Hi Everyone I am 49 and was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with invasive cancer in calcium "clouds" in several areas of left breast. Having a bilateral mastectomy (I want symmetry, I know I don't need the right one off) this Friday with immediate reconstruction. Trying to use the time prodcutively to get everything out of the way and organised before I begin this wild ride. Feel perfectly well so it is hard to accept it. Have three teenage daughters and a husband. Already amazed at the support people are so prepared to offer, including on this website. Women who have been through it and could easily put it all behind them are so willing to give their time to others at earlier stages. Want to get moving and get the pathology back and know more about what I'm dealing with here. Fingers crossed. Sonya

Hi Paula I will be having silicon implants. Did you have reconstruction? Sonya

Hi Sonya, Welcome and im also glad you have found your way here. The lead up to surgery can be challenging, keep busy this week and do your last minute preparations. I also had a bilat, left side preventative, also wanted symmetry, still trying to achieve that. I believe its a bit easier to achieve with implants. There are quite a few implant stories, but I am sure you have found those by now. Do you feel ready? By leaving your unique story here you will also be one of those members who is helping others coming after you. Good luck Friday, we will be thinking of you and hoping to hear how you go when you feel up to getting back online. Stay in touch. XXXLouie

I didn't have implants. I had a tram flap tissue transfer. As Louie said there are loads of people on here who have had implants. Hopefully you have found their stories. Wishing you all the best on Friday. Paula xx

Hi Sonya, Hope all goes well for your surgery. I know how you feel my surgery is Thursday, mastectomy and reconstruction all in one hit. Not enough hours in the day to get organised but then I have to sit and rest! Take care. Sue

Bilateral Mastectomy, Expanders then Silicon Implants

27 Replies

Suemc
Member
12 years ago
Hi Sonya Came home today one week after surgery. Still sore but feel relatively good. Have two drain tubes still in hopefully they will come out Monday. Swelling of the reconstructed boob is painful and I think the bruises are coming out where they took the lymph nodes. Painkillers are helping early to bed for me tonight I think. Haven't looked at myself in a mirror yet that will be tomorrow's fun. Glad all went well how long do the expanders stay in for? Sue
sonzy
Member
12 years ago
Hi Sue. Glad to hear you're going ok. I'm going along ok too. Today better than yesterday. Quite bit of pain still, especially in one side so have stepped up the medication a bit. Have to be a bit assertive about this with some of the nurses who kind of treat you like a drug addict if you ask for more. Had the rubbery compression bandage off yesterday thankfully. It was very uncomfortable and when it came off I saw that I had lots of blisters forming underneath. Have bandages on them now. Feel ok about the boobs being gone. Glad I had looked at lots of photos though so I was a bit prepared. The expanders feel very weird under the skin but I'm glad to have some little bumps rather than nothing at all. How are you feeling about it all?

Sonya
Suemc
Member
12 years ago
Hi Sonya, Day 4 following surgery I am feeling good hope you are doing well. Take care Sue
mum2jj
Member
12 years ago
My PS uses a local tattooist, but have not seen his work yet. My parents live not for from Mona Vale in Sydney. There,is apparently a really great lady called Jill Adams who comes highly recommended. Paula x
sonzy
Member
12 years ago
Yes, that makes sense Paula. Sitting up in my hospital bed wondering what on earth is under these bandages. Let us know what you decide with the 3D etc. Do you have someone where you live who does it? Sonya
sonzy
Member
12 years ago
Keep us up to date with what you decide to do Paula. All the best with the revision.
LouiseTurner
Member
12 years ago
Hi girls, lovely to see you chatting again Alison, its been ages. And great to hear your reconstruction is progressing well.

About nipples....I have had an epiphany .....with my wobbly tissue transfer recon breasts I think i will go ahead with nipple recon because I will always have to wear a bra which will stop the nipples showing through t-shirts.

If I had implants and wasnt going to wear a bra, I think i would go with just the 3D tattoos.

Does that make sense?

I was also wondering, if anyone knows...is it possible to go with the 3D tattoos then if you dont like them do nipple recon later??? Yes I am a bit of a fence sitter sometimes.

Louie
mum2jj
Member
12 years ago
Glad surgery went well. I too am still deciding re nipples. I like the tattoo idea if I can find a good tattooist. Need to finish revision first. One day at a time. Hope your recovery goes well. Thinking of you. Paula xx
mum2jj
Member
12 years ago
Thanks for getting back to me. There is no fat left in my stomach!!! I had just enough for a set of small breasts. My Dr said the outer thigh is a no go zone for some reason which I can't remember. Apparently will use inner thigh. I also have quite prominent love handles which are more obvious since the tummy shrunk!!! All the best. Paula
sonzy
Member
12 years ago
Yes, I can see what you mean. Would be good to wear shirts and not worry about the nipple thing. The woman in the last Woman's Weekly looked great in her t-shirt in the breast cancer article.

You're right of course. I shouldn't jump ahead. Only had them off yesterday! Many bridges to cross before then.

Thanks, Alison.