Has anyone had issues with breast rebuilding?

[CalicoReb]

I had a full masectomy during my chemo. They put spacers in. The spacers were ok, except for the side I had the cancer. They had to cut some muscle out due to the cancer. The spacer started to clench with muscle and skin. It got so painful.

I can go on. But I want to see if others have had issues too.

[angelite]

Hi there, sorry I have no experience of this , having only had a lumpectomy, lymph nodes out and rads last year but just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear of your trouble - sounds really painful : ( I still have partial numbness and pain/pulling in side of breast/underarm and personally feel that if I had to have a mastectomy I would not have reconstruction due to possible risk of further nerve damage/ long term pain/complications - once bitten, twice shy sort of thing ! I'm fifty and very small breasted anyway so being flat with the option of a prosthesis to wear would suit my needs. The pros and cons of reconstruction are something that each person has to weigh up individually - it's a very personal decision. Maybe also try you tube for personal stories on this ? - I found it quite useful for info during my treatments. Massive well done for getting through your treatments so far ! Sending all good wishes, Angela x

[CalicoReb in reply to angelite]

Thank you.😁 It means a lot to have a interaction of some kind. I have thought about just having it, the one side taken out. The side that is bothering me all the time.

I am weak, and it brings me down. My mental picture was not of what I really. Now that I look back.

I know I need to look forward and see only forward, because this is what I have now.

Jamie

[angelite in reply to CalicoReb]

Jamie, with the diagnosis and gruelling treatment you have had to endure, I don't think anyone could describe you as 'weak' ! Pain, especially severe or long term is mentally trying. It is also natural to grieve for how we used to be both physically and emotionally, before this disease reared it's ugly head and changed our lives. Have you spoken to your doctor or breast nurse about the physical problems and also the emotional side ? Breast cancer care.org and Macmillan can also offer info and support.

We go through the initial treatments because we want to stay alive, accepting whatever pain and complications that may come with it. After that, we often have tough choices to make for our future : medical procedures to improve appearance and drugs with side effects that reduce the risk of cancer recurring. All can profoundly affect our quality of life. We have to decide if the pain is worth the gain. I chose to stop Tamoxifen due to intolerable side effects - am currently considering trying the Zolodex injection but am aware that any bad side effects might last a month and as a carer for my Dad I need to be functional.

I have just been on this website : breastcancer.org/treatment/...

If this is the procedure you are undergoing then it seems expansion could be over a few months ? Questions I would be asking my care team are ; how long will the expanders need to be in for ? Is the pain on the bad side likely to improve, stay the same or worsen as they are increased ?

Is there likely to be continuing pain after the implants are fitted on the troublesome side ? ( The implants are softer than expanders ) Hope this helps.

x