reconstruction question

dbs1673
dbs1673 Member Posts: 203
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I think I may be impatient...again. Could someone please tell me how long after having expanders removed and implants put in did your breasts take their full shape? I had surgery on April 9th. Initially I felt great. Just to have the hardness of the expanders out and the softness of the implants was wonderful. The surgeon told me the implants would be about 10% smaller than the expanders. It's hard to know what "size" you are when everything has been measured in terms of cc's. The incisions are healing well but my radiated side definitely doesn't look the same shape as the other side. My sternum is still sore. As instructed, I have been wearing a velcro strap around my chest to keep the muscles pulled together and need to continue until my appointment in June. I was small before the mastectomy but now I feel flatened and mushed and still small. I'm exercising and massaging. Certainly no sexy lady feeling here. Anything special I should be looking for or asking the surgeon?

dawn

Comments

  • tatooedinpink
    tatooedinpink Member Posts: 95
    #2
    Dawn, my expanders were removed and my implants put in October 2008.
    I was extremely flat chested before, and am now a 34C (although because of the shape, the roundness, they don't look or seem even that big to me).
    We could not quite complete expansion because my tissue wouldn't give anymore. I had a spot where the expander was near breaking through the skin, so we stopped.

    Anyway, my radiated side still looks different. I have scar tissue inside that is affecting it. Most problems are associated with the radiation. There is some dimpling on the side of left breast and it is still a little harder and probably a little smaller than the other side.

    I try not to worry about it, and realize that they just wont look or feel perfect. I am, however, happy I did the reconstruction. Not right for everyone, but I am pleased with decision. I am visiting my plastic surgeon again in August. He wants to see how they are doing after a few months of settling. We may even try again to get rid of more scar tissue and try to go a bit bigger. Probably not, but maybe :-)

    Make sure you do a lot of stretching and massaging on that breast. It helps.
    I also practice yoga, not regularly enough, but love the stretching for my arm and breast.

    Try to be patient. It takes time.

    Take care!

    Debbie
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #3
    Hugs to Dawn
    Hi Dawn,

    As you know I only recently had my surgery to have the implant put in. I must admit it is not as natural as what I had, however it is so much better for me than not having anything was. I did not have the lumpectomy side messed with because of my lymphedema prob. (two surgeons agreed it could cause me more probs) so matching the new breast to the real breast was a challenge. I guess for me it is just nice to get my cleavage back. I agree it is not what I had and I am in the getting used to the new sensation of having the implant in mode. Give it some time dawn, as everything settles and you become more used to the feel of the implant and the look of your new breast you will most likely become more comfortable. Wishing you all the best!

    image

    RE
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
    #4
    I feel your pain...
    Hi Dawn,

    All I can say, since I had my dbl. mastectomy & reconstruction at the same time only last week, is I can feel your pain! Everything is sore, misshapen, bruised, and I still have the drains in. The "sports bra" strap under my "breasts" is like an instruement of torture is hurts so much! Maybe if you think back to a month ago and compare it to now, it will seem better???
    The surgeon's both tell me everything looks "fantastic," but looking in the mirror I can only laugh to keep from crying!
    I think the key is patience and following doctor's orders. I guess time will tell, for both of us!!
    So, let's hang in there together, girlfriend.

    Love & gentle hugs,
    Debi
  • dbs1673
    dbs1673 Member Posts: 203
    #5
    bfbear said:

    I feel your pain...
    Hi Dawn,

    All I can say, since I had my dbl. mastectomy & reconstruction at the same time only last week, is I can feel your pain! Everything is sore, misshapen, bruised, and I still have the drains in. The "sports bra" strap under my "breasts" is like an instruement of torture is hurts so much! Maybe if you think back to a month ago and compare it to now, it will seem better???
    The surgeon's both tell me everything looks "fantastic," but looking in the mirror I can only laugh to keep from crying!
    I think the key is patience and following doctor's orders. I guess time will tell, for both of us!!
    So, let's hang in there together, girlfriend.

    Love & gentle hugs,
    Debi

    thanks
    Thanks ladies. Debbie I think you are right about the size and radiation issues. I was a 34 A-B before and don't think I'm a C now but it would be nice. Hard to tell now as the entire shape is different. While the radiation didn't seeem to effect anything with the expanders I think with the implants it's easier to see the toll it's taken. While we might be "thick skinned" to deal with all of this, I don't think I really have thick skin to mess around with. I do a circuit resistance program (no weights) and also have a weekly yoga class. (Highly recommend, I love mine!!) You look beautiful in your picture. Re, as always you teach me about patience. I'll practice more. Debi, I do remember where you are right now. I had the same procedure/plan done 6/18/08. Your milestones will come, laying flat in bed, getting those darn drainage tubes out, getting those weekly fills, raising your arms to get stuff off the top shelf. Here's to where we were and to where we all hope to be!

    dawn

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