recon on the rad side

robinri

I had my "real" implants put in on March 8th. Had nipple recon too. Only thing is the cancer/rad side is VERY slow to heal and has edema...not too bad but the gauze around the "nipple" leaves a print. Anyway...Dr. (who is really great) says that its all OK... just needs time. I must admit I am not one for total rest and an pretty active. Anyhow..just wondering how other people healed on the rad side...How long did it take? Did anyone have edema issues that didnt just resolve over time?

Robin

SpunkyGirl

Robin,

I went through rads with an expander, had implants put in, and also did the nipple reconstruction.  That was in 2007, and I didn't have any edema, but the nipple came out flat compared to the other side.  It did take a few weeks for everything to heal okay; this is definitely a process you don't want to rush.  I'm very active too, but I think letting it heal will pay off for you in the long run.  Feel free to ask any additional questions.  Today, that side is still a little darker and firmer than the other side....

Hugs

Bobbie

karen1956

No edema...also didn't do any "finishing" touches.....PS watched me very closely...the problem I had was with implant pocket falling and needed PS to go back in and fix....rad side is "flatter", but I have small implants so not really noticeable in clothes.  Good luck to you for healing and good results.