Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
So last Thursday I had a bilateral "Goldilocks" mastectomy - it's Tuesday now, so today is the fifth day post-op. I had three nights in hospital and was discharged on Sunday, and every day has felt like a battle with these dressings. It's a system called Prevena that puts a foam layer over the sutures, and then a plastic dressing over that so that the attached pump can then apply a gentle vacuum. Even in hospital, every day has brought patches to the edges to try and maintain a seal. It holds if I'm sitting down but the moment I stand up, the pump goes off, and I hear a little whistle from a new leak somewhere in the dressing. It's getting pretty frustrating - I can't shower without it going off and even just doing a wash at the basin triggers leaks. And forget going for 'gentle walks' - I want to, but not if the dressing's going to leak the whole damn way. I'm due to have them removed on 9 December, so six more days with them. If I thought I was happy to have drains removed, that'll probably be nothing compared to the joy of getting rid of these dressings. Has anyone else had experience with suction/negative pressure dressings like this?
Surgical options when you need radiation post surgery ???
Hi All I am seeking advice/information about what options you were given for surgery when you needed to have radiation post surgery. A bit about me, I am 52 single mum to adult sons (one still at home). I was diagnosed with IDC Grade 3 Triple Negative BC in early May. I have been undergoing neoadjuvant chemo and have just completed my last AC treatment, but still have 6 months of immunotherapy to continue. I've lost 10kg as a result of AC treatment. I struggle with being able to eat much so the weight loss may continue which won't be ideal. I get fatigued extremely easily with shakes and feeling like I'm going to faint after simple activities like doing dishes and food shopping. So I'm pretty house bound with minimal family support available. Back to my main question, what surgical options were you given and what warnings about negative side effects of radiation? My initial thought was to have a DMX with immediate implant reconstruction but the Oncoplastics team feel i should go for a SMX with DIEP reconstruction due to the radiation requirement. Due to my weight loss I probably only have just enough tissue for the single DIEP procedure and I'll likely need fairly extensive node removal also as I had 3 active nodes at diagnosis. My concerns are the length of the surgery needed, the scarring from the DIEP procedure and the recovery time as I have my first grandchild due to arrive around Christmas time. Any advice, stories, photos, anything would be much appreciated. Thank you for reading this and I hope your journey is going well. Sandi
Mastectomy /post surgery pillow
Hi all, I have a brand new mastectomy pillow that I found really helpful that is basically as new. I would be really happy to post it to anyone that is about to have surgery at no cost. I just can’t bear to throw it away and would be happy for it to help someone else! Just dm me with your address if you would like it. I’ve attached some photos x
Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Hey All, I just wanted to say in the past I haven't really worried about my scars from surgeries, however since doing my Diep Flap recon in February and subsequent revision surgery in July, I had my abdominal wound reopened. It was red, itchy and bumpy so thought I'd have a consult with people who specialise in scar management. Thanks to my friend @nikkid for the contact, I went today. I know in my post op visits there really wasn't much talk of scar management at all, so thought I'd pop a post for anyone who is finding them annoying red, itchy, bumpy and wanted some help with it. They use silicon dressings that I wear at night only, I then massage over 4-6 weeks in circular motions, (even an electric toothbrush) to break up the scar tissue about 4 times a day. My scars are so annoying and irritating,so that's why I decided to get some extra help. So I have a great recommendation in Melbourne for anyone needing that. Big hugs Melinda xo
Flat or DIEP Flap - doing my head in
I've looked online, and spoken with friends and others who've been through it, but my indecision is doing my head in. The time between available surgeon consultations is really dragging this out and giving me more time to work it out. History Bilateral BC, double mastectomy with immediate silicon implant reconstruction last October. In January, midway through chemo, an unknown infection sent me to hospital, and was only resolved once one of the implants was removed (during that stay, I was double-dosed on a strong antibiotic and my kidneys shut down temporarily). Now So now I have one implant, one deflated. I thought I definitely wanted DIEP Flap, but now I'm second guessing myself about possibly going Flat pack. I have thought about it a lot, and am currently continuing to lose sleep over it. I know this is my decision, but I would appreciate your thoughts, opinions and comments. I plan on trying your words on for size and seeing what resonates for me. How did you decide? Thank you in advance I want both the same - either filled or flat. (I know it won't be perfectly symmetrical) I'm tired of uneven. I like the shape of boobs. I'm 59, I know they've fulfilled any physical purpose they may have been needed for. I had a full hysterectomy 11 years ago, and boobs are part of what helps me still feel like a woman. The12 months since diagnosis have been a rollercoaster of tests, research, learning, surgeries and hospital stays. I'm ready for these boob chapters to be all over. I know my friends and family love me regardless of my shape. Other considerations DIEP flap - costs a lot - it's a long surgery - could be hard on my kidneys - long recovery The future could still include - revision surgery - more scans - random nerve pains Associated tummy tuck would be good! There are more fun things to do with 30 grand. When it comes down to it, Costs and risks. What if I regret my decision? DIEP Flap - having things go wrong, either with the surgery, the result, or down the track Flat - feeling less me From your personal experience, is there more I haven't considered? Thank you 🙏 P. S. I know this post is all over the place, but so is my head 😏
Chemo almost done...next is surgery. Hair growth questions.
