Mastectomy and breast reconstruction pros and cons?

Posted by kruzin @kruzin, Jul 8, 2018

Being treated for breast cancer, having a mastectomy and was wondering what people did for reconstruction?

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mlk | @mlk | Dec 25, 2021

In reply to @auntieoakley "@mlk I have been thinking about you, and wondering how you are doing?" + (show)

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

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Dec 24, 2021

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

windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 17, 2021

The iron bra gets better!

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Dec 16, 2021

In reply to @mlk "all margins are clear, lymph nodes are all negative, but was triple negative so at least..." + (show)

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?

mlk | @mlk | Dec 15, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "mlk, how did the post-surgery consult go?" + (show)

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!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 15, 2021

In reply to @vsunshine18 "4 months post op and still have hard breasts. Doing well. Wish they would soften but..." + (show)

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?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 15, 2021

In reply to @mlk "I see surgeon for first time the 13th, surgery was Dec 1. Have 3 drains, 2..." + (show)

mlk, how did the post-surgery consult go?

vsunshine18 | @vsunshine18 | Dec 12, 2021

4 months post op and still have hard breasts. Doing well. Wish they would soften but not very hopeful. Love the reconstruction. Breasts are much smaller than orginals.

windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 12, 2021

The tightness gets better. You can stretch the skin by opening your arms wide repeatedly, but it starts to resolve with time.

mlk | @mlk | Dec 11, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "When will you have the drains removed, @mlk? Did they talk to you about exercises post..." + (show)

I see surgeon for first time the 13th, surgery was Dec 1. Have 3 drains, 2 are very very little now. but getting concerned about tightness, it still feels like I have a very tight bandage on and I do not. skin feels so hard, my stiches are "glue" that will dissolve eventually they say. I had a seroma which was removed of course still have some orange peel skin. Just want my chest to soften a bit. hope exercise will be suggested Monday.