Hello Kiki 2,

Thank you for posting a question. I am sorry to learn that you have had needed surgery for breast cancer.

Although I am familiar with the type of operation that you have had, I must admit that I am unsure how the recovery compares with tissue expander implant reconstruction. As you know with this type of operation a dermal matrix (mesh) covers the implant and this provides a structure for the skin to grow in and around. This supports the implant which means that a bigger implant can be accommodated right away.  Without the mesh it is often necessary to stretch the skin by inserting a smaller temporary tissue expander implant. To stretch the skin more fluid is added to the implant from time to time.

Perhaps you could ask your breast care nurse at the hospital about recovery times. If you left a message I am sure they will get back to. Or perhaps someone who has had the operation will reply to your post. But if someone does it is important to remember that people recover at slightly different rates. So do not be overly worried if your experience is a little different.

However, I think that it is probably a bit too early for you to have made a complete recovery.  There is no nice way of putting this, but the surgeon will have cut through muscle to do the surgery and it can take longer than 4 weeks for this to heal and inflammation to go down. So I think that you are probably looking at  least another few weeks to a month before you can work. But of course in part this depends on what you do for a living.

I am sorry that I cannot be more specific. If you have any other questions you are welcome to get back to us. If  you would like to telephone our freephone number is 0808  800 4040. We are here from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 5pm.

Kind regards,

Jean

8 and a half weeks after surgery I am feeling much stronger and am going back to work on a phased return on Mon. However, I would still love to hear from anyone who has had the same op!