Mastectomy

Hi Cupboardlove, I haven't had a mastectomy but I know people who have and it's all very doable so don't worry about the surgery.

I had a lumpectomy 16th Jan and my healing is going really well.  A friend who had a mastectomy in France had a skin expander inserted and then an implant with a tattoo for the nipple.  Others choose to stay flat and use a prosthesis but i get the impression that you will want an implant.

Your surgeon or your Breast Care Nurse should be able to answer all these questions for you.

I recommend you come and join us on the AWAKE thread, there are lots of us there at different stages of the process with our own unique cancers and treatment plans.  There are also ladies who have been cancer free for some years now.  It's a great source of support and information.

You can find it under breast cancer forum and then chat - it should be at the top of the list or near the top.  This should be the link https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer-forum/f/breast-cancer-forum/128753/awake/1530364#1530364

Just reply to the last post and say Hi your new here, you will get a very warm welcome.Definitely stay away from google.

Try to stay calm and not overthink things.

Sending hugs xx

Hi Cupboardlove

I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on the 15th Jan and I'm recovering well. Before surgery I saw both my consultant and breast nurse and discussed in detail the details and visual outcomes of mastectomies. I was shown potentially where my scars would be and also was told that if they couldn't save my nipples, what the options are. The BCN mentioned a silcone nipple and also 3d effect tattoos. 

I was extremely lucky that my nipples were able to be saved.

Hope this helps a little xx

So happy for you that your nipples were able to be saved Fifitrix.  Was talking to my friend wearlier who had a mastectomy recently, she wasn't so lucky but she uses the silicone nipples (she got hers from 'pink perfect') and they work well for her.

Wishing you a speedy recovery xx

Hi Godwilling

Thank you and the same to you , I think you were having a procedure the day after me  hope you're OK. I know I have been lucky and now keeping extra warm to keep the blood flow going xxx

Yes well remembered, I had my surgery 16th Jan and like you I'm recovering well.  

You are doing great considering you've had a double mastectomy. Make sure you do your exercises and you will soon have your normal range of motion back.

Are you all done now or are you waiting for more tests and results?  Hopefully you are all done and have a lovely new set of boobs   I have to say that the silver lining in all this is for me is that I got symmetrising surgery at the same time and so a lift to both boobs.  At 51 I'm a bit older than you and my boobs were only heading one way.

xx

I'm doing my exercises.  I have to say the side wall climb i find very tight but I've got to remember just how much my body was pushed and pulled Trying not to over do. 

I have a results appointment on Friday but my consultant has always mentioned chemo so we'll see xxx

I know what you mean with silver linings, I was and still will be small but they'll be a lot perkier! 

Hope all goes ok with you xxx

Yes the side wall climb is the worst but then I discovered that a hot water bottle on the underarm for a few minutes before hand really helps.  Managed to go all the way up the wall doing that.  

You be careful though because you’ve had more work done. But try the water bottle and painkillers 20mins before and hopefully that helps.

Thanks for the tip xxx

Hi Ibiza73 the standing sideways wall climb is exercise number 7 (the second one) in the breast cancer care exercises.  You get given theses exercises to do after surgery.  One set in week one and the second set gets added in week 2.  Your surgeon or breast care nurse will give you these and tell you when to start.

Thank you x