Bilateral mastectomy with lat dorsi reconstruction

@spiv1803 @onemargie Curiously, while the hair on my head has sprouted, the option to change my name here remains open...

Hey @onemargie I just saw that I never replied to your question! So sorry! The expanders basically feel like a cage strapped to my chest LOL. I think it was @nikkid who said it felt like ‘a handbag on your chest’ - brilliant description. It’s definitely uncomfortable but not unbearable and it does get a bit better each day. I’m 4 weeks post op today and finally managed to turn very slightly on my side to sleep. I’ve never been great and sleeping totally on my back but I’ve had to get used to it - I’m probably snoring like a banshee but my husband defitely deserves some pay back on that account! 
The air expanders are so cool! You get a remote control that allows you to expand them yourself, 3 times a day, in tiny bits - I can’t feel anything at all when I’m filling, only a bit more tightness afterwards. 
I went back to work - and driving - exactly two weeks after surgery! 
I know you’re going through a tough time right now with more waiting and some tough decisions ahead. Wishing you only everything of the best xxxx

hi there @Eastmum! I just re read your post and realised you had the air expanders lol, brain fart.... again!!! how are you feeing with those expaners?? my surgeon wants to do saline ones,  im hoping its just uncomfortable and not too painful as i want to try and go back to work asap.  Margie. 

Hi there @Spiv1803 I’ll text you later again to see how you are. Well done love you did It. This is the last step remember. Hang in there love we are all thinking of you and I loved the comment about your hairless balls.... thats piss my pants funny!! Then I just what read @kmakm wants to change her name too and that was it for me totally lost my shit over that! ...... fuck that’s sooo bloody hilarious I sooo think you should do that! And @Eastmum what an awesome attitude to have. I loved the sign you hung on your door. It definately helps others I reckon going through the same thing. So glad your surgery went so well. Did you have the immediate recon or just the DMX. I’ve had a double too Margie xx. 

Hope you’re feeling well @Spiv1803 - let us know how it all went! I’ve gone to air expanders :smile:

@Spiv1803 so far only air expanders. I’ll probs need chemo and/or radio so after that I’ll look at recon options. DIEP flap is what will be recommended - I’m 52 and my plastic surgeon suggested that it gives a more ‘mature’ result hahahahaha but to be honest I don’t think I want another huge op so will probably go for implants. 

Hee hee! Now that chemo has finished I'm hoping that description will soon no longer apply...

@kmakm  shineyginey is gold. You should do it :)

That is amazing. I'm feeling really positive too. I'm having lat dorsi recon though. What did you have done?

That’s my support team logo! I have it taped up on the outside of my hospital room. Only team chirpy members allowed in! No doom and gloom here