Many thanks, I will give it a few days to see if I get a response before contacting a nurse

X

OK but make sure you do get some support, we are all here. x

Hi I found out last week I need a mastectomy at the right side and then radiotherapy, due to covid I cant have reconstruction yet so had a choice of mastectomy with or without the expander, ive chose the expander as I'm not a confident person as it Is about my body and I'll have reconstruction in 6 months hopefully. 

Have you found it ok? The hospital rang Thursday for pre OP appointment and said ill be in a week on Monday for it all, she mention me draining it into a bottle which confused me as I cant find anywere how it works. Hope you dont mind me asking questions thanks x

Hi Lisa, firstly sorry to hear this too as happen to you.  I'm  now 11 weeks following a mastectomy and expander.  I was due to have my saline solution injection on the 31 March  but due to the virus its been delayed until 26 May.  The operation went well and have no further treatment for cancer, but found it painful and awkward for some weeks, had to have fluid drained 3 time under my armpit,  its not painful, a relief when it was done.  You have drain fitted when you have your operation and it stays in for approximately 7 days, it's strange as you need to carry the bottle in a bag, you have report in each day how  much fluid is in the bottle, they will explain all this at your pre op.  I found sleeping on my back difficult for a start but have now got ue to it.  You can sleep on your side after about 2 weeks but ever on your tummy.  I must confess as time gone on the implant is not painful but find it uncomfortable especially at the end of the day,  it feels very hard.  I have good days and some not so good, I spoke to my breast nurse about this who explained the implant is hard as it as salt in it. 

Hope this helps and wish you the very best and will keep you posted after my first saline injection.  If I can help further let my know.

Best regards

Irene1949

Hi Irene just wanted to let you know I'm nearly 3 weeks post OP, the expander is uncomfortable and over the weekend feels like it digging in, also a mastitis type pain, I'm going to ring the nurse tomorrow to check if it's normal. Apart from that I'm ok, just taking it easy. How are you? 

From lisa