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 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
- Hi Sonya, Day 4 following surgery I am feeling good hope you are doing well. Take care Sue
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
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
Keep us up to date with what you decide to do Paula. All the best with the revision.
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
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
- 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
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.
Hi Sonya,
I have not decided on nipple reconstruction or tattooing as yet. At this stage, I am leaning towards just the tattooing, if I decide to do anything at all. I believe that nipple reonstruction produces nipples that appear to be constantly erect, and I really don't need that. Just perhaps a visual break in the scar line would be sufficient, I think.... That's this week - I may change my mind later! One step at a time....That's the only bit of advice I would give - take your time to recover and give yourself the time to grieve for your lost breasts and come to terms with the whole situation. There is no hurry - just do things at your own pace.
All the best for your recovery - happy to share expereiences any time.
Alison
