to sit, having fluid build up in my back didn't help. Lots of cushions around me helped and sleeping sitting up with plenty of pillows and my arm raised on one too. I also know about the arm movement. I have been very conscientious about doing the exercises and struggled, even though I am fit and had excellent range of movement before the op. I found that progress wasn't gradual. It was in jumps. Suddenly I had movement where I had struggled before. To be honest it still isn't perfect. I could do everything except raise my arm above my head but 2 days ago it suddenly went and now when "walking up the wall" my hands are at the same level. I still have some way to go I think but can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I think my problem has been because of fluid in the breast which is starting to go down properly now. Otherwise I have recovered well. The scar on my back is healing well and not causing problems. My mastectomy scar is looking good (is quite high running from just below armpit because of previous scars but doesn't show with a bra on). I started driving at 5 weeks, couldn't reverse before that although no problem with gears and brake obviously. My advice Denise is take it slowly. Rest when you need to and don't overdo things. If you need painkillers take them, if you are more comfortable you will recover better. And I cried, not often but memorably for a whole day,weeks after my op when I wasn't expecting it, it's a huge thing you have been through and you need time to get over it. Keep going and good luck and you aren't alone. Helen xx ... View more