Implants removal with no Reconstructions- Scared

Bettyboops

thanks Jennie,

What is truncal LE, is it lymphadema? Set me straight! Whatever it is, what a bummer, like you said. Keep looking. Maybe there is another simple solution for you. I'm amazed at what there is out there. Had I known a lot of this stuff a year ago, I probably never would have got the implants in the first place! Docs present a much different, albeit, old fashioned view. Maybe they should say implants are fine but if you are flat, there are plenty of clothing and prosthetic options out there now too. I was so green and freaked out about the medical side of things.  I never was able to do much clothing research back before my DMX.

Best,

Jennie93

LE = lymphedema, yes.  I thankfully don't have it in my arm (not yet anyway) but this one spot on my chest just swelled up one day.  The worst spot is right in front of my armpit - right where every bra, tank or cami cuts across.  The pressure is painful.  It's pretty aggravating. I can't just go bra-less because I'm a "uni".  Well, in the privacy of my own home I do....  LOL

River_Rat

Jennie93, you might want to post for advice in the Lymphedema Forum here. I've seen mention of specialty bras and also something called "swell spots" that might be helpful for you. I don't really know anything about it but the ladies in that forum seem to be very informed.

Lymphedema Forum

Anonymous

Ariom - what's a "modesty pad" - I've been looking for a VERY small "something" to wear in a sports bra just to kinda fill in the concave part to be just a little bit more than flat.

thanks

Bettyboops

hi Jennie,

Have you had lymphadema massage to manage your issue? 

Best,

Bettyboops

thank you Shirley!

River_Rat

Sunflowers, modesty pads are just a little cup shaped thing that is included in some bras to give modesty (nipple coverage so the world doesn't know when a gal's cold). Anyway there are some bras that have those and there's a little slit where they can be removed but you can also stick a little something in there if you want to. I've found with the Genie Bra and the Coobie Bra just the modesty pads themselves take away the concave look. There are also generics of those bras that you can find. If you Google Genie Bra and Coobie Bra you'll get an idea what to look for.

Edited to add: I find the Genie to be more comfortable than the Coobie because the Coobie is cut a little higher under the arm, which I found irritating in hot weather. But if you get the Genie Bra size up. I'm a 36 band which I believe their size chart said was a small. I found they had them in the "as sold on TV" section of Target so I tried them on and at first bought a large but it seemed to want to roll up. I went back and got an XL and it fit fine.

Anonymous

rr - ta, as the Brits would say ( means thank you!) no idea of band, it's been so many years, will have to find Ye Olde Tape Measure

Target - hope you didn't buy the hummus ;(  Scarey to think Tarjay AND Trader Joe's got duped...

I make my own, then I KNOW what's in it.

eta:  If I could smoosh my angel wings more to the front, I wouldn't be concave...

Jennie93

RiverRat & Bettyboops, thanks, yes I do hang around the LE forum here too, and have been to a LE specialist and learned to do MLD, etc. but it doesn't seem to do much good.  I do want to try compression but my swelling is in an awkward spot - haven't found anything yet that works.

Honestly thinking that getting a prophy. MX on the remaining one would be the best solution!  No more bras!  LOL 

Bettyboops

Hi Jennie,

Yes, compression and massage is the way to go but it stinks that you are not having good luck with that.  I did have a prophy on one side and never regretted the DMX - only the implants that were installed at that time. I'm having surgery tomorrow (may 27th) to remove the implants for good and I am glad they are coming out.  I'll be flat, more comfortable and healthier, I think.

Best,

farmerlucy

Bettyboobs - Fingers and toes crossed for you tomorrow!

Anonymous

Happy flat BB = I love the freedom of DEEEEEEEP breathing with nothing under the pec muscles...not really flat & fabulous, I call myself cute & concave.  Still have the angel wings, large on one side than the other, and just so DONE DONE DONE with surgery, will probably just keep'em.

Fabulous not to have to wear a bra, feeling the soft soft cotton of tee shirts...

