Hello,
6 months ago I had a mastectomy as I had high grade DCIS since then I’ve had multiple infections after exercise and they’re now talking about removing the implant . I don’t think after everything I’ve been through I can face removal. Has anyone had a similar experience?
Dear Peaceandlove.
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. I’m Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line
I am sorry to read that you have been having problems with infections following your mastectomy for a high-grade DCIS and reconstruction using an implant. It must be disappointing that it appears to be linked with exercise and you are facing the removal of your implant.
We cannot say for certain in your situation why this seems to be linked with exercise there could be a few reasons, including incomplete healing of the wound in the early stages of recovery.
With any operation, there are risks, such as infection. There are also some risks specific to implants. Up to 1 in 10 women (10%) need to have an implant removed within the first 3 months after surgery. After 9 months, this increases to 1 in 7 women (15%).
It is not common to have an infection in the tissue around the implant. But if this happens, as it has for you, the implant usually does need to be removed until the infection clears. Your infections are recurring, so it is likely that any antibiotics are not clearing this completely. The only way to successfully clear the infections would be to remove the cause, the implant itself.
I can appreciate the thought of this is very challenging especially at a time I would imagine you would be thinking of your recovery. Your surgeon will be thinking about the long term problems if you have repeated infections.
It will be important to sit down with them to have a detailed conversation about what is happening in your situation. This would be a chance for them to explain the decision-making process, to help you understand why this may be necessary, but also for you to ask why this has happened and about any other potential options.
I would also suggest speaking to your Breast care nurse about how you are feeling. This is a tough decision that you may be facing and talking it through with someone who has access to your medical notes may be helpful.
Sometimes it can be easier to talk with someone you do not know. You may feel less pressure to act a certain way. You may also feel safe knowing that they will not share the conversation with your friends or family.
You may also find our breast cancer forum helpful. Peer support can be helpful when faced with difficult information.
Please know that you can also give us a call on the support line to talk things through. It’s completely confidential and although we don’t have access to NHS records, we can talk to you in general terms about what is going on.
Take care and best wishes,
Isobel
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: IY/Khe
