Bi Lateral Mastectomy & Laptorso Op

Hi Alysia

I had a left side mastectomy and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction in May. Like Chris the bag for the drains made by the volunteer support groups was a real bonus. The other thing that was super for me was button front pj tops - much easier for me to get on and off with the limited arm/shoulder movement and also good for when dressings needed attending to.

My scars are really light and tidy - plastic surgeon stressed sorbolene/ aquaeous cream only for first 8 weeks (no vitamin e, etc as 'encourages scar tissue growth'). After that i started using sorbolene with vit E. Physio also recommended dry (no cream) massage of skin on either side of scar to prevent scar tissue adhering. It was a bit of a pain getting someone to do it each day (can't reach my back) but well worth it as now really free moving. I'm now at the stage that I really don't feel the tightness across my lat except for the first couple of days after chemo.

All the best and I hope it does happen this month for you.

Take care, Dette xxx