Try to relax, and you will be fine.  All best wishes...

farmerlucy

sunflowers - Does the tightness go away when the implants are removed or is there still tightness due to scar tissue?

Anonymous

farmerl

MINE WENT AWAY COMPLETELY!!!!  Yeah, downward facing dog.  Feel as free as I did as a little kid! 

farmerlucy

SF - only an ex-implant can understand! Thank you!!!

Ariom

Sorrry I missed answering Bettboops and RiverRat, I hadn't added this to my Favorites. Those  bras look very interesting, I haven't seen them with thin straps. I call those little pads "Modesty Pads", but I am not sure what their real name is. I know some members have put some filling behind them in the pocket and don't even need to wear a Foob. For me, this "D" rogue puppy, on the remaining side means I need an actual foob. There is also the Genie Shaper that works very well with pockets too.

GrammyR

Lezza13- That sounds rather crude for your surgeon to describe it this way. You will just be flat . My MIL had no implant and did very well just wearing a mastectomy bra. It depends maybe on age. I had my saline implant in 2006 and it is still tight and burns across the chest. I gained weight so my normal breast is quite a bit larger. Kinda just wish I had left it flat too. Just be comfortable. I do't care what people think anymore. It's your body- right, so go w/your gut.

Anonymous

farmerl - YUP!  I think many of us who have explanted, were told ( at least I sure was) HOW EASY the procedure would be.  Well, folks, anyone who thinks expanders are EASY lives on a different planet from where I'm writing.

ALSO, I think many bc women think of how many women have implants in addition to their "original" breasts BY CHOICE, and I do so wish every women who is questioning reconstruction, is shown, somehow, or sees a VIDEO of how the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, and the muscle is sometimes CUT, and what it feels like when you do anything, ANYTHING, any movement using the pec muscle and how it FEELS to have the lump underneath.....how DIFFERENT this is from having an implant when there still is an existing batural breast in the "breast pocket."

BLEAH.  and variations of that sentiment.

Bettyboops

thanks farmer Lucy,

I'm 6 days out from surgery and everything went well. Pain is getting less but those darn drains have to stay in until Thursday. Ugh! They are the worst part of it all. I'm feeling so good about getting the implants out. I'm very excited not to have to deal with them ever again. So glad the great implant experiment of 2013 and 2014 is over!

Best,

Bettyboops

hi sunflowers,

Yes, I have had the same thoughts about how we are kind of "railroaded" into reconstruction. It sounded like a good idea at the time but it is a barbaric process with the tissue expanders. Yes, and how they make the pocket in the muscle! Basically like filleting a chicken breast. So much pain, for months! I really feel I am much worse for the wear. Women do not understand that getting implants after mastectomy is nothing like women who get implants for cosmetic purposes and who still retain breast tissue. These facts should be brought out into the light.

Best,

farmerlucy

Betty - So glad you came through surgery OK. When you feel up to it I'd love to know detail re: how it feels, do they take the pocket out? Is the look what you expected? Rest well!

Bettyboops

hi farmer Lucy!

Here is a picture of me post surgery. 2 more days until they take out the drains. I'm fine with the flatness of it all. Feeling is relief and looking forward to healing.

Gee, which I knew how to make the picture smaller! In any case, the doc removed the capsule, that is the hard tissue that forms around the implants. Actually, it is the immune system trying to "wall off" the nasty artificial objects. He also sewed the muscle back together, where it was originally cut, and he said I will regain just about full muscle strength when I am healed. I am 7 days out from surgery so I have 3 to 5 more weeks of healing before I can work the muscles. Can't wait to be strong again! They don't tell you that you will lose muscle strength with implants! They don't tell you anything much! My biggest complaint is how painful the tissue expansion process is and how long it is. Can't be good for the body. I regret I put myself through that. I'll let you know how fast the healing goes. I'm already just about off pain meds and moving around etc...I'm really happy that this chapter is being closed and I can move on without anything in my body that needs maintenance. 

