Hi @Shenners
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that you've been through a tough few years.
I had a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy (ie nipples removed) and direct to implant surgery in May 2024 for invasive ductal cancer, with a sentinel node biopsy at the same time. I saw an oncoplastic surgeon who could complete both the breast removal and the implant insertion in one go (to limit the number of surgeries required). Implants were recommended due to not enough of my own flesh being available for a DIEP flap recon.
I went through the private system and was out of pocket approx. $6,500 for the surgeon and anesthetist after private health and Medicare.
Surgery took approx 4 hours (less than DIEP flap) and I was in hospital for 5 days. I stayed in until my surgical drains came out, but a home nurse was available if I wanted to discharge with the drains in. Managing a drain on each side can be tricky and uncomfortable.
Pain was manageable and I stopped taking the pain killers on my return home. Movement was restricted for a few weeks (and no driving for two weeks), but I was provided with physio exercises to do straight away and these helped gain mobility back.
Before heading to hospital, I purchased a reclining camping chair (as this was cheap and we didn't have a proper recliner) which helped me to sleep on my back at home - I slept in it for the first week home and then went back to a normal bed, but still on my back. To avoid any arm extension, I moved my favourite kitchen items (ie coffee cup etc) to a lower cupboard and made sure I didn't carry any heavy things (ie shopping bags, full washing baskets) for approx. 1 month. You also may not be able to hang washing on the line, so I recommend getting a metal rack thing and doing light loads only.
I am happy with my implants, although they will need to be changed out in 10-15 years. I don't need mammograms, but do have a yearly ultrasound.
All the best and feel free to ask any questions xx
