reconstruction with mastectomy in possible Poland syndrome

Hi, Im having mastectomy and reconstruction 3/12. Surgeon thinks I may have Poland syndrome as well as invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2. Im not a candidate for lumpectomy and radiotherapy as I have an implant, put in when I was 18, so over 40 years ago, It has to come out, Surgeon mentioned Poland syndrome, first time Id ever heard of it. I know Im missing part of a chest muscle cos my old operative notes mentioned the bottom of sternocleidomastoid muscle was absent, my ribs on right side go in not out (pectus excavagtum also known as funnel chest, like a pothole on my front -  as the bitchy girls at school used to say "You are concave not convex"- when we were herded through the showers after hockey. I got horribly bullied and went through teenage years wearing a prosthesis. Im perhaps more nervous about ending up looking like I used to look that the cancer, cos my husband has never known me as wonky woman. Would really appreciate any suggestions about Poland reconstruction and how best to manage the cushions the hospital will offer me, Im scared of wearing a seatbelt on journey home, Its my right side that will be operated on and wont know before surgery if they are taking lymph nodes. Also hoping someone can advise re how someone with rheumatoid and erosive arthritis can recover best, I dont do much exercise as Im already disabled, but cant bear the thought of just being stuck indoors immobile.# thanks in advance 

 

  • Hello poland19, 

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum and  I hope that you will hear from others here who have had Poland reconstruction before it does help to share experiences with others who have been in a similar boat before. I have noticed that you also posted a thread about this in our Ask the Nurses topic area and just wanted to let you know that they will respond in the next few days. You can also ring them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Hopefully you will get chatting here to others who understand what you are going through at the moment. 

    I hope everything goes well for you with the mastectomy and reconstruction. We have information on our website on invasive ductal carcinoma on this page and you can also find out more about the mastectomy here.  Keep us updated on how you are doing if you have a moment! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, I've sent you a friends request, but I also have Poland's Syndrome and had right sided breast cancer. I've not seen anyone else who's been through this so would be great to connect x