I recently had a mastectomy with tissue expanders 3 weeks ago. I've been doing quite well, I have 4 more fills to go at 60 cc each visit. I'm at 360 cc and will be finished at 600cc. I have read several articles and most women seem to be in alot of pain. Is the worst yet to come???
Im also trying to decide whether I should get nipples or not. What should I expect with pain level and the recovery time?
I don't think that 600cc's at fills of 60cc's should be too painful. I was getting 100cc's or more a week, and filled to more than 1000cc's - which was pretty painful at times cause I had a fractured rib that the expander was pushing on. The weekly fills themself weren't bad at all. I think that the pain differs for everyone, as everyone's threshold varies. It will be over before you know it.
As far as nipples go, I honestly don't think they are worth it. I was debating about the surgery for a while, but I've finally decided to skip it. For one, I'm about to have my 11th surgery - I don't want to have another. It's not like they will look the same, or have the same sensation. Now if I only had reconstruction on one side, then I'd feel differently, cause I would at least want things to look simular. I just don't see the purpose. But it's a personal choice. You have to weigh
Your situation sounds allot like what I went through, and am going through. I am not, certainly, one of the "experts" here on this site, but I can tell you that the pain I endured was mostly in the beginning, after the mastectomy and expander placement. As the weeks went on, with the same amount of saline as you had injected, I seemed to get used to the discomfort, the stretching feeling. The only time it seemed worse was on the actual "fill" day, but I always took some tylenol or some pain med to help me through the day. I, personally, thought the fill was very, very uncomfortable, but the rest of the week was not that bad really. I guess we are all so different, so it is hard for us to compare. I, too, just put a question on the site about nipple reconstruction and whether it is worth more surgery, even though it is minor surgery. My plastic surgeon made it sound like quite a simple procedure done right in his office with a local. I am still not sure and read a few comments saying it is not worth it. Good luck with your process. I hope you do not also have to go through treatments. I am not having them, even though suggested.
Connie
Hi Keisha,
I am done with my reconstruction. During the fills I did have some pain, but they were random and didn't last long at all. Just remember you are stretching your skin for your new puppies. Personally I did not go with the nipples or the tattoo. The reason being (for me) I found during the fills that I could wear clothes that I couldn't wear before with headlamps. LOL Plus my PS said there would be no feeling so they are really cosmetic. So when it came time to switch to my new foobs (fake boobs) I told him to do the switch, sew them up and send me own. I do not regret my decision, but everyone has to do what is right for them. I think with the counsel of your doc's and support system, your heart will lead you down the right path. Good luck and God Bless during your journey.
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Thanks for sharing your experience here, Marty - it's so helpful for women to hear from others who've "been there." Good luck - I hope things continue to go well for you. PJH