Best,

farmerlucy

Thanks Betty! I really appreciate the info. Wow I had no idea you had to wait another 3-5 weeks. Looks good! Happy healing!

Bettyboops

hi farmer Lucy,

Just to let you know I am 4 weeks out of surgery and am feeling great! I posted pics on "all things prosthetic and bras..." And also on the basic BCO "going flat with no recon. " I'm very comfortable and happy being flat with the prosthetic option. I don't have that nagging pain every day of the implants. I know everyone's experience is different but the implants after double mastectomy did not work for me. My body is so much happier. So glad the doc found issues and they had to come out or be replaced. Glad I chose the latter. Let me know if you have any questions as I am happy to help.

Best,

farmerlucy

Thanks SO much Betty. I was wondering how you're doing. I glad to hear you are doing so well. I will definitely check our the pics. I'm glad to hear from someone who has "gone both ways":It would be great if there was a thread for ladies who didn't do recon initially and then did, and those who did do recon initially and then deconstructed. This week I don't hate the implants. Next week who knows? Thanks again and take care!

Mommyathome

Hi ladies,

Well here's my story in a nut shell... I had BMx jan 29 and exchange june2. ( and TAH/BSO July 1). My right breast- non cancer side hasn't healed properly. The base of the incision (vertical) has opened 3 times!!!! This time it opened enough to see the implant!! The area would scab and when the scab falls off it leaves a hole. Yesterday my ps cut away some of the skin around the hole and re stitched it. When I asked if she was optimistic I could tell she wasn't... She said I may lose the implant- especially if it gets infected. 

Questions: what will need to be done if the implant needs to be removed? Recovery time? Hospitalization? Will they immediately insert another one? I told my husband that I'm not sure if I'd do another implant or just stay "flat". I've had enough!!!! 

Please share advice, experiences etc. 

Bettyboops

hi mommy at home

I just had both my implants out may 27th. It was overnight in the hospital and not much pain or drugs. I am about 9 weeks post op now and feeling healthier and better than I have since they discovered I had cancer in one breast. The other was removed as prevention. That said, a PS can replace a failed implant if you want. I don't know how long the healing would take given your infection and issue. 

I'm sorry you are having such an awful time. I also did but I didn't have infections. My issue was with muscle pain and, I believe chemical sensitivity it's as well. I just never felt good after my implants were put in. I mean NEVER. I went for a second opinion, and new PS said they have to come out and be replaced because placement in the muscle was off. I said stop the madness , just take them out and I am done! They can take them out easy enough. 2 hour surgery with 6 week re cooperation. But by the end of the 6 weeks you feel really good. I can't say that about tissue expanders and implants. My biggest issues now are what type of prosthetics and bras to buy etc... But that has been fun! I get lots of help from the lovely ladies on this thread and I also have found a custom fitter in my area. I am soooo glad I got rid of the implants. 

I can understand women wanting them so I am not saying it should be one way or the other but if you are in doubt about keeping the implants, listen to your inner voice. I can understand you wanting to have your body be the "same" and you want to be desirable. Here are some things to consider. Do you have family support? Do you want to worry about having them replaced every 7-10 years? That's what the FDA says on their website. Do you want to worry about further infections? My PS said that I must take antibiotics for any dental procedures, even cleanings!! These are things that you need to consider when making your decision. For me it was eventually clear. I had to get them out to move on with my life. 

I'm happy to answer any questions!

Best,

Bettyboops

mommy at home, 

forgot, to mention, check out the thread "going flat choosing no reconstruction "so you can see what is down the road from women who chose not to reconstruct. It may help you make a decision.

Best, 

Mommyathome

Bettyboops,

Thanks for your reply and sharing your experience. Right now as far as we can tell there's no infection! The skin just won't close up and stay closed up!!! It scabs falls off and leaves a scar... This is the third time!!! I'll know more on Tuesday....

Bettyboops

mommyathome,

Good luck Tuesday. Let us know how you are.

Best,