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SUZANNE_Pointon's avatar
SUZANNE_Pointon
Member
11 years ago

Post propholactic mastectomy, immediate implant reconstruction

Hi Everyone, I am 1 week post surgery and am feeling great, although fatigued and in pain at times. I decided on my surgery due to a high family history and 18 months worth of breast changes and biopsies and screening and specialist visits. I felt mastectomy was the only way in the end to try to relieve my anxiety and constant fear that of bc. I am 39, a mother to 3 healthy boys and a wife and student. I found very little information in regards to immediate implant reconstruction following preventative bilateral mastecomy, which is why I have decided to blog. I am unsure how long the recovery process will take. i understand every one heals differently and difficulties may arise along the way. People ask me when can I drive again, when will the medications cease, when can I sleep on my stomach. All questions I have asked my surgeon and all with a big ? for a reply. I am expected to return to full time uni placement in February 2015, which will be quite physically demanding on the healthiest of people, so hopefully recovery is smooth sailing. I feel heavy in my chest, which is what I was expecting, but on a lesser scale. At first it was hard to even breath. I never expected my arms to be as weak and sore as what they have been. Currently there are 2 drains in each breast, and I am getting almost a full 75 ml from each side in 2 of the drains, yet barely 5ml in the other two. Hopefully this is normal. I see the surgeon tomorrow for removal of 2 drains so I guess I will see then. My wonderful husband has taken 6 weeks of work to help out, and my dinner has been served so I will leave my first blog at that. I am new to all of this blogging stuff, and to the bcna.
mastectomy
pain
Reconstruction
side-effects
  • SUZANNE_Pointon's avatar
    SUZANNE_Pointon
    Member
    11 years ago
    It has been 3weeks since my double preventative mastectomy. The good days are slowly out weighing the bad, and the pain has subsided greatly. I am only taking panadine as needed for any pain. I get some stabbing pains which come and go randomly, and sometimes just a dull ache all over my chest, especially if I have exerted myself too much. The bandages (tape) have all been removed, but my right breast is not healing very well and the scar is yet to come together at the base below the nipple. So I have had to stay away from showering (boo) and require frequent surgical visits to dress the sight. There are some sutures in the same position on the left breast which are poking through the skin and not dissolving properly. And the drain hole on that side is still oozing (I had the drains taken out last Thursday). Besides sleeping uncomfortably on the couch on my back, and not driving, I have no other complaints really. I am learning to like my new breasts despite the lack of sensation. Antibiotics finish tomorrow and my bowels will thank the lord for that ( taking probiotics has been helpful). Getting back into the kitchen now, more out of necessity as I am over my husbands helpful yet unrewarding efforts. Every night I am thankful for not having to have a core needle biopsy ever again (hopefully). And for not randomly feeling around for new lumps and having to endure an anxiety filled wait for results. I am so over the moon happy that my ticking time bomb breast tissue has been removed. Too many family and friends have not been so fortunate and my heart is with them and all the other women in the world going through their breast cancer journey. Very merry Christmas to you all. X
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago
    It's great to see your surgery is over and you are recovering well. What a courageous decsion you made to go ahead and have preventative surgery. Welcome to blogging on BCNA. It can be a bit confusing to begin with but with time it is easy. Thankyou so much for wanting to share your story. I think your post would be very beneficial to the ladies in the breast reconstruction group. I also think that there will be lots of support for you there as many of the ladies in that group have had similar surgeries and so may be able to answer many of your questions. I will post a link to the blog hints for that page. You should be able to access it as you are a member. http://www.bcna.org.au/network/groups/61026/blog/67482 Maybe just copy and paste this blog into the group. Shout out if you get stuck. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Paula xx PS enjoy your dinner ;)