Reconstruction

I am right this moment in hospital day 11 waiting to see if I can go home with a drain. Just like your photo. I had a bilateral mast and diep recon Friday 12 April. 14 hrs. This has been a traumatic week, extremes of emotions and physical challenges. This last few weeks I have had plenty of "why me" moments. But I'm healing ok so far, to read Mechelle that you are having constant drainage problems is a worry. And now stitching coming undone? What are they putting this down to? I have been on this path since June 2012 and feel really over it. I can't imagine how low you must get. I feel really robbed of my healthy life and body sometimes. People keep saying I will get back to normal, but I know I won't, or can't. I know it's only 10 days since to op, and the swelling needs to go down, but it will still look weird. I just feel really sad sometimes, so does my hubby. Sorry you have caught me on a down time, but I'm supporting you in that I agree this is all just crap and unfair. Xxxlouie

I am right this moment in hospital day 11 waiting to see if I can go home with a drain. Just like your photo. I had a bilateral mast and diep recon Friday 12 April. 14 hrs. This has been a traumatic week, extremes of emotions and physical challenges. This last few weeks I have had plenty of "why me" moments. But I'm healing ok so far, to read Mechelle that you are having constant drainage problems is a worry. And now stitching coming undone? What are they putting this down to? I have been on this path since June 2012 and feel really over it. I can't imagine how low you must get. I feel really robbed of my healthy life and body sometimes. People keep saying I will get back to normal, but I know I won't, or can't. I know it's only 10 days since to op, and the swelling needs to go down, but it will still look weird. I just feel really sad sometimes, so does my hubby. Sorry you have caught me on a down time, but I'm supporting you in that I agree this is all just crap and unfair. Xxxlouie

Hey Louise and Jillian and whoever else is listening!!

Well, its been just over 3wks now and its still NQR! The op went well, implants, the most painful bit was the suction on the drainage tubes lol. So was on AntiBiotics as a deterrent to any germs, in hospital draining for a week, came home over Easter and sprung a leak so to speak, the lymph fluid didnt know where to go so it came out the stitch hole on one breast and a drainage hole on the other side,, I leaked around the house, lol, over Easter and Wednesday went back into hospital.

More surgery which they flushed out the fluid which was starting to look a bit suss and another week was spent in hospital, but only 2 tubes instead of 4! Plus antibiotics of course. Felt good, came home,, doctors orders, "do nothing for a week", so didnt even make a cuppa tea!,, yes I have good hired help,lol. Changed bandages again Wednesday and noticed a leak, with a great deal of swelling under my arm,, (btw, several nurses said to me if I  was going to have trouble it would be the right one and how right they were!)

Wemt to local GP Friday, leaking more fluid by now and got more antibiotics. Now my stitches have come undone in 2-3 places and am going into see surgeon this afternoon, probably be drained --so love the idea of needles in my breasts lol.

So I guess I will keep you posted as to how this goes. 

When I got sick, I said 'why me' as we all did im sure, but a friend said, 'why NOT you', and I have kept that in mind, how special I am I was picked from 1-8 women for this task. But I have just known that I would have reco and it would be all good again, so its starting to get a bit emotional for me, as in 'wHY ME'? cos im ova it,,,,Is it too soon, 3wks in the grand scheme of things that started in Sep 2010?! Seems like it today sisters.

Any encouragement shall be gladly recieved and i will keep you posted

love and light to you/for us all

Mechell xxxxoooo

Hi there,

It is good to read your blog. Good luck with this part of your journey. I hope it all works out for you.

I have been lucky enough, so far, that I wont need Chemo, but am due for a skin sparing mastectomy on the right side. I can''t wait to hear how the implants go for you. This has been offered to me as maybe my only option as I dont have enough fat to make a new breast. Woudl have to go smaller and I am already an a/b cup :(. A few people are saying that the implants are not the best way to go. Anyway still in my investigation stage.

Good luck and can''t wait to hear the outcome for you.

Cheers Jillian

Hi Mechell, good luck Thursday with your op. I'll be waiting to see how you go. I'm going in April. Also a G but probably coming out a C based on what my tummy area can provide. I'm looking forward to the smaller breasts, but anticipate it will be an adjustment and might take some getting used to with clothes etc and the lack of sensation. Good on you for blogging this, I found good relevant information on reconstruction outside this network hard to find. So I'll be blogging about mine too. You don't sound too nervous, good for you if you are not. I'm getting more anxious as the weeks go by. Take care, I hope you have lots of support at home and you'll be back on track in no time with great breasts and new little bras that don't cost a stack! Louie