Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with implant

Priti98

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. 

Mez_BCNA

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:

• Virtual conference discussing breast reconstruction options - Breast Reconstruction – Options and Expectations Virtual Conference

• Breast reconstruction in Australia report 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hopes_and_Dreams

Hello there
I had a nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate implant over 8 years ago.  I completely understand how you are feeling.  There was so much clinical information given but not so much on how I would feel post op and the recovery time etc.
My husband took a photo of me as I was wheeled into theatre and I looked like a deer in the headlights!   Here are some takeouts from me:

- My surgery took 4.5 hours and included the removal of 3 lymph nodes.  The incision was made under the breast and taped up.  No external stitches.

- I didn’t have any pain afterwards although the drains were uncomfortable.  I was attached to morphine but didn’t need to use it.
- I wasn’t prepared for what I saw in the mirror.  The drains made my breast look lumpy and misshapen.
So much better once they were removed 
- wear a button down top as you will be opening your shirt many times throughout the day.  Modesty goes out the door!
- you will likely go home with drains so make sure you know how to empty them and record the volume of liquid discharged.  One came out in hospital, the other after a week.
- I had a physiotherapist visit me in hospital and I was started on arm exercises on day 2.  It’s really important to do these to maintain flexibility and full arm stretch.  I continued for a couple of months.
- the implant will feel uncomfortable and tight for a while. This was the most painful part for me as the pec muscle was cut.
- expect very colourful bruising which does take some time to go away.
- take care of your nipple.  My surgeon explained that it can die, depending on your surgery and what blood vessels have been cut.  I used Moo Goo as mine became dry and flaky before it fully healed.
- a lovely breast cancer volunteer gave me a soft horse-shoe shaped pillow to put under my arm.  Nerve pain in the inner arm from the lymph node removal can be very painful, like bad sunburn.  The pillow helps stop the arm rubbing against your body.
- I wore a front fastening mastectomy bra
for several months.  One was on when I work from surgery and I ordered another through BCNA.
- Make sure you have plenty of pillows as you will need to sleep on your back for a while.  
- get a notebook and list all the questions you think of.  It’s easy to forget things during appointments.

So 8 years later I’m doing well.  Annual scans have thrown up a few little scares (all fine) but overall I’m happy in my new normal.
My left breast and part of my under arm are still numb but that’s a small price to pay.

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and recovery.

Jane xx

Priti98

Hi! Thank you so much for writing to me about your experience! It's so helpful reading this before my surgery on Monday. 

So happy to hear you're doing well 8 years post surgery!! 

Did you have any radiation or chemo post surgery? I'm worried about the implants incase of radiation but keep reminding that it's just cosmetic. 

I'm familiar with drains as I'm a registered nurse and have looked after many mastectomy patients but have no experience with reconstructions.  

May I ask how old you are, only if you are comfortable sharing. 

Thank you for replying ❤️❤️

Hopes_and_Dreams

Hi Priti98

I’m so glad I’ve been of help.  Everyone here was so full of kindness, support and knowledge when I joined.

I was diagnosed just after my 55th birthday. 

My cancer was a 13mm invasive ductal cancer, grade 1, stage 1, no lymph nodes involved.
As a result, I didn’t need chemo or radiation but
was put on a hormone blocker.

The cancer was 100% E&P+ so I also had a full hysterectomy 18 months later just to be safe!

You will definitely have a head start being a nurse but I imagine it will still be difficult being on the other side.

I’ll be thinking of you on Monday and sending positive thoughts.  Please let us know how
you are doing. xx💖

Priti98

I'm so happy to hear your positive journey! God bless you. Will keep you posted post op.