Looking for some positive experiences with implants

You're right there, but it's definitely manageable. I was pottering around the house on my second day, then have a nap, potter again. I gradually built up my pottering over the first 5-6 days and then longer walks. Just no lifting or pulling anything heavy towards you or putting too much weight on your arm. Easier said than done but just take your time with everything. I did backwards showers and let water run over my back and right side and just washed my left with a flannel so not to soak the dressing. I still a little cautious now and just gently wash that side without the full force of the shower. Probably me being overly cautious! TBH, I'm more scared of the chemo than the OP and I'm sure you'll smash it. Xx I found the drain to be the most awkward bit, but using a drain bag to carry it around is the key. Xx

Yes I have read about the drain bags! Will look into that. Just worried that implants are not for life - thats one of my biggest concerns really.

I found chemo largely ok - 3 rounds of EC and then 9 Paclitaxel with Carboplatin every 3 weeks. I did get tired and felt a bit ‘spaced out’ at times - but better than thought. I cold capped and kept my hair. It’s all a ride though and I’m looking forward to not having to make decisions about treatments etc all the time! X

Thanks for sharing your chemo experience and it's good to hear you're coming through it and cold cap worked for you. I'm thinking of giving it a go. I know what you mean about the implant not being for life. They can last a good 10-15 years + now depending on type. Even with the DIEP tummy option they can still need tweaks. For me, I just wanted one area of surgery, shorter recovery so I could move onto next treatment. Also, if the cancer came back in my same or other breast then implant would be necessary. I'm sure by the time ours need replacing they'll have invented something marvellous to make it all easier for us! Xx

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m due surgery tomorrow with the same as you- so this has really helped.I’m  slow at engaging with the online chat as I’ve always been a face to face person but it is good to know the information you have shared. Thanks 

Hi Slu

im in the same boat…asked to decide today on whether I want a basic mastectomy or an immediate reconstruction (with or without nipple!).. I’m leaning towards immediate reconstruction & nipple removal just to avoid future issues … just wondering how your op has gone? Hope all ok ..

 Moomin48 did you come to your decision about immediate reconstruction easily ?   
(Or anyone else who has had to decide)..

thanks!

Hi, I had a skin saving mastectomy 9 weeks ago and chose immediate reconstruction with an implant.  My nipple had to be removed, but after my symmetry op, this can be simulated.  I have found that daily physio is important as it WILL hurt the next day if you skip a day or two.  My expander implant can be left in if I wish.  I'm happy with how it has turned out, although apparently, I now have 9 months to wait for the symmetry operation (slight reduction and uplift on the other side).

Best of luck with everything.

Hi , Now four days post op and pain is reducing, as is the drain fluid. So really hoping the drain will be removed on Friday (but this is just Christmas timing logistics and not something that should affect you). Op went as well as it could and as of yesterday the wound was looking ‘perfect’. Too early to say how it will balance (interesting to hear of a symmetry operation….not heard of that option) but I think I’ll be happy with the cancer being removed and still having a shape/cleavage. 
I haven’t had a really good look at it since the dressing was removed yesterday because the silk cloth (separation layer between boob and bra) is stuck to residual dressing glue so need to check in tomorrow with the breast care team who are phoning again anyway. 
Definitely important to keep up the drugs over the last few days and it did keep the pain to a really comfortable level….but I’m hoping to try to reduce the painkillers slowly tomorrow. 
I was really anxious pre-op but once it’s underway it feels much better. Only issue was my blood pressure dropped post op on the first night so I had obs every hour for most of the night, but this is to be expected as long as not below 100/. 
Good luck with your choice and your op and I hope you get quality sleep as soon as possible. Please ask anything else you need to know. 

Thanks OnlineSally thats helpful 

good luck with the rest of your ops x

Aw thanks for that & replying so soon..glad you’re managing your pain…fingers crossed you can have the drain removed Fri! - how are you managing with that? Think it’s things like that which are worrying me! 
Really helpful info thank you 

x

I sometimes  hang the drain bag somewhere and go to walk away or forget it’s there, but it’s well taped below your chest to ensure it can cope with the occasional tug. It’s a bit of a pain and will be more comfortable when it’s gone but it is totally manageable  and much easier to use than you think! My mind was so frazzled when it was explained so I was a bit worried about how easy it was but it’s really simple. I Hang it on the bed head  in the bag and so far have managed not to roll over while sleeping. It’s a short term necessity so you get used to it and will cope fine.