Forum Discussion
Bilateral Mastectomy, Expanders then Silicon Implants
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
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- 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
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
