Did I make the wrong choice - post mastectomy

Awww, sadly nobody could have known at the time. It’s tough but at least in the coming surgery it won’t be as bad an op, and you know how recovery should go for you.  I wanted an implant, my surgeon suggested she did a sentinel node biopsy first then as that was clear, she used a permanent implant. She did do another node biopsy during the op just to make sure. Otherwise she had suggested a temporary implant to be replaced after radiotherapy if it was needed. 

Hope you won’t have to wait too long…..

keep posting.

hugs xxx

Thank you sooo much for getting back to me - my next surgery is soon but it’s all gone the wrong way round.  I’m in a bit of a muddle x

Moomy I’m not too good - thank you so much xxx

Sorry to hear you are facing this big set back and disappointment.  You made the best decision you could at the time with the info available - not a “wrong” decision - this journey can have some evil twists and turns in it.  It will take some time to adjust to a new treatment plan - please try and do something lovely for yourself today and know that there are lots of people here rooting for you and ready to share their experiences.   

Thank you Moomy and Labrador lover.  When I get this implant replaced the surgeon is going to “uplift” my other breast to try to make a matching pair. Goodness knows what I will end up looking like.  I never had any suspicious nodes so it wasn’t until after the mastectomy and implant at the same time, it was discovered. It’s never been comfortable despite all the physio.  I just hope things will be improved by this next surgery.  xxx jan (Cockerpoo lover)

Moomy how does your implant feel?  Do you have any pain?  Is it soft?  I hope you don’t mind me asking as I never came across anyone who like us went for an implant.  I was definitely not going down the tummy fat transfer (so many hours of surgery) and doubling the risk of infection. xxx

Hi again, my implant boob is smaller than the normal side, and has a pucker where the mesh got folded (they explained the mesh to support the implant is expensive, and cut as a straight strip so inevitably there’s a fold or pleat to make it fit.) the implant otherwise is fine, feels the same warmth and softness as I’d expect though skin sensation over parts has never recovered, and in a slightly padded bra nobody would know. Yes it’s also higher but as I’m in my 70s, I’m not that bothered. it was all in 2018, so I’m quite a way down the line, will be discharged this spring. 

I’ve been offered plastic surgery to op on the ‘good’ side to make them match but again I’m not bothered. I’m happy that I’ve got a bit of a cleavage if I wear a low-ish top but again, it’s made better by a good supportive padded bra. Oh and I agree about the bigger op, I didn’t want that either. 

Hope that helps you a bit? Keep steady in your belief that you’ve done all you can to get rid of the cancer and build your body back as good as you can. 

Hugs xxx

Oh Moomy thank you so much for sharing this  with me - I’m crashed out - I hope you don’t mind if I come back to you - 11 days till surgery xxxo

No worries, happy to help if needed, try not to worry or overthink! 

hugs xxx

Hi Moomy thank you so so much for sharing.  My implant is also smaller than my breast after mastectomy.  I’ve never shared this but after breast feeding my 3 children I had an augmentation back in my 40’s.  I gained weight since then …. … My surgeon plans to replace my post radiotherapy hardened breast and at the same time remove left implant and somehow uplift it to make a pair.  I will be 70 next year.  I guess you don’t get pain in your new breast? I don’t expect to look any better but it would be good to be pain free.  All my stuff was 2021.  70’s are not old are they?!?! Hugs xxx