What is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is cancer of breast tissue. Worldwide, it is the most common form of cancer in females, affecting approximately one out of eleven to twelve women at some stage of the...
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Delayed reconstruction
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OK, so I spoke with the plastic surgeon yesterday to go over my pre-op flight check. Everything looks good.
He says I can expect to feel like I pulled a muscle in my right chest (single mastectomy reconstruction) and someone else described it as feeling like a horse kicked you. I didn't expect it to be a big deal because my mastectomy last year was really no big deal - sore for a few days and the drain was annoying but no real pain (against my expectations). What freaked me out a bit was that he sent in the post-op pain med scrip to my pharmacy to be picked up before the surgery to have on hand when I get home. I have never had a scrip given in anticipation of discomfort. This plastic surgeon is not the same surgeon that did my mastectomy last year and this office seems to be more in tune with provding complete care from beginning to follow-up and beyond. Has anyone out there had a delayed single reconstruction? If so, can you give me some perspective on how things worked out for you? I go in Thursday morning and I find myself uncharacteristically nervous. I know I'll pull through just fine - always do, but I do best when I know what to expect - whatever it is. That is what got me through my cancer treatment. Thanks! - Diane Posted on 07/14/09, 11:07 am |
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Sorry, Diane, I started the reconstruction process at the same time as my double mastectomy. My cancer surgeon was in the room with my plastic surgeon.
What I can say is this. Relax. Breathe. Yes, it's kind of painful, but only kind of. The stretching of the muscle, the tissue, the chest wall. It sometimes feels like you are sleeping with a boulder on your chest - 2 in my case. But here's the light at the end of the tunnel - I've been told that once the expanders are out and the permanent implants in - total relief. 
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Thanks for the info! I'll remember the sleeping with boulders on your chest comment. Very vivid.
I was also told that, once the expanders are out, the implants are much smaller and smoother so the body feels quite relieved at the change. I'm REALLY looking forward to getting to that point. In the mneantime i'll just chill and take this one step at a time. Thanks again! - Diane
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I started the reconstruction at the same time of the mastectomy. They put in expanders. This was great as it took away an addl surgery to put them in. Ny plastic surgeon has been great and yes gave me scripts for pain and antiboitics to have filled before surgery.
Tips. post op make sure you have button up shirts on snaps. a recliner works great to rest but one that is simple so you do not have to use your arms. Nite sleeping I got a bean bag chair and placed it at head of the bed. This allowed my head to be raised and support all around me since you have to sleep on your back. Now 2 weeks ago I had the expanders removed and the implants put in. Only painful area was my sides since the plastic surgeon did some lipo on the sides and contur them more. At same time while I was under I had him remove a few moles on my face. GREAT results minimal scars and it was to do while I was out. I have realy felt good through the whole process and steps opf my reconstruction. So glad I did it from the beginning. Next step for me is skin graphs to creat nipples and then tatoos around them for the aroura. All ther best HUGS> Marcia
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Thanks so much for your reply! The part about sleeping with the bean bag at the head is a great idea! I'm not a good back sleeper so that will really help.
I would have loved to start the reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy; however, they were all certain I would need radiation and the plastic surgeon advised I could not have radiation with the expanders in because of the metal around the fill ring - so they'd just have to take them back out before radiation. Turns out I didn't need radiation after all so i have this 'extra' surgery to get te expander put in. I'd love to have a few other things done while I'm out but I'm sticking to just the expander for now. Thanks again for your info! I'm feeling much less nervous today. - Diane
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Hi Diane, I think that speaks highly for your plastic surgeon. They are thinking ahead and making sure you are comfortable as possible when you come home. Sounds like his office is on top of things...thats great IMO. I wish more doctors were like that.
I can only imagine how nervous you must be. It's always nice to hear from others what to expect...I'm like that too. For some reason my breast surgeon nor anyone in his office ever offered me recon when I was first dx? I was so freaked out it didn't even cross my mind. I found out they are suppose to tell you all your options and I should of been set up to see a plastic surgeon...but it never happened. I would of perferred to have recon at the same time as my mastectomy. I'll be sending you lots of positive thoughts Thrusday. Wishing you a fast recovery. Update us when you feel up to it. Hang in there. Chelee
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Thank you for all your thoughts and support.
Yes, my doctors have been tops and I knew all my options. They suited my personality because I made EVERY decision from the options they gave me and I asked questions until I fully understood what I was facing - then still hit a bunch of unexpected crap. I don't feel too bad about that because my weird effects stumped the professionals as well and they see this stuff every day ( except for MRSA staph infections in the calf, allergic reactions that appear up to 8 days after infusion, clusters of carbuncles that come and go in the pubic region [oh yeah, they do see that one], etc.) In any event, my expander is firmly in place with 200 ccs of fluid and I'm on track to get my first fill on Wednesday, July 29th, so all is well in my world right now. I'm not on the computer all that much these days but I do miss all of you and hope you are well! - Diane
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