I have decided to have a bilateral mastectomy - diagnosed with DCIS in right breast in Dec. - MRI was clear - four years ago had lumpectomy (atypical with clean margins) on the left. I will have immediate reconstruction - surgery scheduled for Feb. 26 - I'm 58 and feel positive.
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Q: Anyone had a bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and no expanders?
Answers (1)
2/16/10 11:25am
Nina, I had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (TRAM flap) - everything went very well for me. Uneventful recovery, and I love the result. You might want to read Laura Zigman's series of posts, as she had the same diagnosis, and made the same choice as you. She had a tough time but as she says, she'd make the same decision again. Readers, can anyone speak to a double with immediate reconstruction? - PJH
4/ 2/12 7:48pm
Missy, you might very well have a lot of swelling still, which would definitely cause tightness and a burning sensation. Have you asked your surgeon about this? S/he should be able to suggest some coping mechanisms (e.g., cold compresses, over-the-counter painkillers). Please don't hesitate to be in touch with your medical team - they're the best ones to advise you on this, and I bet they can - if you speak up. Hope you feel bettr soon... PJH
4/ 2/12 8:09pm
Missy, as PJ says, it is important to let the doctor know about your pain. This is especially important if the pain is getting worse. In fact, if the pain is increasing, and if you have increasing redness and/or a fever, don't wait until regular office hours. Call and talk to the doctor on call.
It is not uncommon for surgical pain to last for several weeks, so if you are seeing progress and gradually decreasing pain, it may just be taking you longer to heal than you expected. In that case, just give the doctor a call during regular office hours. I hope you are feeling better soon.
4/22/12 12:06am
Missy --
Week 8 and I still have pain from the expanders. On a 1 - 10 its a constant 4.5.
At week5 I was ready to gove up - take them out, give me my life back. It was horrible. I decided with some help from other friends, forums, Dr.s to be pro-active versus the victim every day... The pain is not as bad as it was the first 4 weeks, but I know they are still there and its getting tolerable. YOU have to do several things to help yourself:
- Your surgeons will only prescribe a certain level of medication before they will recommend you go see a Pain management clinic (I did) They are the experts on muscular and nerve pain.If your meds arent working, ask for something else!
- Ask your PS to give you an ultrasound to make sure that you dont have fluid in the cavities of your chest.(Seromas) Unless you've been filled way up, which I doubt, you have space, and fluid will sometimes naturally go there. It swells and causes more pain. Pain that your meds wont fix. Excrutiating pain! -- Im on a muscle relaxer and a Duragesic patch - and CYmbalta to keep me from being depressed about the pain. Anxiety comes from pain.
- Im hoping to have surgery in June.. Im counting down the days. Take meds before your fills - be comfortable and have someone take you. Be prepared to sleep the restof the day if you can.
We will ALL get through this together.. Im a believer again!
Hope this helped! - Michelle
4/22/12 5:55am
Michele, I know what a difficult time you've been going through with the implant process; thanks so much for your positive message to Missy here. I'm glad you found out about the seromas, and are finding a measure of relief. Good luck with the rest of the fill process, and I hope by the end of June you're finished and happy with the results. Take care- PJH
4/22/12 6:20am
Michelle, what wonderful suggestions. Coming from one who has actually been through the process, your tips will really encourage other people. Thank you for sharing. I hope all goes well with the next steps in June.
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By Nina— Last Modified: 04/22/12, First Published: 02/16/10
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Hi PJ,
I had a bilaterial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction 3 1/2 weeks ago. I can't figure out where my pain is coming from. The skin covering my breasts is so tight and it burns. Have you ever heard of this before?
Thanks,
Missy