i would say the fear in my head was far worse than the procedure. I had a DMX with reconstruction.
They give you exercises to complete which really helped, I can't say I was Pain afterwards just uncomfortable due to the drains. I bought 2 drain bags from drain dollies so I could still go out.
I have just had a mastectomy and reconstruction done at the same time 3 weeks ago. I found its amazing what God can get you through. I am now up and about doing everyday chores. Just remember to initially take pain killers every four hours if you need them and start the exercises that is given in your pack straight away so you don’t feel stiff. This can be an apprehensive time but remember you are not alone. There are lots of ladies that are going through the same thing as you. I believe God won’t give me a burden I can’t bare. I will pray for you when I pray for all the people out there battling cancer. Xxx
Im not sure what reconstruction you are having? I had the masectomy with diep flap reconstruction on 14/12/2021. Tomorrow, I will be two months post op. I'm very happy to provide more info if that's the reconstruction you are having, but if it's not relevant to you, I didn't want to bore you with too much detail. I am however, very happy with my choice of reconstruction and the pace of my recovery. I would make the same choice again.
If this is of interest to you, let me know and what would help you to know and I'll happily provide more info.
Thank you for your reply. This is the procedure that I will be having. I am really scared this is my second bout of cancer in the same breast. The last time I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy so was told this time it has to be a mastectomy. My last experience with breast cancer was very traumatic hence why I am terrified this time around. It would be great to hear your journey with this procedure.
I'm sorry to hear this a recurrence for you and I can totally understand you being scared.
I will write up a summary, but if you want to, feel free to read my thread 'lump and microcalcifications', I confess to not knowing how to put a link here, but if you click on my name and my discussions it's the first one and I have been trying to update it with my journey since diagnosis last Sept.
For hospital, I didn't take PJ's, I brought some cotton front buttoned nightdresses called Deborah from Amazon and they were perfect as very lose for drains and all the wounds and I wore them in the day also until I felt comfortable to wear trousers again, which was probably about ten days. I brought front fastening flexifit bras from M&S and their firm control pants and they've been really comfortable. I love the comfort of the bras so much that I haven't reverted to my previous ones yet.
Prorcedure wise, I know that it seems every hospital and indeed plastic surgeon seems to do it differently. I was admitted 7am and first through to the admissions lounge. Procedure was all explained again and I signed consent and spoke to anaesthetist and was drawn on by plastic surgeon. Then put under (they were great talking to me etc), woke up 6pm and taken to private room on ward and felt a bit jaded but totally fine. Had the morphine on drip which I could self administer and was initially checked every 30 mins for first 24 hours. Boob is therefore out a lot and you don't get much sleep, but the morphine carries you through and no pain. I had three drains and a caffeter, two drains were in top of leg for the stomach and one was for the breast. Day 2 I had a physio come and I was helped to get out of bed to sit in a chair, checks reduced to hourly and then four hourly by day 3 (I think). Day 2 I felt great, day 3 I was a bit woozy, so spent more time in bed that day, caffeter was removed and I did manage to walk to the toilet and potter in my room (I'm told that's normal) and day 4 I felt much better and two drains were removed and I could walk more easily and wondered up and down the ward. Standing up straight at first is hard as tummy is so tight, this is where the pants really help as I found it much easier when those drains were out with the pants to keep myself straighter. Day 5 final drain was put and I went home early evening. I was scared about getting in and out if my bed at home as it's very high, but I was fine and the stairs were easier than I had feared. I was very slow, but could manage to potter around the house and get myself drinks etc, just no bending down or lifting at that point. I wasn't in any pain though, rested between pottering and tried to balance resting but moving to help tummy be more flexible (which seemed to work really well). I did do my exercises and within two weeks I was walking faster again and feeling more stable, easier to walk straight naturally.
I had no problems with my reconstructed breast at all, has a little tummy Seroma and a small section of my tummy did not heal and was a bit gunky for a little while. It all was checked by the plastics team and all healed without problem. I've been walking back at my usual speed and duration for a good five weeks I would say now (so since week 3).
I'm pleased with how my breast looks and yes tummy has scar hip to hip, but the bio oil, which I've been using since week four on healed areas (had to wait a little longer on section of tummy that hadn't healed) is working wonders and also massaging it is helping my tummy regain shape and reduce swelling.
I hope this helps as a summary, but please ask if anything I've missed or specific you want to know.
When is your op? Sending more virtual hugs and I hope reassurances - Mickey xx ️
Thanks so much I think you have covered everything. I have not been given my date yet. Going to see the plastic surgeons on Wednesday when I will be having a CT angiogram. I will keep you updated.
The CT angiogram is fine, just to check your tummy blood vessels - they say it makes you feel like you're peeing , but you're not and it was no problem xx ️
