Newcomer & reconstruction

carolyn1955
carolyn1955 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi, all! Am new to this group as of last night. I had bilateral mastectomies in 1997 (cancer in one breast but very strong family history of breast CA so elected to have both breasts removed). Just finished reconstruction w/ implants 5 days ago and surprisingly am finding I'm NOT happy w/ end results. Anybody else have reconstruction experiences they can share?
Basically, I feel like I have 2 huge hubcaps on my chest; they don'e resemble breasts at all! Will the shape and size change w/ time? I've been crying for 2 days (since bandages removed). Healing thoughts to all of you!
Carolyn

Comments

  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #2
    Hi Carolyn. Take a deep breath! You have to give it time. You've had surgery and you're swollen and sore. The breasts probably feel very firm and heavy. In time this does improve. As the swelling goes down The firmness gets less. I didn't have implants,I had a Tram Flap but everybody goes through the same thing. Don't jump to conclusions! Give it a couple of months and I think you'll be pleasantly happy and releived! If not, let your surgeon know if you're unhappy or concerned. Good luck. Let us know how you're doing! HUGS!! Cathy
  • carolyn1955
    carolyn1955 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    cruf said:

    Hi Carolyn. Take a deep breath! You have to give it time. You've had surgery and you're swollen and sore. The breasts probably feel very firm and heavy. In time this does improve. As the swelling goes down The firmness gets less. I didn't have implants,I had a Tram Flap but everybody goes through the same thing. Don't jump to conclusions! Give it a couple of months and I think you'll be pleasantly happy and releived! If not, let your surgeon know if you're unhappy or concerned. Good luck. Let us know how you're doing! HUGS!! Cathy

    Thanks, Cathy! I needed that! I'm a health care professional and should know better. It's just that I feel so guilty for being concerned w/ the physical and aesthetic things when I should be (and AM) so grateful just to be alive and well! I need to learn patience and trust my higher power. It was wonderful to find this site and to hear from you.
  • nasa2537
    nasa2537 Member Posts: 311
    #4
    Hi Carolyn, and welcome to the group! So sorry you're having a rough time...you don't need that with all you've been through. One lady in my local support group showed us her reconstruction from about 5 years ago. Hers didn't resemble breasts much, either, but she said she loves it because she doesn't have to wear a bra at all...no more jiggling. And, she really looks quite normal in clothes. I hope you find some kind of resolution to your unhappiness. I'll say a special prayer for you. Best wishes, Cyndi
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #5
    carolyn1955 said:

    Thanks, Cathy! I needed that! I'm a health care professional and should know better. It's just that I feel so guilty for being concerned w/ the physical and aesthetic things when I should be (and AM) so grateful just to be alive and well! I need to learn patience and trust my higher power. It was wonderful to find this site and to hear from you.

    Carolyn! I sent you an e-mail to your mailbox. Cathy
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #6
    nasa2537 said:

    Hi Carolyn, and welcome to the group! So sorry you're having a rough time...you don't need that with all you've been through. One lady in my local support group showed us her reconstruction from about 5 years ago. Hers didn't resemble breasts much, either, but she said she loves it because she doesn't have to wear a bra at all...no more jiggling. And, she really looks quite normal in clothes. I hope you find some kind of resolution to your unhappiness. I'll say a special prayer for you. Best wishes, Cyndi

    Hey Carolyn, don't feel guilty about the vanity thing. I'm in health care too and it doesn't make a difference, we're still women..."It's a girl thing!" I had a fit over my port-a-cath. I'm thin and it looked, from my vantage point, to stand out like a sore thumb! I too then thought "How trivial, I should just be thanking God I'm still here." That was 1 year ago and I don't even notice it now. Tis true, time heals all wounds, including what we see as physically unattractive ones. I'm sure once the swelling goes down your friends will be jealous of your 'perky breasts'. I had one lady tell me she'd die for hair like mine, I told her I almost did (it came back black and with unbelievably soft curls in the back). She was embarrassed when I explained, I told her not to worry, I've got a weird sense of humor. You gotta get your laughs when you can! God Bless and welcome to the site. TByrd
  • iris48
    iris48 Member Posts: 92
    #7
    Hi,
    I'm about to have my reconstruction this 10/17. Would you be willing to talk about what was implanted? I too have had a bi-lateral mastecomy 8/21/01 and used expanders now over a year old to stretch the skin. This is the 3rd surgeon I've spoken to before I felt comfortable enough to make the decision as to which surgery would serve me best for the final reconstruction. She reviewed all the options, plus textures, size, how this is determined. I brought her pictures of what I considered esthetically pleasing and asked what she considered medically technically possible for me. You can e-mail me directly too (iriskraft8@netscape.net
    Big thanks. Lots of gentle hugs
  • bullfrog13
    bullfrog13 Member Posts: 213
    #8
    Dear Carolyn, NO one told me it would feel like someone insalled a freebe under my skin. I had my removed 5 weeks later. I FEEL YOUR PAIN>! God Bless. Jerilynfrog13@yahoo.com

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