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Anyone decide not to do reconstruction after getting the expander in?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 4, 2023 | Replies (25)Comment receiving replies
After a couple of unsuccessful tries with an expander and implant I opted to forgo the implant and use a prosthesis. My initial thought was why didn't anyone tell me about this option to begin with. The prosthesis is comfortable and I have been happy with it for 11 years. They make different styles for swimming and exercise, I do both and wouldn't consider trying for another implant. Of course if the reconstruction had been comfortable and successful the 1st time around I might feel differently. Good luck!
Replies to "After a couple of unsuccessful tries with an expander and implant I opted to forgo the..."
This is a very good question, may 8th, I have reconstruction surgery, this has been delayed for a year, I have one expander in and one out due to an infection I had 6 months ago.
I am going with a gel small (250) implant and fat graph from my stomach - there has been no expansion in the expander as my skin from radiation on my right side has changed.
So, I delayed this surgery for a year to have my body heal from my surgeries and finish with preventative chemo.
Expanders if inflated or not are very uncomfortable and I am ready to have removed from my body!
Keep you posted on the different feeling of expanders to full reconstruction. It has to be more comfortable.
Best wishes in your decision.
It will be a challenging surgery, but I am ready
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Thanks! What was the surgery and recovery like to get everything removed? Did you need drains again? What was your mobility like afterwards? Are you completely flat on that side now? Do you have any feeling /discomfort there? I appreciate hearing about your experience.