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I am having expanders removed due to infection.

Posted by ccc1965 @ccc1965, 4 days ago

Hello,

I am 5 weeks out from a right mastectomy. 1/3 of skin is dead and expanders are causing issues (infection). The Dr. has scheduled surgery for Monday to address both. My question - how long does the recovery take. I will have a drain so understand the limitations on that front. Thank you!

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kissmekate48 | @kissmekate48 | 2 days ago

Sorry to hear it. I had an explant following an infection and the recovery time was fairly quick. A few weeks of taking it easy, keeping the incision dry, etc., no heavy lifting, Tylenol for a couple of days. (I have a staph infection now with an expander — hoping it works out). The drain is always the biggest challenge but I’ve worked out clothes to hide it. Infections are not uncommon. Take it easier than you think you should and heal up! Best wishes to you.

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kissmekate48 | @kissmekate48 | 2 days ago
In reply to @kissmekate48 "Sorry to hear it. I had an explant following an infection and the recovery time was..." + (show)
Profile picture for kissmekate48 @kissmekate48

Sorry to hear it. I had an explant following an infection and the recovery time was fairly quick. A few weeks of taking it easy, keeping the incision dry, etc., no heavy lifting, Tylenol for a couple of days. (I have a staph infection now with an expander — hoping it works out). The drain is always the biggest challenge but I’ve worked out clothes to hide it. Infections are not uncommon. Take it easier than you think you should and heal up! Best wishes to you.

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I should add — you need recovery time for anesthesia too! I usually plan for a few days of very low/almost no activity and then slowly increase. My thing is getting up and out for a short walk. Prepare for the worst and then be pleasantly surprised, I hope! ♥️

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cancerwifemom | @cancerwifemom | 2 days ago

Sorry to hear about that. I went through that just on one side. The recovery was quick, and I felt much better after having it removed. I was on my feet within a couple of days and started chemo a few weeks after that. It was not like mastectomy recovery.

I had reconstructive surgery after chemo to remove the other expander and place implants. No complications

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