Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with implant

Priti98
Priti98 Member Posts: 5 New Member
in Newly diagnosed
Hi everyone. 
I'm a 38 year old, newly diagnosed breast cancer patient with surgery coming up in less than a week. I am having a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with implants. Unsure of any treatment plans as yet. 

Just wondering, if there's anyone here who has had implants post mastectomy and how they are finding it.

Thank you. 

Comments

  • Mez_BCNA
    Mez_BCNA Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 1,153 ✭
    Hi @Priti98

    While we wait for others to share their experiences with you, I hope you don't mind me sharing BCNA resources in the meantime to support you during this time:

    You can find our private group Choosing Breast Reconstruction where people have kindly shared their stories.

    I have also included links below to relevant information on our website:

    I hope this information helps you and don't hesitate to call us on 1800 500 258 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday with any questions.

  • May2024
    May2024 Member Posts: 15 ✭
    Hi @Priti98. It's such a horrible time waiting for surgery and wondering what exactly is going to happen.  I had a double mastectomy in November with immediate implants (nipple sparing).  I have some photos in the breast reconstruction group.  I am happy to answer any questions you may have.  I recommend you have a few button up tops and pj top with buttons as well for your hospital stay and recovery at home.  Will the hospital provide you with a drain bag and a mastectomy pillow?  If not, have a look to see if there is a local charity in your area that would be able to provide you with items like that.  All the best for your surgery and recovery. 
  • Vetty
    Vetty Member Posts: 15 ✭
    Hi @Priti98 I had my surgery about 18mths ago. Unfortunately I’ve had a really rough time with pain and restricted movement. I’ve also developed bad capsular contracture which will require another surgery to fix it. What annoys me most is that my case is now non urgent so I’m on the bottom of the list for corrective surgery and they can’t  replace the implant so I’ll need to consider alternatives. Something I was never told before surgery. 

    Everyone’s journey is different tho so you may have no issues. Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss further. I truly hope all goes well for you xx 
  • Priti98
    Priti98 Member Posts: 5 New Member
    edited January 16
    Thank you for your responses @May2024 and @Vetty. It's a scary journey with so much anxiety leading to my surgery coming Monday. I'm a registered nurse who looks after mastectomy patients, didn't quite think I'd be one particularly so early in life. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. 

    Vetty, so much love and positive vibes for you sis. Did you have radiation post implants if you don't mind me asking. Absolutely right about not being told everything from the medical team. I was hardly given much of an option, basically like trial and error incase I have radiation then have to deal with consequences of contracture. 
  • SC75
    SC75 Member Posts: 4 ✭
    Hi there,

    I just wanted to reach out and say that I completely understand what you’re going through. I had a double mastectomy last November, but no immediate reconstruction. I agree with a lot of the comments you've received about button-up tops—trust me, you'll appreciate them as your arm will feel stiff for a while. Also, don’t underestimate the helpfulness of mastectomy pillows; they really do make a difference and prevent irritation under the arm. 

    I was not given the option for immediate reconstruction and was advised to wait 12 months. I'm planning to have implants then. I’m genuinely interested to hear how your recovery goes after your surgery. Please know that I’m sending you positive vibes during this time. I was so anxious prior to my operation but I genuinely did not find it as bad as I thought it was going to be. Take care and keep us updated! 

    Best,  
    Susie
  • Beginner
    Beginner Member Posts: 9 ✭
    Wishing you the best. I had a double nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and had soreness (from memory) for about 6 weeks. I also had drains in for over a week. The pain was manageable with medication. I am happy with how the surgery went and there is no pain or discomfort now. I do notice that I do not have the full range of movement with lifting my arms up but am not too worried about that. There are some exercises that can help. Sending you best wishes for your procedure and recovery

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