Immediate Reconstruction Worries

[DCIS-mom]

I was diagnosed with DCIS 2/13/2019. I had a bilateral mastectomy on 03/14/2019 with immediate reconstruction of cohesive silicone implants. My implants are tight, pinching on one side and the other side I can feel the implant in on the side of my rib/chest wall. I need to note I am a obese female. My implants also hang low. I had asked for full perky breasts, not huge just the size as when I breast fed my children. I went from a B cut to an A cup. Can someone share their experienced with reconstruction? I expressed my concerns to the MD- he advised he wouldn't do a thing for at least 3 months and he may not be able to meet my expectations.

[Hollykins]

Hi! I thought I sent a reply yesterday but I guess it didn't go through. I'll try to remember the highlights. I have not had reconstruction but I thought I'd try to help.

I had a mastectomy last Dec. Taking a look in the mirror after the dressing came off wasn't what I expected. It was way puffier for 1 thing. I thought the incision was zig zaggy to later find out that was dried blood in the steri strips. I still have kind of a sailboat rudder under my armpit 3 months later. Apparently it takes a year for things to settle down. I'm guessing your surgeon wants to wait at least 3 months for you to heal & see how things look then.

As to your discomfort. may I suggest cool gel packs. I have some from my chiropractor. You can also use the kind for food coolers. Just make sure they are those soft flexible kind. They feel softer if you put them in a pillowcase. Some of the people on here know I have a wacky sense of humour. Please don't think I'm being disrespectful. I just thought of those boo boo bunnies you use on kid's owies. A couple of those might be fun. All ready for Easter. Also, they are great for puffy eyes.

I hope things start looking up for you. I wrote this twice because I care. I wonder if you search "Reconstruction" on here you might find similar stories. I'm kind of new here but maybe you can send a personal message to someone?

Take Care. Things will get better.

Hollykins

[CancerkickerKathy]

Mine were done with expanders then the implants we're last step. I am pleasantly plump. I went from 36DDD to I think maybe smaller C. I had told them I wanted a smaller size. I told him if I wouldn't be able to go braless that I was just going flat plus I always had back, neck and shoulder pain. For the most part I'm pleased with how they came out. I also chose no nipples. One less procedure and back to the no bra. All that being said I did usually feel my skin was a bit tighter every time they added more fluid. I would suggest seeking a second opinion. It doesn't hurt to find answers. Good luck.