BC expander port flipped over - anyone had the same?

Hi, I was offered a mastectomy or a further re-excision when they couldn't get clear margins in the spring of this year after diagnosis of IDC grades 1 and 2 with intermediate DCIS jsut in left breast.  I was lucky in that I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy as the lymph nodes were clear. so the surgeons felt was right descision for the mastectomy.  I wanted a DIEP but wrong shape and too much BMI, so had an implant. But after that, the wound broke down with an infection and I had to have corrective surgery when an expander and port were put in, in place of the silicone implant (with a view to putting back a silicone implant, when the skin has expanded sufficiently.  I have been getting better and back to work and having fortnightly inflations.  However, the port has flipped to an angle to a point that the surgen and surgical care practitioner couldn't inflate it this week.  We are hoping the port will flip back and I can get the last inflation next week.  It has been a long year!! Anyone else had same issues? 

 

  • Hello CTopaz, 

    It's great that you didn't need chemotherapy or radiotherapy as the lymph nodes were clear but how unfortunate that the wound broke down with an infection and you had to have corrective surgery. I am pleased to hear that you have been getting better and are now back at work but I can imagine these little issues with the expander port have been stressful to you. I hope that the port will flip back and you can get the last inflation. 

    Our nurses are available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to discuss this with them - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Other members of our community may have experienced similar issues before with expander ports and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their story with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator