Reconstruction, revision and drains
Hello, I had my tissue expander swapped over to an implant in July however my surgeon has advised I may need revision surgery on Monday as necrosis (dead skin) has formed around the incision and the implant is now exposed. The revision will prevent any infection. As I have an important appointment next Friday that can't be changed, I want to make sure I will be able to make it. During the surgery in July, my drain tubes were in for over a week before they were removed. Has anyone had revision surgery before and did you need drain tubes? I'm hoping the surgeon will tell me tomorrow that drain tubes won't be required this time.. Fingers crossed! Thanks Emma
Bye bye boobs
Five days to go until I farewell my breasts. I am comfortable with my decision but nervous about the emotional impact of the outcome. How can you anticipate an amputation of this nature, physically or mentally? I'm not afraid of medical procedures or pain (eight and a half hours of labour with no painkillers pushing out a 9lb11oz baby...), but I am nervous of being under for 8 - 10 hours. My low blood pressure issues and collapse a few weeks ago are playing on my mind. My GP is being cautious and doing some heart tests and I'll be having a good chat with the anaesthetist. I'm comforted by the people who've gone before me and say they have no regrets. I know I'm doing the right thing, for me and my family. My lovely breast surgeon agrees. However I am sad. My breasts are actually a body part I liked. We've had some fun over the years; it's challenging to say goodbye to such a delightful erogenous zone. Nerves and apprehension have been rising as the operation's approached, but have been mostly under control. However last night, after a busy day of distraction, the moment I turned off my light I was swamped with anxiety that went on all night. I had a shocker. The valium I took at 3am didn't help (it was only a 2). I'm a member of the Choosing Breast Reconstruction Group but it's pretty quiet over there so @iserbrown suggested I post here too, so you all can keep me company through the next bump on this wretched rollercoaster. Black humour welcome!
Final Countdown 3 days to go for Mastectomy and Diep Flap reconstruction....YIKES!!!!!!
Hello My Fellow Courageous Beautiful Friends!!!! Well a few weeks ago I wasn't traveling very well, as we know too well that emotional roller coaster! I have since had an appointment with a Psychologist I saw 3 yrs ago and it was invaluable. It helped incredibly to try and put it all into perspective. She pointed out that our logical thinking comes from the frontal lobe but unfortunately my emotional body hasnt caught up to the logic of whats happening eventhough I know it has to happen because it makes sense. The other thing she pointed out is the attachment I have to my physicality and all my bits and pieces, of course am human this is what we are...but this is not the essence of who I am..I am so much more than that and the irony is when people see me they dont see my physicality they see the depths of the person I am. Somehow separating myself a little in that way has helped with letting go. The other thing was she said I was grieving, grieving the loss of my breast, grieving the struggle the past 6 years all very valid and is important. I feel I turned a corner. I finished work yesterday and the reality hit as I drove home in tears even at my age wishing my MUM was here to wipe them away...OH DEAR LOL So honestly?? I am incredibly nervous!!! and yeah scared of the whole thing, the pain of it, recovery...the end result...but am calm and trying to do one day at a time...just get to Monday and get to surgery thats all!!!! PHEW!!!Diep Flap Reconstruction when my weight hasn't gone down to pre treatment HELP!!!
HI Ladies! Just a shout out for some help to hear from ladies who have had the Diep Flap Reconstruction. I have a concern with surgery pending within 90 days. My Plastic Surgeon said it will be all fine in terms of symmetry to my good side. I'm however stressed out because, I put on 6kg thanks to treatment! and CANNOT shift it no matter what I do, exercise is brutal due to constant pain from Chemo and Arimidex just debilitating. So my question is this...and CONCERN really...he is going to match my good Breast as it is now! but I will get that weight off, so then what??? my good side will be smaller. I really wanted that weight off and back to where I was pre all of this, but its not going to happen. Ive gone from size 10 to 12 and HATE IT! I was DD and now an E cup, but he doesnt want to touch the good side. HELP!!! has anyone experienced the same thing? as in after surgery your weight started to readjust and then you were left lopsided dramatically?? Its probably silly, but Im really stressed about this, the whole Surgery I thought Id got my head around but I haven't and unsure how Im going to. Am dreading it all! and I think its because this is twice in 5yrs and Im over the whole thing, its been an incredibly diffcult journey. I know I should just focus that this is the last piece, but right now, just scared and feeling so vulnerable and worried about recovery with very little support. Melinda xo
failed reconstruction
I was diagnosed with early breast cancer sept 2012. I was told that I had to have a mastectomy with the option of immediate reconstruction, which I took up. I had a TE placed and all went wel l for the first five weeks until I started to experience constant pain along my pec and sternum area. I told both my breast care nurse and PS both of whom said that this was normal as I was quite small. However, I knew that constant pain was not part of the plan, which proved to be correct when I presented at the hospital with an unusual rash and my entire breast was inflamed. The PS conducted a core biopsy (ouch!!) but the results were inconclusive, there was no evidence of infection but the pain increased. My PS gave me the option of having the TE taken out which he was reluctant to do but I was in so much pain that I insisted that it had to be taken out. I had little support during this time, my family live overseas and I am single with very busy friends. After the TE was taken out I can see in hindsight that I was in shock at the sight of the mastectomy. I now suffer from anxiety and depression. I have just finished chemo (4 x AC, 12 Taxol) and I'm about to have 5 weeks of Rads, my anxiety is increasing the closer this gets. I am in chronic pain due to the second operation and I'm in truth scared stiff of being in more pain. I'm still going ahead with reconstruction, now obviously delayed and will be asking for a second opinion from another PS. Has anyone experienced anything similar or can give me some advice? I am also experiencing a post chemo slump.