Mastectomy Issue

Hi, I have just had my mastectomy (3 weeks ago) and re-build, my chest is so tight, which is to be expected, but day by day is getting more and more sore. I have been told to take paracetamol and ibuprofen, but am now really sore down stairs, is this normal, assume it's as I am on constant tablets, what's the answer ?

[Lainey66]

It could be down to all the meds and maybe an infection, but definitely go to you care team so that they can help you. All the best with your recovery xx

[julesab]

I would go docs I don't think it normal ! I had mastectomy in 2011, I still find it a bit tight round my chest and arm. I only take paracetamol I cannot take brufen due to side effect of gastric problems. I am on omeprazole for gastric issues and letrezole for breast cancer but otherwise I am back at work and OK apart from another issue. Good luck with your journey 😀

[Hidden in reply to julesab]

Thank you, I've got to say, I'm not looking forward to it, I know it's the only way forward, but scared when you read how chemo reacts in your body. I would love to hear from anyone's journey that is not as bad as I think it's going to be.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, what is a re-build ? I had a mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction and it took 6-7 before it settled , I had lots of soreness at various times , I still have a bit of fluid , I'm now about 12 weeks on and it's pretty much okay now - I do still have some pain, particularly when I think I am laying on that side, where the drains were.

Jo x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Re-build - sorry that's what i called it, I had the same as you and had an implant. Ahh it's good to find you, as we are not far apart with treatment, so I would be interested to know how you get on, as I am a few weeks behind you. Are you having chemo, and have you started ?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi there , I have already had chemo , I initially had a lumpectomy, but they couldn't get clear margins so had a further 2ops where they found extensive DCIS- so ditched the surgery for a few months , had the chemo then the mastectomy. I was horrified at the thought of the chemo but it was okay - I wouldn't say anyone should have it on their bucket list , but it was okay , main problem I have had is my nails , it's now 5 months since the last chemo and my toe nails have decided to fall off last week - they were wobbly but thought I might hold onto them- they will grow back, as has my hair, and I just kept thinking it is all for a good cause... my lovely mum came with me most of the time, on the first visit she spoke to my hubby and said it wasn't as bad as WE had thought , which was okay for her to say , we agreed to disagree on that one. .. everyone is different and I managed a pretty normal life throughout it , although I didn't go to work but went out and about and just rested when I was tired. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries, I found reading other people's experiences really helpful.

Jo x

[brianna29]

I has mascetomy 15 months ago with immediate construction from the muscle off my back. My chest and back are still tight. I feel as if i have got a bra on all the time. It feels strange

[Hidden in reply to brianna29]

Oh really, because they told me that I would probably need chemo and radiation therapy at the time, I just went for the implant as a temporary solution until treatment has finished. I don't like the implant to be honest, I am only 4 weeks post surgery but it's an odd shape and is so incredibly sore, I can't tell you. I am wondering about whether to go for the tummy tuck option and would be pleased to hear from someone who's had this done. I hope yours gets let's stiff over time, do you think it's because you may need to do some more physio to stretch the skin ?

[brianna29]

I didnt have mine off my tummy as they said i didnt have enough. I was told that it can take 2 years to settle down. Mine was a strange shape and swollen but over time it has settled and is not much different from the other one. I am lucky i am only small busted. I had the nipple reconstructed last month. It has gone quite flat but at least when you look it looks as if there is one there. Physio is part of my job. I have found it easier since starting aquacise

[Hidden in reply to brianna29]

2 years, wow, that's a long time, I'm pleased for you that you like what you see when you look at yourself. I wish I did !! Maybe I will, when the implant settles and they re-size my other breast to match my new one. It will be nice to have smaller boobs, having

Always had an ample chest for 54

Years lol x an extreme way to get a smaller chest though ay !

[brianna29 in reply to Hidden]

It takes time and i think as women we want to hurry everything