Single mastectomy with implant reconstruction

[MLH52]

Hi. I’m wondering if there is anyone on here who has undergone a single mastectomy with implant reconstruction who would be willing to share their experience post op and beyond? I am due to undergo this procedure, and am particularly keen to know how it is living with one natural breast and one with implant. I had been due to have a DIEP flap but have been deemed too high risk for this procedure for various reasons.

[Curbs]

Hi I had HER3 grade 2 breast cancer in my left breast and had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using fat from my back and an implant and then had another implant in the right side to even me up a month later. It is fine living with one bionic boob and one normal, you just need to remember that they will take your nipple from the bionic boob and although the NHS tattoo it, I have paid to have a 3D nipple at a tattoo parlour which was the best thing I ever paid for as now at a glance I look like I have had nothing done, plus went from a 36A to a 36C/D.

[MLH52 in reply to Curbs]

Thank you for sharing your positive experience.

[Dancegal]

Hi there! Everyone is different but here is my story. I had a single mastectomy and thought I could deal with using a prosthetic. It was too heavy and didn't stay in place. I tried other ways to fill my bra but nothing felt really comfortable. I decided to have an implant (without the expander first). I was happy at first but now I have something called Capsular Contracture. It's scar tissue and hardening around the implant. The only remedy is to have the implant removed and replaced but no guarantee it won't happen again. This is not a common occurrence. I'm so unhappy about my situation! I do not want to go through more surgery! All this said, I know women who had reconstruction simultaneously (with expanders first) and are content. Wish I had a more positive experience to share! Best of Luck! Dancegal

[MLH52 in reply to Dancegal]

Thank you for sharing and all the best to you

[KathrynA]

Hello! Greetings from Vancouver! I am very sorry to hear that you have breast cancer.

Most of the time, I can't believe that I have it and most of the time I forget that I have it. I think this is proof that we are an adaptable species. I did learn more about myself and others, a good thing. This experience was not as bad or painful or ugly as I expected or imagined. I got used to changing the drains and less grossed out. I got used to giving myself injections in the abdomen (Hint - use an ice cube first to numb the skin). It took me 6 months to look at my scar at the coaxing of my physio and massage therapists, and the talented surgeon did a wonderful job and I just have a pale line across my right side. I found Anna's Cancer Chic blog and especially her photos to be extremely helpful in preparing me. Anna is a young cancer patient who had a double mastectomy in her 20's! She really helped me! If she could deal with her health problems, I can deal with mine!

I hope that you too find out that you are tougher than you ever believed possible.

I have stage 3A invasive ductal carcinoma and had a single mastectomy 1 day before my 60th birthday. I also had a breast reduction on the other (32 E to B cup, although I still think it is a C cup) and an expander on the mastectomy side. I LOVE smaller breasts and will have B cups for sure after my reconstruction surgery). I am waiting for DIEP surgery (waiting ~ 1.5 years now due to COVID and elective surgeries rescheduled here in Canada, understandably). I coldn't have it pre radiation anyway. Due to capsular contracture, my expander is uncomfortable, rock hard and moving upward so my breasts are very uneven, so I wear baggy clothing.

In addition to chemo , radiation, zolodronic acid infusions quarterly (after removing my wisdom teeth at 60), I am on Letrozole, with less side effects than expected. I am on a study for Ribociclib, but unfortunately didn't get the drug (currently only stage 4 patients get it in Canada; I think Stage 3 patients get it in the US already because I see ads for it on TV). It costs $95 per pill and I can't afford to buy it on my own.

I didn't research the biology of this subject or read scientific journals to become a lay expert. I will happily leave this to the scientists, researchers and oncologists. My area of interest is the sociology of illness and women and aging. Fascinating reading.

What else? Now at 62 1/2, I am wrestling with the idea of retiring from teaching even though I really like my job. But it is stressful and I think that I developed cancer because of stress. No one in my family has this, I have 2 children, breastfed, eat vegetables, etc. Not even the experts have crystal balls and they cannot accurately predict how much longer I have on this wonderful and fascinating planet.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Kathryn Speakman

[MLH52 in reply to KathrynA]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.