GOOD news about double mast w/implants?

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awsmGirl
awsmGirl Member Posts: 38
in Breast Cancer #1

on Tu-6/12, i have to have a double mastectomy, with implant reconstruction at the same time.  Not happy: distressed about being cut-up and how bad recovery could be, whether i will look artificial, whether implants will age gracefully...

i would greatly appreciate any *GOOD* news anyone can share about their similar experience.  Any discussion of negatives is NOT welcome here, create your own thread if you need to.

 

Also, any advice about what could make my experience and/or recovery more positive/easier.

 

thank you

Comments

  • 1surfermom
    1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member
    #2
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    Good vibes , well wishes and prayers

    Hi awsmGirl

    I hope that you will sail thru surgery and recovery. I have not have had a double mast, but I did have extensive surgery on both breasts. With my first cancer I had a large lump removed along with all my lymphnodes. I subsequently had radiation on that breast. With the removal of the tumor and the radiation my breast became perky. Eight years later I developed a tumor in the other breast, I then decided that I would get a breast lift performed  ( just on that breast)at the same time they removed the small tumor.I now match! Needless to say I am very happy with my new apearance. I'm a woman of a certain age and I think I look age appropriate just not matronly ( what I looked like before the lift). I know it is difficult but consider it as a positive at the end of a very long and dark journey. Love Surf

  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #3
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    Wishing you a swift healing~

    Goodness, it's tomorrow! your big day. I had a unilateral mastectomy (one breast) with reconstruction at the same time. A tissue expander and latissimus dorsi flap. I obeyed Dr.s orders and healed beautifully. that was 2008. My "girls" look amazing to this day! No problems, no troubles. I am so glad I chose reconstruction for me, I am very active. One thing I always did before a surgery was buy new pajamas and slippers, stock the fridge with lots of liquids to stay hydrated. Juices, soups and chocolate!! I will be thinking of you and hoping all will be well~

    A positive attitude always helped me, and those who were my team of helpers, caregivers and friends who care~ You sound like you have a positive mind set~ Cool

    M

  • Chickadee1955
    Chickadee1955 Member Posts: 355 Member
    #4
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    Double mast w/implants

    Wishing you well for a fabulous recovery.  I had double mast, but delayed the reconstruction.  I am now 8 years out from mast and about 7.5 years out from reconstruction.  I had no problems with healing and have had a great result.  My surgeon told me I could handle a wet t-shirt contest.  I told him that really wasn't my thing, and I was pretty certain that folks would notice my bodacious foobs were still connected to a 60 year old body!  Follow doctor's orders and be kind to yourself.  It took time, but I am very well pleased with my results.  I'm sure you will be, too.    Chickadee

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    edited June 2018 #5
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    Best wishes

    I pray all goes well and very successful!   Like Chickadee says, be good to yourself and mind those docs. 

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • Susan J P
    Susan J P Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2018 #6
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    Healing

      I hope you are healing and finding comfort with your new you.

     

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    #7
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    Prayers and blessings to all

    Prayers and Blessings to all for speedy recovery from operations and treatments!  HANG IN THERE!!

     

    beepositive

  • sparkleglow
    sparkleglow Member Posts: 3
    #8
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    Chickadee1955 said:

    Double mast w/implants

    Wishing you well for a fabulous recovery.  I had double mast, but delayed the reconstruction.  I am now 8 years out from mast and about 7.5 years out from reconstruction.  I had no problems with healing and have had a great result.  My surgeon told me I could handle a wet t-shirt contest.  I told him that really wasn't my thing, and I was pretty certain that folks would notice my bodacious foobs were still connected to a 60 year old body!  Follow doctor's orders and be kind to yourself.  It took time, but I am very well pleased with my results.  I'm sure you will be, too.    Chickadee

    Are there still scars,

    I'm going to have the same surgery. I have implants already in which the incision was underneath 15 yrs ago. The mastectomy is to have an incision straight across. Was wishing he could do it all from underneath. Was wondering how the scars are now, and did the plastic surgeon fix them too? Thanks 

  • Carmenoma Chronicles
    Carmenoma Chronicles Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2018 #9
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    sparkleglow said:

    Are there still scars,

    I'm going to have the same surgery. I have implants already in which the incision was underneath 15 yrs ago. The mastectomy is to have an incision straight across. Was wishing he could do it all from underneath. Was wondering how the scars are now, and did the plastic surgeon fix them too? Thanks 

    Incision option

    You should find out if possible to have a nipple sparring mastectomy? I know you have to be a candidate for it, thankfully I was, but actually my husband was the one that researched it and we brought it up to surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon. I also had prior implants that initially went in through my nipples but with the double mastectomy it was under the breast... still a far better option then across. Hope its an option for you and if not I would think it was for the best as far as removing tumors ect.

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