Double Mastectomy with reconstruction using tissue expanders

[Lindaura]

Hello,

I am writing on behalf of my 43 year old daughter, who is scheduled to have risk reduction surgery next month.

Her aunt, myself and my daughter are BRCA1 positive. I have been battling Ovarian Cancer for the past two years, while my sister had been battling triple negative breast cancer with her latest attack being inflammatory breast cancer.

Thus, the risk reduction double mastectomy choice for my daughter.

However, because of her slight frame and lack of extra muscle or fat, and not enough skin from constructing a new breast, she will have to have the tissue expanders before she can have even the smallest implants.

What I would like to hear is any experience with theses and any helpful hints for recovery.

For instance, my sister has recommended bed wear that buttons down the front.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Laura

[Bagrat]

Hi Lindaura I can't offer any experience but suggest you try the Breast Cancer Now website and forum and/ or the Macmillan website and forum where you will get far more responses than here. I don't know if you have used Macmillan Site yourself but it is excellent. I have had 2 lumpectomies and radiotherapyso got off lightly.

[Lindaura in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks for that. I use the Ovacome site a lot for my Ovarian Cancer and it is in HealthUnlocked also, so thought this might be helpful, but I shall check out the others now.

Thanks,

Laura

[Knockane]

Hi lindaura. Sorry to hear about your daughter. I myself had a double mastectomy 2 years ago. I am only 5ft 2 and weigh 8st so am quite small too. However I opted to remain flat so I've no advice on implants. However I would agree with front closing pj's and to do all the exercises that she is told do. I did them every chance I got and had full range and movement very fast after surgery. The drains will be the biggest nuisance after surgery and she will have to be careful that they are pinned to her clothes at all times so she doesn't get them caught in things and hurt herself. I wish her and you all the best and hope all goes well. X

[Lindaura in reply to Knockane]

Thank you so much.

My sister, who also did not opt for reconstruction, is posting us her special drain bag device that we hope will hold everything in place.

Hope you are well and will remain so!

Hugs,

Laura

[Knockane in reply to Lindaura]

😘😘

[fredster8]

Hi,

I have Braca 2 gene and I developed breast cancer almost 3 years ago. Just like your daughter I am very slight and had no spare flesh to make any breasts. I had a double mastectomy and then I had to have expanders until they said I was ready for small implants. The implant surgery wasn't so bad and I was only in hospital overnight. I was off work around 6 weeks. Just make sure your daughter does all of the exercises they ask of her and definitely button up the front pyjamas.

Hope all goes well and please contact me if you need any further information or advice x

[Lindaura]

Thanks for this. Do the physical therapy people teach you the exercises in the hospital?

Many thanks,

Laura