Post surgery

I. Had something called a bi lateral mastectomy and nipple sparing reconstruction. It is designed for women with small boobs and not enough tummy fat to do the other reconstruction so I have implants, my own nipples and it was done in the one op. I have had my moments but it is settling although I between 6 and 8 weeks I turned the corner. The surgeon told us to expect all kinds of odd feelings for up to a year! Slept on my tummy last night so much excitement.

I. Had something called a bi lateral mastectomy and nipple sparing reconstruction. It is designed for women with small boobs and not enough tummy fat to do the other reconstruction so I have implants, my own nipples and it was done in the one op. I have had my moments but it is settling although I between 6 and 8 weeks I turned the corner. The surgeon told us to expect all kinds of odd feelings for up to a year! Slept on my tummy last night so much excitement.

Thanks Susan it's good to know I'm not the only one although I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Yep mine is worse when it's hot and later in the afternoon and typically it's been stinking hot And due to get hotter if the weather forecast is correct! did you have implants put in immediately or do you have expanders? xx

Brilliant, thanks Maria I'll definitely contact a local one. Hope you have had a great Christmas xxx

Hi Tina, Today is 8 weeks after surgery and my lymphatic system has not completely settled. Particularly on hot days I get very uncomfortable by mid afternoon. Best thing for me is to gently rub the side of the groin and then gently massage each breast for about 5 minutes. It sounds weird but I can feel trickling after a rub. Doesn't look to good in public! One breast is more uncomfortable than other. ( I had a bi lateral mastectomy and reconstruction and am basically very satisfied if uncomfy on and off) Good luck. Time helps.

Hello TinaW,

Your nody will eventually absorb it, but in the mean time I can highly recommend oncology massage also known as a gentle masage to help with lymphatic drainage. Your body just needs to change the way it diverts lymphatic fluids.

Have a look in the support section on this site for an oncology massage therapist in your area. Just in case you cannot find it here is the link http://www.oncologymassagetraining.com.au/

Made the world of difference to me. The other very important thing is to continue to do any physio the breast care nurses or your surgeon may have suggested.

All the very best.

Maria333

 

Hi, this is my first posting.  I had my surgery in July and I am still having trouble with swelling under my right arm.  I cant wait to flick my bra when I get home from work.  I have been thinking of having drainage.  I have been told that there is a German style that is best.  Just researching it now.  Can anyone help with a recommendation? I am in Adelaide.

 

Thanks Deanne & Julie, I don't have any redness etc but I do have a rock hard lump on each side where my drains used to be, it feels like a brick! I see my surgeon on Wednesday so I can probably wait till then. I just want to feel normal again without any pain or soreness but only being 3 weeks post op I've started to realise normality is some way off yet. It's crap we have to get cancer in the first place then we have to deal with all the other complications, sorry just a bit over it all at the moment xx

Thanks Deanne & Julie, I don't have any redness etc but I do have a rock hard lump on each side where my drains used to be, it feels like a brick! I see my surgeon on Wednesday so I can probably wait till then. I just want to feel normal again without any pain or soreness but only being 3 weeks post op I've started to realise normality is some way off yet. It's crap we have to get cancer in the first place then we have to deal with all the other complications, sorry just a bit over it all at the moment xx

Hi Tina I was the same as Deanne. Had to have fluid drained regularly. Once my surgeon was happy he stopped. I also had fluid build up , but the more they drain , the more it is stimulated. So it comes to a point where they stop, and let it be absorbed naturally in the body. I found a small Seroma nit long ago, approx 18 months after diagnosis, and they let it be absorbed naturally. Just see your surgeon, and they will advise what to do. Julie xx