Forum Discussion

Annie13's avatar
Annie13
Member
12 years ago

Two new boobs...

So on Monday 15 July I went into hopital to get my new boobs. Expander out of the left, exchanged with an implant, mastectomy on the right followed by immediate recon with an implant and some sort of 'mesh' to hold it up.

Recovery has been long and slow. Rather than the couple of days I thought I was going to be in hospital (my first mastectomy I was only in for 2 days!) I was in for 10 days, with 3 drains. I managed to get 2 drains out before I came home, but one remained in for another week. Total pain in the butt. So in total it was 3 weeks off work, and just a really drawn out process.

The boobs are starting to settle. Expander exchange on the right looks amazing - really nice shape. The left is still a bit all over the place - swelling up the top, the mesh settling on the bottom and my nipple is completely off centre! My plastic surgeon tells me it will all settle down and that he'll reposition the nipple in about 6 months - who knew something like that was so easy!!

Yesterday I finally got the last of the dressings off, and I have to say I was a bit upset. Now I have two massive scars - one right across the middle, one underneath - a nipple on one side which is off centre and none on the other. I guess just in general I feel the whole thing looks a bit scary for want of a better word. I'm not sure how my partner feels about them, but I'm thinking he surely can't find them attractive anymore :(

I find myself thinking about children more and more at the moment. This blasted situation has forced the issue I guess. I have the option of going off the Tamoxifen in about 18 months and giving it a shot - I'm thinking I might do it. Big life change, but I think we're ready.

Anyway, back at work now, and back walking in the mornings which makes me feel better. Off on holidays to Thailand in 8 weeks which I seriously can not wait for - a celebration of everything that's happened over the past 12 months. It will be great :)

mastectomy

14 Replies

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Annie, no, I did not have the mess thingy put in. I had expanders on both sides, and then I plants put in after 3 months. I didn't have any radiotherapy. This might be why you needed the mesh, as the skin doesn't stretch very well after radiation treatment. It will probably all settle down with time. Love Chris xx
  • Annie13's avatar
    Annie13
    Member
    12 years ago

    I went with the teardrop also - nice and natural. I think mine are 400ml. I basically have gone down from a DD cup to a B / C cup which I have to say I'm happy about! I play a lot of sport and big boobs and sport are just hard work!

    With your immediate reconstruction, did they put that mesh thing in to help support the implant?? Mine is quite obvious and very hard. They said it was required as the chest muscle wont stretch enough to cover the implant?

  • Annie13's avatar
    Annie13
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks so much for the kind words Jackie.

    Yes, I had chemo and radiotherapy, finishing up in February this year.

    Radiotherapy is a breeze compared to chemo, so I'm sure you'll breeze through it.

    Take care and all the very best. :)

  • Jackie50's avatar
    Jackie50
    Member
    12 years ago
    What an amazing brave lady you are. At least its all behind you now ::)))). Each day will get better im sure. Did u have radiotherapy Annie. ..???? I did & know it will make for a more complicated surgery next year for me, but ill come to it when im emotionally ready. Just finished TAC chemo this week...yippee! Radiotherapy next. Have a wonderful time in Thailand. ..you deserve to relax & be pampered after all youve been through. Take care, be gentle with yourself Jackie xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    12 years ago
    What shaped implants did you have? I had the anatomical shape, (tear drop), with an extra full projection, 495mls each. Initially I was happier with the delayed implant. With the immediate reconstruction, I had a big bleed at 3 weeks and required more surgery to drain off 800mls and wash out the expander. This caused lots of irritation and scaring. It has completely settled and softened now, whereas the delayed one isn't as soft or rounded. How yours will ake you happy in time. Love Chris xx
  • Annie13's avatar
    Annie13
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Chris. It's interesting you note that your immediate reconstruction is the one that looks better - it's the other way around for me, although that may change when things settle.

    I've delayed my new bra shopping trip so I think based on your advice I may delay even a little longer! The upside is a little crop is perfectly satisfactory these days anyway! :)

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Annie, it does take time for these implants to settle down. I had mine swapped over about 18 months ago, and at first I was a bit disappointed when I went bra shopping. I should have delayed this little shopping trip by a few months, but instead went out a few weeks after the op. My boobs, which initially I was happy with, seemed too flat to fill a regular bra. Now, I can comfortably wear my original underwire 14B bras. They do change shape for several months this after the procedure, and eventually settle down. The breast that looks and feels the best is the one that had the immediate reconstruction. Maybe more flesh and fat was removed from the cancer side. I had the reconstruction and prophylactic mastectomy 9 months after the first mastectomy. Time will improve the feel and shape of the implants good luck. Love Chris
  • Annie13's avatar
    Annie13
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks for the feedback Annie. I guess I just expected them to look great as soon as I had them! Nice to know it does take a little while to settle down. I'm sure in 12 months time once it's all settled, I've had my nipple centred and a reconstructed nipple on the right side that they will look good. Everything in this journey is a waiting game I guess so I just have to be patient!