Hi all, it's been a little while, hope you all doing well and this year brings you all good health and happiness. I am almost done with my chemo (AC and 12 weeks paclitaxel, 4 perjeta and another one (not sure of name), 2 more infusions of paclitaxel. Did anyone find bits of fluffy hair starting to grow already? I don't want to get too excited but am starting to notice some growth. Anxious and excited about my appointment tomorrow with the surgeon to discuss surgery options and how the tumors have responded to the chemo. Any advice would be appreciated. Still awaiting genetic testing results. Now the fun part. We have a family wedding in October this year and some other events and I am very excited for my hair to start growing. Any tips or advice. Scalp treatment or oils etc vitamins. Should I have a shave after chemo so the hair grows evenly and also what kind of length can I expect in 6 months or so. How did you hair grow? Lastly. If anyone is based in Sydney and would want to meet for a chat, support, pray , let me know. Would love to meet some ladies, we can encourage each other. Can direct message me if you like. Thanks and look forward to hearing your progress xxx
DIEP fails in surgery
Hi everyone, just wondering if any one went in for a Double DIEP surgery and because there were complications had to have a double TRAM instead? My surgeon is saying if I start with a DIEP I have to be accepting of the possibilty of TRAM flaps. Plus, he tells me, only 20% of DIEPS are successful??? Help, so confused Jodie
Processing the journey
Moderator moved @Tania_G post from activity section to 'General Discussion' section: Hi everyone, Was diagnosed back in July 2023 stage 3 HER2+ breast cancer. Have done two rounds of chemo. Had surgery in December 2023 and am now getting ready for radiotherapy. I'm experiencing a lot of confusion and loss as I now begin to process this journey. Getting used to my new body and trying to work out who I am psychologically. Any advice?
Hardening of breast
Hi everyone , I had removal of breast cancer in 2022 on left breast including 4 weeks of radiation.today I had a check up I have had a hard spot on the lower right since the surgery it hasn't changed and I'm an still tender where I have a scaring and over this area too, this was also present in my last check up which was with the surgeon which was told was fluid and I had just has a mammogram and ultra sound just before the visit which was all clear. .I have a revisit in 3 weeks with the surgeon as I saw one of her team of doc today. I am having a ultra sound over this area .Im a little concerned and worried, but I have also read that hardening and tenderness is common??? Has anyone else experienced this ?
Have you replaced implants after radio? What's your experience/issues/advice +capsule (kept /rem'd)?
I'm in discussions with two surgeons (initial and then second opinion) about removing my 10-year-old textured and radiated implants and either going flat or replacing implants. I posed a similar question on the reconstruction group - I'm hoping this main chat has some people who have faced re-reconstruction. I was first diagnosed with BC in 2011 and had a loco-regional recurrence in 2014. I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in 2011 (39 years old), and the other side was prophylactically done a year later. Due to the recurrence, I had radiation to the implant reconstructed site (10 years ago). The implants are the textured variety. The radiated side has some contracture (firm/tight), but specialists have told me it's not too bad (but it feels average to me). I also have a fair amount of tight scar tissue under my arm due to the recurrence and radiation. I'm so confused because two surgeons have advised different processes for removing the current implants. One of the surgeons has suggested that due to the radiated skin and existing scar tissue, I have up to 50% chance of failure of replacing implants, resulting in needing a flap reconstruction or going flat. This has frightened the life out of me because I thought the replacement surgery would be relatively minor (a simple grease and oil change LOL) This surgeon suggests removing as much of the scar tissue capsule around the implant as possible before inserting the new implant (but not because of breast Implant Illness concerns - neither surgeon is on the en bloc/ BII train). Removing the radiated capsule could remove the current hardness and minor deformity. This surgeon also advises I may need up to 3 fat sculpting surgeries to smooth out the breast (thin) skin (but that’s more general anaesthetics and recovery and $s!). The other surgeon suggests leaving the capsule as is and placing the new implant inside the existing capsule. As my skin is very thin from the mastectomy, removing the capsule could hinder healing and create more scar tissue/infection/concaving. The fact that this area is radiated means the newly created scar tissue capsule could be worse than the one removed. I guess this approach means the existing firmness stays – but hopefully, it shouldn’t get worse if it heals without infection (better the devil, you know?). If you replaced your implants after radiation, what has been your experience, scars, issues and advice? Did your surgeon remove or keep your existing capsule?
