Bi Lateral Mastectomy & Laptorso Op

Hi Alysia, I had right mastectomy last April and had to delay reconstruction for radiotherapy. In august I had the left mastectomy and combined it with the lat dorsi on the right side and tissue expanders in both sides. Currently inflating the expanders. Looking forward to replacement with implants hopefully by end of this year. I found that all of my careful preparation and shopping for garments to wear post op were mainly wasted.. I woke up from surgery in a bra my surgeon provided and stayed in hospital for a week.. There was really no need to put any top on because it seems somebody is coming to check on you and take a look every half an hour anyway. When they want to look at your back taking your arm out of any type of top is awkward and painful. I just slept in the bras and had a dressing gown to put on over the top when I wanted to get up. I wish you well with this, I know how daunting it must be for you. Don't forget to feel the excitement that you're nearly finished, and although it's a big operation it's worth it.

Hi Alysia, I had right mastectomy last April and had to delay reconstruction for radiotherapy. In august I had the left mastectomy and combined it with the lat dorsi on the right side and tissue expanders in both sides. Currently inflating the expanders. Looking forward to replacement with implants hopefully by end of this year. I found that all of my careful preparation and shopping for garments to wear post op were mainly wasted.. I woke up from surgery in a bra my surgeon provided and stayed in hospital for a week.. There was really no need to put any top on because it seems somebody is coming to check on you and take a look every half an hour anyway. When they want to look at your back taking your arm out of any type of top is awkward and painful. I just slept in the bras and had a dressing gown to put on over the top when I wanted to get up. I wish you well with this, I know how daunting it must be for you. Don't forget to feel the excitement that you're nearly finished, and although it's a big operation it's worth it.

Thanks Dette for your comment.  I am so glad that I signed up to this site as it is so useful being able to discuss things with others who have been through this journey.  Am going to go and buy some button up pjs this week, also going to nick a couple of my husbands xl button up casual shirts lol he doesn't know it yet.   Thanks for your comments all info is greatly appreciated.

Alysia

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

Thanks for your info Chris, it will be most handy especially the bit about the jeans with the belt loops for the drain bags.  Last year when I had my right mastectomy I found it a pain with the drains but the good thing is that they aren't there forever.  The operation has to be performed by the end of November but I am hoping tha it will be by the end of this month early next month as I have my brother coming to see me from New Zealand for the first time in 20 years so I want to be home and around and about when he comes as he is only here for a week.

Thanks again

Alysia