recovery time/mastectomy/lattimus flap

ohilly

I am going to have a mastectomy and then immediate reconstruction (I know I am not spelling this correctly, but it's the lattimus dorsal flap with skin sparing mastectomy - they told me it's a new procedure involving using the outer skin from the breast, inserting an implant, and then taking some skin from my side). Does anyone know how long the recovery time is from both these procedures (or a similar procedure if not the exact same thing). I'm wondering when I can go back to work (I just sit and talk to people: I'm a social worker). Ohilly

survivor51

Ohilly,
I had the same procedure but they took the muscle from my back area(about where your bra is) I found with the drains (4) that took about 2 1/2 weeks to come out. The other where that put an extender to stretch the muscle isn't bad but I had to go in once a week to get saline injected into the area. Did hurt but a little uncomfortable until I go use to the stretch. I took a advil before I went in and this totally helped. I am guessing about 4 weeks as long as you take it easy. You will get tired because this is a major surgery. See what you can do from home if they allow it. If possible, I'd give yourself as much time as possible to get your strength back but I also know how it is to need my paycheck. Check with your doctor and maybe 1/2 in office 1/2 day at home. Everyone recovers differently. Not sure if and when you have chemo but factor that in also. Angela

ohilly

survivor51 said:

Ohilly,
I had the same procedure but they took the muscle from my back area(about where your bra is) I found with the drains (4) that took about 2 1/2 weeks to come out. The other where that put an extender to stretch the muscle isn't bad but I had to go in once a week to get saline injected into the area. Did hurt but a little uncomfortable until I go use to the stretch. I took a advil before I went in and this totally helped. I am guessing about 4 weeks as long as you take it easy. You will get tired because this is a major surgery. See what you can do from home if they allow it. If possible, I'd give yourself as much time as possible to get your strength back but I also know how it is to need my paycheck. Check with your doctor and maybe 1/2 in office 1/2 day at home. Everyone recovers differently. Not sure if and when you have chemo but factor that in also. Angela

Survivor 51, since you had the same reconstruction procedure I had, are you satisfied with it? How does it look and feel? Let me know. Ohilly