Forum Discussion
Having double mastectomy and reconstruction
Hi I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and also have the Brca1 Gene. Doctors had been doing regular checkups mammograms and MRI's since finding out i had the Brca1 Gene and doctor would alway...
Hi twilightgirl
I had bilateral mastectomy with expanders about 9 weeks ago, and due to have switch to implants midyear.
As Tanya said, there are several reconstruction types and your surgeon can advise which is better for you. My build wasn't suited to the other recon types. Surgeon and plastic surgeon did a great job and worked well as a team. Think the op took a few hours, had four drains after and stayed in until they had minimal drainage, which was 9 days. Was quite painful for a few days and glad to have hospital bed with those controls to prop up etc.
Looking at pre and postop photos online was very confronting initially but helped prepare for later.
Walking has been a wonderful way to gently build up strength and confidence. As Tanya said, even when you don't feel like it.
It was all worth it. Good luck!