Mastectomy and Reconstruction

Hiya sunshine-19 i had a mastectomy 4 weeks ago with immediate reconstruction using my back muscle. I was given a bra from the hospital. It has velcro straps and hooks and eyes at the front. This is because i was told i couldn't lift my arm above shoulder level or reach round to my back for at least 4 weeks to allow my muscles to recover.

I have to wear it for 6 weeks day and night. 

Hi TheScriptFan

I was originally to get a back flap but i don't have enough fat so was told wouldnt be a good job.  So i am now getting a pear drop implant, which i'm allowed to wear my own bra with but advised me to get bra extenders . So i'm not quite sure what surgeon was on about.  May ring BCN  on Tuesday to find out or might just ask my surgeon on Thursday morning.  I hope that you are doing well after your op and reconstruction. I hope that you have a lovely Bank Holiday  Weekend.

Thank you replying so quickly.

Gentle Hugs

Love Angela x

Hi Sunshine-19, 

during my mastectomy I had a drip (fed automatically) with a teeny tube, of a local anaesthetic directly into the breast and implant, maybe this was what you meant? It came out just before I went home (after 2 nights as I had the op repeated 30 hours later due to a large haematoma)  yes I also had a couple of drains too.

The pain level was minimal, to be honest, easily sorted with regular paracetamol.

Hope that’s what you thought your surgeon meant? And that this helps?

Hugs xxx 

Hello Again sunshine-19 i think she may be meant a drain. When i woke up from my mastectomy i had a drain from my boob and a drain from my back. These are to prevent fluid building up underneath the skin. I still managed to wear my bra while they were in and they were painless. As moomy said there isn't much pain, in fact i probably felt it was more uncomfortable than painful. As the nurse explained because they cut through your nerves you can't feel it.

Be sure to have plenty of ibuprofen and paracetamol in they soon have you feeling comfortable again. Its really surprising to be honest i expected to be in pain. 

Hi TheScriptFan

Yes that was probably what she was talking about.  I have only to have one drain fortunately.

Im not allowed to take iburprofen as i had problems with another inflamatory tablet.  My only problem is i already have problems with my right arm with is the breast im having removed.  So fingers crossed does add to it but, it will probably be just fine :) .

Thank you for this information it really helps

Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend x

Angela

X

Hi Moomy

That might be what she meant too as  she knows i have alot of pain already due to my fibromyalgia. Great to know pain will be minimal.

Sorry to hear you had to have your op repeated 30 hours later. I'm glad that you have it all over you now. 

Thank you for your information too.  I'd be lost without you all.

Enjoy your Bank Holiday. Hugs for you too.

Angela x

sunshine-19 the physio will come and see you while you are in hospital and give you exercises to do to help with your arm. Make sure you tell her about your problems already and she will be able to adapt them for you.

TheScriptFan

Thanks for suggesting that i will do that  

All this information is great prior to my admittance.

Hugs

Angela x

sunshine-19 I had a pear drop implant in August 2018. I bought soft vest tops to wear for the first few weeks from M&S. The drain came out of my side so the top didn’t touch that area. I think when you have the Mastectomy as they put a sling using animal skin under the new implant that keeps it in place so I didn’t need a compression bra. I am having an implant in my good boob next month to balance me up ( small busted) and the surgeon has said after that I need to wear a compression  bra the zip up front type for 6 weeks! 

I hope your operation goes well. I am happy with my implant although it does take some getting used to. I do still call it my alien boob but have grown quite attached to it xx

Hi Helen

Thank you for getting in touch.   Luck enough i have plenty of vest tops . Mine is also going to held in place with something too.

Ive been told my drain will be my side too.  To be honest i know it will be a big shock when i see the implant and take a long time to get use to  it. Although just have a mastectomy i just couldn't face.

Good luck with your implant in your good boob . Oh im small busted too lol .

Thank you for your best wishes  

Hugs Angela x