Looking for some positive experiences with implants

Hi Moomin48

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I suggest that you bring some reading material with you as you will be waiting for a bit before you go down to surgery. Also bring something easy to put on when you are leaving hospital. Marks and Spencers do comfortable post surgery bras.

I don’t have advice to give you about breast implants but this reply should move you to the top of the discussion so hopefully someone with experience of implants will be along shortly.

Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Moomin48 

I had a left mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implant, sling and membrane I think). It is almost 3 months now. If you click on my name you can see my profile and it contains my journey.

I was back at work once the drain was removed so just under 3 weeks off - I had hoped it would be 2 weeks but the drain remained in for longer and it was uncomfortable when trying to keep my left arm raised for typing. I did the recommended exercises the morning after surgery and continued each day, my mobility returned quickly, a little cording but the exercises and massaging under my armpit really helped.

I was given an amoena Francis bra in hospital and still prefer the band on that (more comfortable than a wider band) and bought a couple myself. I have read that some like the Asda ones but I haven’t personally seen or used them to comment.

It is strange having an implant but when I am dressed you can’t really tell there is a size difference (my reconstruction is probably a C cup whereas I was normally a DD). So for most of the time I am not bothered by it and can forget that anything has changed.

Any other questions do please ask.

Hi lovely - I can give you a bit of advice on bras! When I had my lumpectomy I went into Primark for some crop top type things which I bought. They actually had a range of post surgery bras I was dinosed in breast cancer awareness month so I’m not sure if they still do them. I am still wearing the crop tops as my scar is still a little irritating in an underwires one. Good luck! Stay positive d be kind to yourself

I only had my op end of April but recovery has been pretty straightforward for me so far. I was told I would have a couple of drains but I ended up not needing them (I'm going to assume that's why they didn't put them in and they didn't just forget!). I would say for the first week or two, I did have some weird 'pains' that would last for about 48 hours, then vanish and pop up somewhere else a few days later. The nurse said it was most likely from the damage to the nerves and is very common. No arm swelling or cording and my range of movement has been good from the get go although I do feel it still if I stretch too far. I was signed off for 3 weeks, which is what my surgeon likes to give for immediate reconstruction ops,  and then cleared for work because I have a desk job working from home. I got my surgical bras from Asda - I got the sport type with the racer back as advised by the nurse and they have been really comfy. I also got a set that looked like a regular lace bra but when I tried them about 3 or 4 weeks in, I had to take it off before I had even fastened it up as it actually felt quite painful. I just don't think it was supportive enough while the implant was still a bit swollen so went back to the other ones. I really do feel very fortunate that my only issue is the numbness under my arm from the sentinel lymph node biopsy - and it's only an issue because I really hate the way it feels when I'm washing/shaving....gives me the heebies lol. I do hope your surgery goes well x

Thank you so much for replying - it's really helpful. I know it's going to be different for everyone but it's good to hear that it can be manageable! I've made a note of the bra too. I think it's the waiting that makes it worse. Hugs xxx

Thank you, I appreciate you relying  so many bra options!! I'll check with my nurse . I think my left breast will be smaller until fully inflated so might need one with inserts once the surgery settles. Xxx

Hi JBH316, I still feel numb under the arm from my lymph node removal back in nov last year. Whilst I have only had to shave twice I only use a shaver. I’m to scared to use a razor in the shower now as I have no feeling there. Washing does still feel strange too but I’m hoping one day it will feel more normal.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi there,

Im in the same boat as you looking for positive experiences. Just wondering how you are doing so far if you dont mind me asking??

Jan x

Hi Jan,

I had my surgery on 23rd June, so I'm a month down the line. I had the mastectomy of left breast and a Becker implant put in. This is part gel and part saline and will be topped up in the next few weeks ( permanent implant). I opted to not keep my nipple. As I've largish boobs 34 DD/E my surgeon could use the skin and my implant was placed above the muscle. I was in hospital for one night and they pop these inflatable leg massagers on to help prevent clots ( just mentioning as I wasn't expecting it). I had a PICO dressing on the wound for almost three weeks and changed weekly. It's attached to a battery pack and aid healing by compressing the wound. I also had a drain for two weeks. I found the first week quite difficult and don't be afraid to ask for pain meds if you need them. I was discharged with codeine but swapped this for Tramadol with my GP. I followed the physio exercises and walked every day and this definitely helped. The scars are now healing well and the implant is softening and starting to take shape. I have a little rippling at the top i.e if you run your finger over it it feels a little bumpy but it's early days really and I could opt for fillers long-term with fat from tummy injected to plump it a bit. Overall I'm really pleased and am down to a couple of paracetamol at bed time. I'm back to work next week. I would definitely ensure you do sleep propped up and not on your side. The breast and armpit do feel a bit odd and there is numbness in the breast but I have feeling in parts of it. I think that's the case with any type of reconstruction. Next step chemo and hormone therapy. Let me know if you have any other questions. It's a lot to take in and accept. Xx

Thankyou - thats all really helpful. I have had 5 months of chemo already so I’m doing it the other way round. It all sounds manageable from how I read your reply - none of it is a walk in the park is it? But if it’s manageable thats good. I will be having both sides done  as have the PALB2 gene unfortunately. However I wont be having both done at the same time.

Can I ask if you were up and about pretty soon after the op when you got home? And did you manage with the shower ok? X