Reconstruction with expanders - What do you do?

Future
Future Member Posts: 133 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a right modified radical mastectomy in May 03 with no reconstruction at that time. I am now having a simple mastectomy on the left and reconstruction of both sides in a couple of weeks. Because of previous abdominal surgery the plastic surgeon doesn't want to do double TRAM. He's planning to do latisimus dorsi flap on the right (because I had radiation that side) and then put an expander under that. On the left he'll just do the expander.

What do you do about wearing bras while the "expansion" is going on. I have to wear a uniform with a light top - do you just wear a camisole or what?

I would appreciate any hints you can give me. Also I understand the expansion can be very uncomfortable - any recommendations?

Appreciate it

mw

Comments

  • sandyk
    sandyk Member Posts: 7
    #2
    On 1/31/05 I had latissimus dorsi flap on right side w/expander and an expander on the left. I had right lumpectomy 2/02. Cancer and mod rad mastectomy right side and simple on left on 12/02. Margins unclear on right and so another surgery leaving a pit. I too had radiation following chemo. No reconstruction until this year. It was a bigger surgery than I anticipated however I'm so glad that I had it done! It's wonderful to wear clothing and not worry about hiding my chest. I go in every week for a "fill er up" LOL I came home in a opertive bra that velcroed in the front. My mom and aunt purchased a couple of soft, night time bras that snapped up the front. You have very limited motion and some pain for about 3-4 weeks. Now I wear sports bra or camisole w/built in bra as I too work in the public. My expansion has gone very slowly and I'm still not done on right where flap was perfromed. My palstic suregon is awesome and she's taking it easy on the flap. I won't have very large breasts but that's fine by me. The expansion left me very sore last week. I'm getting close to the end and the skin is becooming tighter. It wasn't until last week that I felt this degree of pressure and tenderness. I had my expandsion done in the am and went to work however not a very productive day. The following day it was better and by the next just felt tight. I hope this helps. Best-Sandy

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