Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with implant

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 

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

- 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

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💖