Mastectomy and breast reconstruction pros and cons?

mlk, how did the post-surgery consult go?

vsunsine, It may take as long as 1 to 2 years for tissues to heal fully. Did your surgeon mention any exercises or manipulation that would help with softening? Are you happy with smaller breast?

all margins are clear, lymph nodes are all negative, but was triple negative so at least must do 3 mos of chemo and 1 year of weekly immune therapy .Am flat but feels like am wearing a very tight bra!

I am glad you have clear margins and lymph nodes! We can certainly celebrate that. Not so much the chemo, has he given you the regimen yet?
Once I was sure I wouldn’t break anything from the surgery, I started wall walking with my hands, whenever I was just standing still I would find a wall and walk my hand up and away from my body until I could start to reach up and out. I really feel that for me( multiple surgeries, but no mastectomy) this was the best exercise to stretch the skin and build some strength again. Have you asked your surgeon for help about his, or a referral for therapy?

The iron bra gets better!

@mlk I have been thinking about you, and wondering how you are doing?

Merry Christmas! I am still healing and waiting for the tightness to subside. Still have glue on the incision site. Thank you for your concern . and for clinical trial info-like driftwood....good sign

MLK, I am right behind you and have been following your progress! I had a nipple sparing, double mastectomy on 12/6 for a dcis, stage 0 in one breast. They removed one lymph node. I was 100% Er/or positive. I did not want to take the hormone blockers for 5-10 years with, according to my surgeon, multiple biopsies in my future. (I am 54.) I have tissue expanders in and get my first fill today. A little nervous and am a bit weary of more pain. Everyday seems to be getting better and I am getting some feeling back under my armpits. This has been such an emotional experience for me! I have read so many boards prior to my decision and decided that I should contribute. I know there are a lot of women out there that will be in my same shoes following their surprise mammogram. The hardest thing for me is disrobing and taking showers. I hate the numbness. It feels like I am wearing a plastic bra. I started out as a b cup so the flatness is not as much as a shocker as it would be for others.

Welcome, Suzant! I'm so glad that you chose to contribute to this discussion board, especially to share with @mlk and others.

This is all so new. I'm sure @roch @mlk @cindylb @nataliehope @trixie1313 @cgirl0721 and others can understand the emotional impact of getting undressed and taking showers.

Hyperbaric rocks! I would almost watch my narcrosy heal - Amazing fast Healing. And good for your whole body.