Reconstruction - Round 2!!

Afternoon Liz,

After my surgery last Tuesday, so far it has been a walk in the park, I did not have the need for pain killers after surgery (I had more pain after each fill), no drains either, I was only in overnight but if they let me I would of gone home that afternoon. The only problem I have had is I had to walk to the hospital yesturday to get my dressing changed by the nurses as it was not as waterproof as it was supposed to be (or sweating on the treadmill may have lossened them........surgery Tuesday, back on the treadmill Thursday) and my appointment with my surgeon is not until next Monday.  I think I may be a C or D....... that is just one of the details they forgot to mention, but they feel comfortable and I am happy with them.  As my tattoos will not be the standard run of the mill nipples I have to eventually go to one of my tattooist to get mine done as my surgeon does not have the colours I want or the confidence to do them (she did an awsome job with every thing else though). Even though we do not really have the need to wear bras if you are ever looking for a comfortable one Ahh bras are a good option, they are soooooo comfortable. . Well I hope your surgery goes well and you are happy with the results.

Take care

regards

Kim

Hi Dette

Thankyou so much for your message of support and sharing of your own experience, it is greatly appreciated

Liz

x

Thanks so much for your feedback Tanya.  My surgeon said he may have to put a couple of drains in, but is hoping that it won't be necessary, but at least I will keep in mind now it may very well be an option!  I was just really wondering whether I would be able to drive and how much time to take off work. Perhaps one week is a tad ambitious (lol!!) I have a office job so I may be able to still do a bit...

I do have one other question that I  hope you don't mind answering.... I was just wondering if you are happy with the final result? My 'expanded' boobs are a bit of an odd shape at present and I am hoping they will be more boob like with the silicone implants....I just hope that I am not expecting too much.  I am going to get tattoos for nipples (as I am very familiar with skin grafting and it does not really appeal to me).  Its funny, I didn't have a good relationship with my original saggy old boobs....I didn't think I would feel all vain about my new ones (lol)....

Many thanks again for your support

x Liz

Hi Lizzy

I had my expanders exchanged for implants earlier this year and like you I have two small children.  I was in hospital 2 days and returned home (like you I live in the country and had to travel home.  The thing I did not realise with the exchange surgery is that I had to have drains again, this was a surprise to me and I am sure this wasnt mentioned. 

After about 7 days the drains were removed, but I had my surgery on the Tuesday and on the Saturday I drove myself to work to do a couple of hours work (just paperwork, nothing physical).  whilst it was a lot easier than the mastecomy and the expander insertion surgery I still found it a little bit more than a walk in the park (which my surgeons told me too).

Good luck, feel free to ask any other questions.

Tanya xx

Hi Lizzy

I had my expanders exchanged for implants earlier this year and like you I have two small children.  I was in hospital 2 days and returned home (like you I live in the country and had to travel home.  The thing I did not realise with the exchange surgery is that I had to have drains again, this was a surprise to me and I am sure this wasnt mentioned. 

After about 7 days the drains were removed, but I had my surgery on the Tuesday and on the Saturday I drove myself to work to do a couple of hours work (just paperwork, nothing physical).  whilst it was a lot easier than the mastecomy and the expander insertion surgery I still found it a little bit more than a walk in the park (which my surgeons told me too).

Good luck, feel free to ask any other questions.

Tanya xx

Hi Liz

Hi Liz,

I too welcome you to the site and hope you find it a real support - I certainly have. I also had mastectomy and reconstruction in same surgery (late May) but unlike you am small breasted so did not even need implants, never alone expanders! Given that my real trouble after surgery was related to the arm and axillary clearance except some movement precautions due to the reconstruction, I'd probably be relatively confident with the surgeon's summation - a walk in the park this time!!

I hope it all goes well and there are some ladies who can give you more first hand experience.

take care, dette xxx

Welcome to the site.  I cant make any comment on reconstruction as I have not "been there"  I have had lumpectomy/s for my two bouts of bc.  Sounds like all is going well for you and it is great that your partner was able to have some input.  I'm sure you will get some response from someone who has had similar to yourself.  Good luck XLeonie