Mastectomy with Reconstruction (implant)

Question

Hello again, I have made the decision to have a mastectomy with reconstruction (silicon implant) and also have to have reduction of the healthy breast. I am still waiting on a date for the surgeries, have read a lot of information about this but I would also like to hear people's real experience's with mastectomy and reconstruction eg.
How long did it take to recover etc?
How movement and strength in the arm on the side of mastectomy and reconstruction may have been affected?
Did you need exercises to improve movement or have these helped at all etc?
And any other insight would also be valuable as I don't know of anyone that has had these procedures of a similar age.....
Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks Katie.

di_bcna · Answer

Hi Katie -- not sure if you've found it yet, but the latest issue of The Beacon magazine focuses on Reconstruction and has quite a few personal stories in it.&nbsp; You can download a copy of it on the website, or order a hard copy if you'd like to read it: http://www.bcna.org.au/news/beacon-magazine.&nbsp; There's also a page of information on the website, here: http://www.bcna.org.au/living-breast-cancer/physical-wellbeing/breast-reconstruction.
Di

di_bcna · Answer

Hi Katie -- not sure if you've found it yet, but the latest issue of The Beacon magazine focuses on Reconstruction and has quite a few personal stories in it.&nbsp; You can download a copy of it on the website, or order a hard copy if you'd like to read it: http://www.bcna.org.au/news/beacon-magazine.&nbsp; There's also a page of information on the website, here: http://www.bcna.org.au/living-breast-cancer/physical-wellbeing/breast-reconstruction.
Di

katie76 · Answer

Thanks for the info so far. Will also have a look at the latest issue of the beacon. Katie.

louiseg · Answer

Hi Katie
I had a mastectomy in August 2010 with an immediate lattisimus dorsi reconstruction (with a tissue expander to be replaced by a silicon implant soon).&nbsp; The recovery was pretty quick.&nbsp; I did all of the exercises that the physio at the hospital recommended and I have got really good arm movement.&nbsp; I haven't noticed any problems with my back from the muscle being moved either.&nbsp; Pain was minimal and I didn't have any real problems at all.
I am due to have the tissue expander replaced by the permanent silicon prosthesis on 24th Feb so I can let you know after that how I go!&nbsp; I am really pleased with the result so far though :)&nbsp; My plastic surgeon will do the nipple reconstruction at the same time as replacing the expander, so I shouldn't need any further surgery after this one (hopefully!).
Take care and if you want any more info, feel free to ask :)
Louise

louiseg · Answer

P.S. I am back playing beach volleyball at the moment and having no problems!&nbsp; Obviously I will have to give it a break again when I have the further surgery but I plan on getting back to it again asap :)

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Mastectomy with Reconstruction (implant)

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